How can a cough caused by dust and smoke be controlled?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have had a bit of a cough for several days already, but I do not have yellowish phlegm. The smoke of a cigarette always triggers my cough or if someone near me is smoking. Also, I think my cough is caused by too much heat in terms of weather which brings specks of dust, or when cooking something (especially when someone is sauteing). I took a tablet Cetirizine to stop my coughing, but it is still present, especially at night. Can you please tell me what I should do to stop my coughing and feel better?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I want to know a few more details so that I can help you with your problem.

How long has this been going on? I assume it has been there for quite some time because you can identify the triggers of your cough. You also mentioned that your cough occurs at night. Do you sneeze a lot when exposed to dust? Do you have asthma?

The coughing that you have seems to be a sign of a hyperreactive airway (beginning asthma). The best way to control this is to avoid the triggers. I suggest you with tablet Montelukast 10 mg and Levocetirizine 5 mg one tablet after dinner for one to two weeks and see if it improves. If it persists, the next step would be to start an anti-asthma inhaler Salmeterol 25 mcg, and Fluticasone propionate 125 mcg two puffs twice daily.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.