Prolonged Cough Following Recent Illnesses
I'm a 23-year-old male who has been dealing with a persistent cough for nearly two months, which follows a series of illnesses. I've been diagnosed with asthma and enteropathic spondyloarthritis, am prediabetic, and am suspected of having sleep apnea, although I have yet to undergo an assessment for that. My girlfriend has mentioned my significant snoring and noted that I exhibit several symptoms associated with sleep apnea, so I plan to address it soon. Here’s a rundown of my current medication: - Lurasidone 80mg, taken nightly - Lisdexamfetamine 30mg, consumed daily on workdays - Buspirone 10mg, taken twice a day - Bupropion XL 150mg, once daily - Escitalopram 5mg, taken once daily - Testosterone subcutaneously 70mg, once weekly (however, I’ve missed the last two doses due to forgetfulness) I also smoke marijuana daily, which I recognize may be exacerbating my symptoms, so I will abstain until I recover, apart from occasional edibles for pain and anxiety relief. It's noteworthy that I work at a shelter for the homeless, where respiratory illnesses frequently circulate among clients and staff. Around Christmas, my younger sibling passed along an illness—I tested negative for COVID-19 but suspect it was a mild cold that lasted a few days. This cold transitioned into a sinus infection, which I treated with amoxicillin-clavulanate for a week. Subsequently, a few days post-recovery, I contracted yet another illness (again, with negative COVID tests, likely the flu) that I just got over about a week to a week and a half ago. Since the onset of my original cold, I’ve experienced a cough that has lingered—initially mostly dry with sporadic mucus, it progressed to a moderately productive cough just prior to catching the flu. The phlegm has been green and particularly sticky, with the most production occurring in the mornings. Although there seemed to be an improvement, it has worsened again over the past couple of days. Notably, this morning I noticed a small amount of blood mixed in with the phlegm I coughed up, although it has remained dry since then. Typically, I experience lingering coughs after recovering from an illness, but they usually resolve within a few weeks at most. I suspect that the irritation in my throat and lungs from this prolonged cough is the reason for the blood. Given that this issue has persisted since Christmas, along with the knowledge that smoking is definitely not beneficial for my health, I am starting to think that I might need to take this situation more seriously. At my workplace, there's a doctor who provides care for both clients and staff twice a week. I plan to see them early next week to discuss my concerns; however, I wonder if there are specific signs I should be mindful of or if I should consider seeking medical attention sooner. To be frank, I would prefer not to disrupt my Valentine's Day plans if it can be avoided, but health must come first, right?
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 11:01:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's important to take your persistent cough very seriously, especially with your medical history and the recent changes you've noticed. Coughing that lasts this long, especially with green mucus and the appearance of blood, can indicate a need for further evaluation.
Key Points to Consider:
- Prolonged Cough: You're experiencing a cough that has lasted nearly two months, worsened over the last few days, and has included blood in the mucus.
- Underlying Conditions: Your asthma and recent illnesses may contribute to prolonged respiratory symptoms.
- Blood in Phlegm: This can be concerning and warrants attention, especially given the duration and your respiratory health context.
Explanation:
A persistent cough that evolves into a productive one with colored phlegm can be due to various factors, including post-viral bronchial irritation, secondary infections, or even complications related to asthma. The presence of blood, while it may sometimes be from irritation, should not be overlooked, especially given your other health concerns.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your cough. Take note of any more blood in your phlegm, increased sputum production, shortness of breath, or if you develop a fever, chills, or chest pain.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help thin mucus, making it easier to cough up. Warm fluids, such as tea or soup, can be soothing.
- Avoid Irritants: It's wise to refrain from smoking (including marijuana) until your cough has resolved. Consider areas where additional irritants may be present, such as smoke or strong odors at your workplace.
- Use a Humidifier: Keep your living space humidified to soothe your airway and reduce cough irritation, especially if the air is dry.
- Consult with Your Workplace Doctor: Since you have access to medical care soon, discuss your symptoms thoroughly with the doctor. Express concerns about the bleeding in your cough and the impact of your asthma.
If your symptoms escalate over the weekend or do not improve before your scheduled visit, consider seeking medical attention sooner. Your health should always take priority, and managing your plans can be adjusted as necessary for your well-being.
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