Thank you so much HealthHype.

Hi Jibril. This sounds a lot like an allergy but it is difficult to say what the allergen (trigger) may be in this case. It could be air pollution, the water you are consuming, certain foods, your living environment and a host of other possibilities. A skin allergy test may help to identify a possible trigger and a blood test may also help to confirm whether this is an allergic reaction or not. Of course it is possible that these symptoms are unrelated to a change in your environment. You may want to follow up with another doctor for a second opinion.

Hi Chickencoup. It may be a good idea to have your asthma reassessed even if you do not feel that the inhaler is working. At this point you may want to see a pulmonologist (lung specialist). It is also possible that your current symptoms are unrelated to your asthma. However, given your history, your asthma needs to be evaluated. The symptoms you describe could be related to your asthma despite the lack of typical symptoms like wheezing. Your doctor will be able to advise you further.

Hi Angie. Your PCP did the necessary investigations that should be done with a persistent cough. Not all coughs are due to a problem with the lower airway or lungs – for example postnasal drip can cause a persistent cough as can acid reflux. A persistent cough can even occur with heart failure. Your PCP may have already considered these possibilities. It may be time to refer you to a specialist if your PCP is not able to identify any other cause.

Hi BlogZilla. Yes it could be bronchitis that arose from a cold but there are several other airway and lung disease that could be an issue here. You mention that you live in a dairy farm district and this could also raise some concerns about certain lung diseases that are more common in these regions. It is best that you follow up with your doctor.

Hi Lori. It may be a good idea to see a pulmonologist at this point. While it could be the last days of acute bronchitis, it is always worth checking whether there are other causes. Sometimes even serious lung diseases can present with a persistent cough at first, like TB and lung cancer. Even some heart and kidney conditions may present with a cough. However, there is no need to be concerned just yet. Often an acute cough is caused by an infection, either bacterial or viral. Try to book a consultation with your family doctor during the day. He/she may then consider referring you to a pulmonologist if it is required.