How can severe cough be managed in a 66-year-old male?

Question

Hi doctor,

My father is 66 years old. He has had a severe cough and cold for more than a month. He took Clavam 625 mg for five days. Along with that, he also took Foracort 200 mcg inhaler twice a day and Nasonex inhaler twice a day, but there was no relief. Then, our chest specialist suggested a nebulizer with Budecort 0.5 mg twice a day for 15 days. After taking this too, there was no relief. Then, he took Omnacortil 30 mg (Prednisolone) and Montair LC once a day for five days. He is prediabetic, but the medicines have not been started yet.

Kindly guide.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your father is suffering from bronchial asthma. The current medications Foracort 200 mcg inhaler (Budesonide and Formoterol) and Nasonex (Mometasone) nasal spray were given for asthma. As there is no relief even after taking tablet Clavam (Amoxicillin and Clavulanate) and tablet Prednisolone, it indicates that the dose of the current inhaler is not sufficient. So, I suggest that it is important to increase the dose of Foracort inhaler to 400 mcg two puffs twice daily, followed by gargling. I also suggest Levolin inhaler (Levosalbutamol) two puffs thrice daily and Benz pearls (Benzonatate) two puffs twice daily. Consult your doctor, discuss with him or her and then take the medicines with consent.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If he has a fever, then I suggest taking a chest X-ray to check for pneumonia. I also suggest doing laboratory tests such as CBC (complete blood count), CRP (C-reactive protein), serum creatinine and RBS (random blood sugar).

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 3

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is very important to do a blood test, as fever itself indicates infection somewhere in the body. Asthma is a chronic disease affecting the airways. I suggest you have regular follow-ups with your doctor, as regular inhaler treatment is a must for proper asthma control.

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reach out in case of further queries.

Thank you.