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General Forum Topics > General Q and A Forum > Bad cough : upper / lower respiratory infection or an allerg
Do you know the three main reasons we cough? Learn common causes of cough and when coughing might indicate a more serious health problem....
When should you see a doctor about cough symptoms? When are symptoms a sign of further complications? Learn about cough symptoms basics here....
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Q: Bad cough : upper / lower respiratory infection or an allerg
asked by: DoctorQuestion on August 2nd, 2007
during a fit of coughing today i felt an uncomfortable lump come from just under my ribcage. i held it and sort of pressed it back. however the area is now very painful to touch and when i cough


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Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD
replied on September 12th, 2007
General Q and A Answer A3236
You wrote:

"Current medical status: returned from holiday in spain and started with very bad cough. took cough bottle for few days but no improvment.

Current medical treatment: doctor prescribed antibiotics erythromycin one four times a day for 5 days. after 4 days I am not better."


A cough can be due to an upper or lower respiratory infection. Upper respiratory infections indicate an infection or the nose, para-nasal sinuses, middle ear, pharynx, tonsils or larynx. Lower respiratory infections indicate infection of the trachea, bronchi or the lungs’ parenchyma. Upper respiratory infections are more common and easier to acquire than a lower respiratory infection . You can request an X-ray image of the chest to exclude lung infection (pneumonia).

However, a cough is not always caused by infection. Coughs are also due to an allergy or some kind of irritation (gases, dust etc.). You can consult an ENT-specialist and a pulmonologist about your condition for more information and to follow up.




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The information provided on eHealth Forum is designed to improve, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician. Personal consultation(s) with a qualified medical professional is the proper means for diagnosing any medical condition.
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