Pulmonologist Questions Pulmonologist

Persistant cough?

My husband is a diabetic, left smoking in 2017 but has this persistent dry cough. Please advise.

Male | 60 years old

3 Answers

Persistent cough can be do to a number of things including medications, reflux. Any history of exposure to asbestos? A chest x-ray may be warranted here. See your doctor and get checked.
Many patients with diabetes take medication for blood pressure that end in -pril. Like enalapril or lisinopril. This class of medications can cause a cough, and should be discussed with his endocrinologist. If he is not on any of these agents, speak with primary care physician to work up cough.
Dear patient: your hiusband should be seen as soon as possible to have his nose,throat,lungs examined and a chest x ray. As a former smoker he is susceptible to many illnesses related to smoking.
Patients who are treated for high blood pressure or protein in the urine which are common in diabetics may be placed on certain drugs which can cause a cough, but the evaluation must be done to be sure no disease is present.

Speak to your physician as soon as possible.

Respectfully

Marvin A Leder MD FACP FACE