How to manage symptoms of breathlessness in young males?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 22-year-old male weighing 110.23 pounds. About 50 days ago, I experienced a sore throat, nasal itching, and a cough. I noticed a small amount of blood in the mucus on two separate occasions. I am unsure whether the blood came from my lungs, nose, or throat. My doctor recommended a complete blood count test and a chest X-ray (PA view), both of which were normal. My ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) was slightly elevated initially, but it returned to normal after a follow-up test. My doctor then prescribed an antibiotic and a combination of Levocetirizine and Montelukast.

After completing the antibiotic course, my throat pain resolved, but my cough persisted. The doctor advised me to continue taking the medications for a month. I finished the one-month course, but the cough remains, sometimes dry and sometimes with mucus. I am not sure why the cough persists.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for reaching out with your query.

Recurrent episodes of cough, especially at night, along with chest tightness and difficulty breathing, are symptoms of asthma. Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways and is often triggered by allergic reactions to environmental allergens, such as dust and pollen. Investigations like chest X-rays and blood tests may appear normal in asthma cases. The gold standard for diagnosing asthma is a spirometry test, also known as a pulmonary function test.

Given that you are experiencing these classical symptoms of asthma, I recommend undergoing a spirometry test to confirm the diagnosis. Once a definitive diagnosis is made, consult with a local pulmonologist to begin expert treatment for asthma. The best approach to managing asthma includes avoiding dust and using a mask.

For relief from symptoms of breathlessness and cough, I suggest using an Albuterol inhaler, with two puffs three times daily. Please note that asthma is a chronic condition with no permanent cure; medications will help control symptoms and improve quality of life.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

As mentioned, asthma is a chronic condition with no permanent cure, so prevention is key. When working in an air-conditioned room, the cold temperature and dust can trigger breathlessness or coughing. Therefore, try to minimize exposure to dust as much as possible. Regular use of inhaler medications will help manage your symptoms, allowing you to work in air-conditioned environments.

I recommend continuing with your inhalers and avoiding dust.

Thank you.