My grandfather has cough for about three weeks. Please suggest medication.

Question

Hi doctor,

I would like to ask about my grandpa's coughing situation, as ithas already lasted for almost three weeks. He has been taking his medicines since then. But his cough remains the same. Are there any suggested medicines or easy home remedies to follow?

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It seems your grandfather has had a cough for three weeks. Coughs in adults are classified as acute, subacute, or chronic based on the duration. An acute cough lasts up to three weeks, a subacute cough lasts three to eight weeks, and a chronic cough lasts longer than eight weeks.

Subacute cough often has a post-infectious origin and will typically resolve without treatment. It is usually secondary to asthma or bacterial sinusitis. Reassurance is a good approach in otherwise healthy patients. Oral or inhaled corticosteroids, Ipratropium, or cough suppressants may be prescribed to help with sleep.

The viral infection or bacterial infection mostly produces a fever and cough with expectoration. These symptoms you did not mention, I assume they are absent. Postviral cough can last up to six weeks.

I would like to ask about red flag symptoms such as weight loss, night sweats, and hemoptysis. If they are present, you need further evaluation on an urgent basis.

Other common causes of chronic cough (usually more than eight weeks) are allergic. Most often, chronic cough is due to postnasal drainage, asthma, and/or gastroesophageal disease. Some drugs, such as ACE inhibitors (a type of anti-hypertensive medication), also result in chronic cough. Stopping such medication helps.

Other remedies are steam inhalation alone or with menthol. Cough drops or lozenges, soothe an irritated throat. Saltwater gargle. Honey is also helpful. Take antacids for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and at night, sleep with two pillows so that your head remains elevated.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.