prolonged respiratory infection

[MF0355]

I am a 36 year old, non smoking, in good shape, generally healthy male. I have asthma, which is very controlled, almost a non factor in my life. It seems over recent years usually in December I come down with a sore throat, which migrates to a cold and eventually to my lungs, where it remains at times for up to 3 months. I usually try 2-3 antibiotics which do not seem to help at all. Eventually I stop taking medications, and the infection clears up, but agian, it can take up to 3 months. The primary symptom is a harsh cough, with mucus. Chest X-rays have been taken at times and are negative. I had a positive PPD so they checked sputem samples for TB which were negative. Essentially, my pulomonologist and PCP can offer me nothing in terms of explanation or medication.

It's not pneumonia or TB, and the lungs are clear, no wheazing, yet the cough is intense and mucus present. Antibiotics are not effective. I've eliminated allergies as well. Could it be viral or fungral and a different antibiotic needed. What type of tests and or medications should I be asking for from my doctor. I can not continue to lose 1/4 of my year with this illness.

Thank you.

[National Jewish]

This is a very common history.  Most likely, you develop a viral infection in the Fall or Winter months (most people do) and this causes the inflammation from your asthma to increase.  It takes a while (months) for this to resolve.  It may be too late for this year, but you can possibly BREAK this cycle by taking inhaled steroids BEFORE you get this infection and throughout the winter months.  This preventative therapy works in many, if not most, people.  Discuss this with your pulmonologist.