Persistent Coughing for Three Months
At 17 years old, I'm a male standing 173 cm tall and weighing 68 kg. For nearly three months, I have been experiencing a persistent cough. At times, this coughing fits result in vomiting, especially after I eat. I have been diagnosed with G6PD deficiency; could this be linked to my coughing issue? The nature of my cough varies—it can be dry at times and at others, it's not. However, I haven’t yet consulted a healthcare professional regarding this matter.
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 10:50:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
A cough lasting for three months, especially one that leads to vomiting, is a significant concern and should be addressed. It can be linked to various underlying issues, including respiratory infections, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or potential asthma, among others. While G6PD deficiency may affect your body's response to certain medications and stress, it's not typically a direct cause of persistent coughing.
Explanation:
Your cough's variability—being dry at times and productive at others—combined with vomiting after eating, may suggest a few possibilities:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, leading to irritation and coughing, especially after meals.
- Asthma: This can cause coughing fits, particularly if triggered by allergens, exercise, or cold air.
- Postnasal Drip: Allergies or sinus infections can cause mucus drainage down the back of your throat, leading to a chronic cough.
Next Steps:
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Monitor and Record Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your cough—note when it occurs (e.g., after meals, at night), its nature (dry or wet), and any additional symptoms like wheezing or shortness of breath. This information will be valuable.
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Manage Diet: To rule out GERD, consider avoiding large meals, spicy foods, caffeine, and lying down immediately after eating. Small, frequent meals may help minimize symptoms.
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help soothe your throat and thin mucus if it's present. Warm teas or broths can also provide relief.
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Identifying Triggers: Try to identify any triggers for your cough, such as smoke, dust, allergens, or cold air, and minimize exposure to these.
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Seeking Professional Help: It is essential to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible to properly evaluate your symptoms and consider potential diagnostic tests, such as allergy testing, lung function tests, or imaging if necessary.
Addressing your symptoms promptly can help determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment, so please prioritize seeking medical advice.
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