Hydrocephalus

My mom has hydrocephalus and has had a persistent cough for at least a yr. or more. She has taken allergy meds, and has been tested for TB, and we still don't have an answer. She ends up with lots of phlegm in her mouth, but her coughs sound dry. Any ideas? Is this related to her disease?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Difficult to say without evaluation.

There are several reasons for a persistent cough, including, asthma, chronic post nasal drip from allergies, or GERD.

They can be evaluated for individually, with tests like a 24-hr pH study, pulmonary function tests, allergy testing, or imaging the sinuses to evaluate for an infection.

Medications can also lead to a chronic cough.  Specifically, ace inhibitors, a type of blood pressure medication.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.

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