Suggest treatment for cough in a multiple myeloma patient
Patient: Hi, My 77-year-old mother was diagnosed a few years ago with smoldering multiple myeloma.  She sees her hem/onc twice a year.  She has started coughing within the last week.  It may be an allergy or cold but, should she let her doctor know? Thank you, Lori Doctor: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Yes, she should definitely tell about cough with her oncologist. Respiratory tract infection is very common in cancer survivor patients. So cough in such patients should always be evaluated first for lung infection like pneumonia. So better to get done chest x ray. If chest x ray is normal then no need to worry for lung infection. Possibility of cold is more. So tell your mother to drink plenty of fluids orally. Warm water gargles 5-6 times a day is useful. Don't worry, she will be alright, but better to get done chest x ray. Hope I have solved your query. Wishing good health to your mother. Thanks.