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What causes persistent coughing post-pneumococcal infection?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 35-year-old and had pneumococcal disease three months ago. I am better now, but the nighttime cough has not gone away yet. I sleep fine for the first few hours but then wake up coughing and cannot recover for a while. It is dry, with no mucus, but it is annoying. I have tried using a humidifier, but nothing is easing my discomfort. Could this still be from the infection, or is it a new problem like asthma or reflux? I do not have a fever or other symptoms anymore, but the lack of sleep is making me so tired during the day. Should I ask for more tests or just wait?

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Ghulam Fareed

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ghulam Fareed is a skilled medical gastroenterologist with expertise in diagnosing and treating digestive system disorders. He specializes in managing conditions like acid reflux, hepatitis, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease. With years of clinical experience, he focuses on accurate evaluation, advanced endoscopic procedures, and long-term gastrointestinal health management.      

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

A dry cough is likely secondary to airway irritation. If there is no mucus, shortness of breath, or fever, it is less likely to be an infection. I would suggest having an anti-allergic tablet after dinner for about one week. Tablet Ebastine 10 mg is a good anti-allergic. Certain cough syrups for dry cough, like syrup Hydrallin (Aminophylline), two tablespoons full before sleep will help too.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At January 30, 2025
Reviewed At June 17, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ghulam Fareed is a skilled medical gastroenterologist with expertise in diagnosing and treating digestive system disorders. He specializes in managing conditions like acid reflux, hepatitis, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease. With years of clinical experience, he focuses on accurate evaluation, advanced endoscopic procedures, and long-term gastrointestinal health management.      

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ghulam Fareed is a skilled medical gastroenterologist with expertise in diagnosing and treating digestive system disorders. He specializes in managing conditions like acid reflux, hepatitis, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease. With years of clinical experience, he focuses on accurate evaluation, advanced endoscopic procedures, and long-term gastrointestinal health management.      

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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