Suggest treatment for a severe cough
Patient: chest x-ray report- bilateral congested hila shadow with perihilar accentuation, lung markings are shown in both mid and lower zones, costopherenic angles are clear, cardiac size is normal and no active parenchymal lesion could be shown.  my wife is a sugar patient and is suffering from serious cough for last 2 months and as per Dr. advise taking antibiotic but with no significiant result. what to do? can antibiotic cure Doctor: Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. I have gone through the x ray report you have mentioned. This x ray report is suggestive of bronchitis. And bronchitis can cause cough which needs inhaled bronchodilator and inhaled corticosteroids. No need to give antibiotics further as it can cause side effects. Better to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (pulmonary function test). PFT will not only diagnose bronchitis but it will also tell you about severity of the disease. And treatment of bronchitis is based on severity only. She will improve with inhaled bronchodilator (formoterol or salmeterol) and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)(budesonide or fluticasone). Strict control of diabetes is also needed. Don't worry, you will be alright with all these. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your wife. Thanks.