How to treat a severe cough with breathing difficulty?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been having this problem for more than two months. I have a severe cough. I used to spit phlegm normally, and then suddenly started having a dry cough, mostly at night. I face difficulty in breathing and less phlegm. My blood test report shows:

AEC 532 cells/mL.

ESR-07 mm/hrs.

HB-15.2 g%.

TLC- 7600/cumm.

I have taken a number of medicines, but the problem remains the same. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Many patients come to me with similar complaints, especially during the winter season, when it is windy.

As per your description, you seem to suffer from bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes). The presence of thick phlegm indicates it is a bacterial infection. The values of hemoglobin, ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), and TLC (total leukocyte count) are within normal limits. The absolute eosinophil count (AEC) is slightly towards the higher side. High AEC is mostly due to the infection that you are suffering from.

For these complaints, I would suggest a course of antibiotics that have good action on the respiratory system, a course of anti-inflammatory tablets, mucolytics, and antihistamines for a week. During the course of treatment, please refrain from smoking, going out in dusty weather, drinking, or eating spicy, cold, and oily foods. Take steam inhalation thrice a day, and drink plenty of warm water.

A small chance is that it could be due to asthma or allergy. For the same, you need to take a course of the above medications and see if still no respite, then we can give you specific treatment for allergic bronchitis or asthma.

The probable cause:

The probable cause could be an allergy, infection, or hypersensitivity.

Treatment plan:

I suggest the following measures. Kindly follow those and let me know how you feel.

Course of Levofloxacin 500 mg one tablet per day for five days.
Chymoral Forte (Trypsin/ Chymotrypsin) tablet before food twice a day for two to three days.
Accocontin tablets (Ambroxol hydrochloride) twice a day before food for five days.
Montec-LC (Montelukast and Levocetirizine) at night for five days.
Brodil (Levosalbutamol) cough syrup 5 ml thrice a day for four days.

Preventive measures:

Steam inhalation.
Avoid smoke, dust, and cold weather.
Avoid cold foods, drinks, and spicy foods.
Take plenty of warm water.

Regarding follow-up:

Do contact me if you need further support.
If the above measures fail, we can do some investigations and check for an allergic etiology in you.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.