HomeAnswersPulmonology (Asthma Doctors)coughI am coughing from the past 14 days, do I need a chest x-ray?

I am having persistent cough, and my doctor told me that there is no need for taking x-ray. Do you think the same?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sneha Kannan

Published At March 22, 2015
Reviewed AtFebruary 2, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had a persistent cough for 14 days. I feel something like phlegm, but I cannot spit it out. I feel shortness of breath also. The doctor has diagnosed bronchitis, but I want to be sure about it. My doctor told me that there is no need for taking an x-ray, do you think the same? He gave me a nasal spray, cough syrup, antibiotics, and another medicine. I am taking a lot of fluids, and I have stopped drinking or eating cold items. Please let me know if the diagnosis done is correct?

Answered by Dr. Mohammad Aamir

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, most likely, you have bronchitis. But it would help if you did sputum microscopy. Please answer the following:

    1) What is your age?

    2) Do you smoke? If yes, how many packs a day and since when are you smoking?

    3) Is the cough more at night and wakes you up from sleep?

    4) Do you have any fever or a sore throat?

    5) What are the names and compositions of medicines your doctor has prescribed you?

    6) Where do you work? Is there any pollution in your workplace?

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks for your reply. My age is 24 years. I used to smoke five cigarettes per day but, I have quit smoking now and have not smoked a single cigarette for the last month. No, the cough does not wake me up during sleep. I had a mild fever a few days but no sore throat. Sorry doctor, I do not have my prescription with me. What is sputum microscopy?

Answered by Dr. Mohammad Aamir

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Sputum microscopy is the test where your sputum is tested under the microscope to check if there are any bacteria in it. It is also used to check TB (tuberculosis). It is mandatory to check for TB if you cough for more than two weeks. If it is more than five years, you should also do a chest x-ray. You have not mentioned when you have started smoking? Try not to smoke any more.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Mohammad Aamir
Dr. Mohammad Aamir

Internal Medicine

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy