CT chest with contrast

[medhelp2008]

In June 2007 I had a CT scan after an abnormality was seen on a chest x ray. The finding was a "4mm non calcified nodular density of the left upper lobe" with calcified lymph nodes in the right hilium and subcarinal regions" There was also a calcified granuloma in the right lateral lung base. I am suppose to have a follow up CT in June 2008.

2 1/2 months ago I had laryngitis with what seemed like a cold. Never really got over that when two weeks ago I had the flu. I lose my voice almost every day (I am a teacher so I do use my voice a lot). I have this dry cough that just does not quit. I have a little shortness of breathe. I do have asthma but the inhaler does nothing for me with these symptoms. Now my right shoulder, mid back & area under my right rib cage ache not pain just ache. Of course, this could be from this never ending cough. I have never been a smoker.

I do not have a regular doctor due to finishing up my graduate degree & losing university health center. How long is too long to have a cough & is this an urgent thing to go to a doctor?

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  If you've had a cough which has been continuous for more than two weeks and does not seem to be going away, then you really should see a doctor (preferably an internal medicine specialist) to have yourself properly evaluated.  That cough can have a lot of possible causes, from infection (pneumonia, tuberculosis) to allergy (asthma) and malignancy.  The doctor should be able to differentiate what your condition is and give the right treatment.  Any condition, when diagnosed earlier, is usually easier to treat. So don't delay your consult.