What causes persistent cough in cold season?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 26 years old. I had a dry cough, which did not go away completely. I was a smoker and then gave up. I smoked for five years. Within the last few weeks, I must have smoked ten cigarettes. My issue is that I cough whenever the temperature is cold, and when it is sunny, I do not cough too much. It is once or twice in the morning and the whole day nothing. Clear mucus and no medicine are required. I drink hot water, and everything becomes okay. Can you tell me what the problem is? I have no chest pain or throat discomfort. I have no weight loss. Whenever my stomach is gassy, I cough. I have smoked for five years. What is my cancer chance? Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As you said, you have been smoking for five years and now have a cough with clear mucus expectoration; it is most likely due to bronchitis. It is widespread to have a cough if you smoke more than five cigarettes per day. Also, because of cold weather, it gets aggravated and takes longer to heal. So, it is better to stop smoking as you did rightly and take a good expectorant like syrup TusQ-X 10 ml (combination of Ambroxol, Guaifenesin, and Terbutaline) three times a day. Continue with salt water gargles and steam. It will help to loosen and liquefy the cough.

If there is no relief even after seven days, you better get your chest X-ray by your family doctor and get treated accordingly. Usually, smoking for five years at this age does not cause lung cancer, but you should stop smoking. Smokers' cough because of bronchitis is prevalent. Consult a specialist doctor, discuss with them, and take medications with their consent.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.