Dry Chronic cough over 2 months

[Jayy_]

Hi,

- 46 year old male (my father...)
- Ex smoker (quit 2 years ago, smoking a total of 20 years, moderate amount)
- Dry Chronic cough for over 2 months
- Accompanied by no other symptoms. (No bloody sputum, no pain in chest, no wheezing)
- Cough worse at night.

He tried antibiotics & asthma pump with steroids. Nothing. Hes on hay fever nasal spray now which isnt working.

Went to 2 doctors, checked chest with stethescope (listening) and heard no danger signs.

Had a chest x ray & blood test... All clear.

Whats wrong with him???

Please help <3

[National Jewish Health]

A new onset cough in a man with a long history of smoking, now having lasted 2 months, is worrisome and calls for further investigation.  It could be that his cough is from 1 of the 2 most common causes:  gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), most commonly called acid reflux; or postnasal drip, which is unlikely with a cough described as "dry".  That his chest x-ray is clear is certainly good news but does not rule-out cancer.  One can have tumors in the upper, large airways, trachea and larynx that will not be apparent on a standard chest x-ray and, in certain instances, may not be apparent on CT scan.

The next step should be fiberoptic bronchoscopy, both standard and auto-fluorescence, with bronchial washings for culture and cytology.

[Jayy_]

Oh Gosh. I hope its not cancer! Im worried sick. All the time. Its worse at night he kinda wakes up during the night sometimes coughing. He wakes up and coughs.