Please advise. 79 yr old male, hacking phlegm for 3 mos, antibiotics given

[LAAnderson]

My Father (79 yrs old) has had a severe and persistent hacking cough for over 2 1/2 months now. He initially went to his primary care Doctor nearly 3 months ago complaining of severe sore throat. They did not do a swab but treated him for strep throat w/ Z pack. The sore throat eventually passed but the chest congestion has progressively worsened. He is hacking up clear phlegm constantly. He went back and Dr. once again injected him wtth an antibiotic and "something else" (Dad does not recall what it was unfortunately). Doctor also switched his BP medicine (Lisinopril?) insisting this was the cause even though he had been on that same brand and dosage for nearly 10 years.  Cough remained and now his eyes began watering last night and by this morning he had to flush his eyes w/ warm water to get them to open. Today was his 3rd trip to same Dr. and he was administered yet another antibiotic. Chest X-ray was given at 2nd appt. and was "clear" although some scar tissue did show that the Dr. was not concerned about. I am very concerned as my father is very stubborn and independent and is refusing to get a second opinion as the Dr. has been a friend of his for many years. I do not understand why other tests have not been performed (i.e. CT scan) or specialist brought in. My father smoked from age 12-45. Had colon cancer at 55 (grapefruit sized tumor removed) and prostate cancer a few years ago. His eyes have drastically aged and are extremely swollen (large bags underneath) just over the past 3 or 4 years. Eyes appear constantly glassy and discolored and fatigued. Any information or suggestions you can give me will be greatly appreciated.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

The other causes for long term cough besides asthma are GERD and post nasal drip from allergies. GERD is gastro esophageal reflux disease where the stomach acids come back into the esophagus and spill into the wind pipe causing cough. Treatment with antacids will help neutralize the acids. Post nasal drips can occur with sinusitis and throat infections. Giving up cigarettes will abolish smoker's cough in 90% of people. Talk to your GP about the other causes for cough in the meantime he could try warm salt water gargles and breathing exercises.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[LAAnderson]

Anybody?