Suggest remedy for persistent cough and voice problem
Patient: Hi. I was diagnosed with asthma last fall (I assume quite mild). I am on a symbicourt inhaler. A few weeks ago I had a head cold. IT went away in about a week, and for a week I was fine. Then one week later, I woke up with a very sore throat, went to the walk-in clinic and got an antibiotic for strep (although no one has called me back to confirm that the swab actually showed strep). I am coughing non-stop. It feels like it is productive, but then my chest feels just as full after I cough. I have been having some sleep apnea issues since this all started. My throat is not sore, but my voice is rough and raw-sounding. It's hardly worth the effort to talk. I am overweight, but otherwise healthy. I eat well and (up until the last few weeks) exercise regularly (both aerobic and weight bearing). I am exhausted from coughing. I just want my voice back, and to stop coughing. Doctor: HI, thanks for using healthcare magicBecause you are asthmatic, your asthmatic control needs to be assessed first to determine if this is the cause of your persistent coughing.You may need a short course of oral steroids and may also need to be nebulised but this can be assessed by your doctor.Post nasal drip is also a very common cause of coughing and change in voice. Some persons may not be aware of the drip.It is common is asthmatics.The use of topical steroid nasal sprays and antihistamines is recommended.I hope this helps