I've been dealing with this uncontrollable cough and this thick, frothy sputum for almost four weeks now and it's not getting better. It's really hard to breathe with the coughing being non-stop. I'm starting to get worried. What could be causing this, and what should I do?

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Kareemulla Shaik

General Practitioner

MBBS
0+ Yrs

Consult Now

This could be a sign of a respiratory infection or condition such as pneumonia or bronchitis. I recommend you take an over-the-counter cough suppressant like Delsym (dextromethorphan) as directed on the package. Additionally, you can use an expectorant like Mucinex (guaifenesin) to help loosen the mucus. It is important to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. If your symptoms persist or worsen, please seek medical attention promptly.

Dr. Kareemulla Suggests...

Consult a Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist

Find a Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist

Answered 25/07/2025

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I'm currently on Novelon tablets and I'm dealing with some breathing issues. I was thinking about using Foracort spray for it. Is this a safe option? What should I know about taking these together?

yes it's absolutely safe

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I'm a bit worried because I had a viral and throat infection two weeks ago, and while most symptoms have gone, I still have a cough with brown and yellow phlegm for about 1.5 weeks now. Should I get a chest X-ray to check if everything's normal, or should I be looking into a TB test?

no need of tuberculosis test

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I've been on TB meds for a couple of months now and feel pretty good, but I'm still a bit worried. Before all this, I was dealing with a fever for about a month and lost a lot of weight. A chest CT showed those enlarged lymph nodes typical of TB, and my ESR was just a tad high. But after getting an EBUS Test and FNAC, all my reports came back negative, even the AFB culture. The doctor still thought it was best to start the TB treatment. Is it normal for all the tests to be negative even if you have TB?

need to complete the course

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

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Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.