Persistant Cough

[gspindt]

I was in Ireland this past June and contracted a sore throat and cough.  It has been a month since the cough began.  It is still persistant as I feel constant post nasal drip.I have been on three different antibiotics(for which I contracted a very uncomfortable yeast infection).  I have had an xray of my sinuses.  I now have a severe pain in my tooth or jaw.  Is it time to go to an ear, nose and throat specialist?  And if so, what should I ask for?
Please advise.

[National Jewish]

It is not uncommon for a cough caused by a virus and/or an exposure to irritants to last for several weeks.  Sinusitis is a common cause of chronic cough.  Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the mucous membranes that line the sinus cavities.  This can block sinus drainage and cause increased mucus production.  Symptoms can include a headache or pressure in the area of the sinuses, a stuffy nose, achy teeth, postnasal drip, cough, sore throat, laryngitis, constant low fever, and thick, yellow to green nasal drainage. The most common cause of sinusitis is an infection, especially when the mucus is green.  Sinus infections can be difficult to treat since they respond slowly.  When a bacterial infection is the cause you may need to take an antibiotic for at least 3 weeks. However, inflammation of the sinuses could also be due to an allergy or ongoing exposure to an irritant, such as pollution or smoke.  An important test to make the diagnosis of sinusitis is a sinus CT scan. A sinus x-ray is not quite as good, but it’s better than nothing. Treating with courses of antibiotics without a diagnosis sometimes is frustrating and does not lead to eradication of the problem  An ENT would be the type of specialist to identify if blocked sinuses are causing your symptoms to continue and the best treatment.  Please read our Sinusitis MedFact at http://www.nationaljewish.org/medfacts/sinus.html for further information.

[starion]

Have you been to an allergist and/or had any allergy evaluation?  Post nasal drip CAN commonly be caused by infection OR allergies.  An ear, nose, throat specialist could also be helpful.
Best of luck!
Starion

[cmg]

Your jaw and tooth pain could be sinus problems, and/or stress.  Several years ago I had tooth and jaw pain.  I have had allergies and sinus problems all my life so it did not cross my mind that the jaw pain could be related.  Saw the dentist.  Had a root canal.  No change.  Saw another dentist for a second opinion, who told me that when our sinuses are congested, we tend to clench our teeth without even realising it.  Apparently it helps breathing a little. Got a mouthguard for night wear from a sports store (99c as opposed to the multi hundred dollar dental version) which helped.  Occasionally it will return, especially when under stress, and especially if you carry stress in your shoulders.  Related to the trapesius muscle in the neck and shoulders.  Just went through a couple fo weeks of cold sensitive teeth and jaw pain.  Heat pads help, chiropractor and Advil.  Exercise for the stress and make an effort not to clench the jaw.
Hope that helps.

[4ijerome]

A related discussion, persistant cough treatment was started.