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A 34-year-old female asked:

So scared have something like lung cancer, had cough for 7 weeks after cold, not easing. dr said chest and breathing ok and no other worrying symptom?

2 doctor answers2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Ed Friedlander
Pathology 46 years experience
Workup: I trust you are not a smoker. This may be whooping cough -- it's up to your physician to consider a trial of antibiotics. It's worth asking whether you need a chest x-ray. That'll pick up almost all lung cancers that are big enough to give you a cough. You may also have unmasked adult-onset asthma -- a trial of an inhaled bronchodilator that helps the cough would establish the diagnosis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Amrita Dosanjh
Pediatric Allergy and Asthma 38 years experience
MGT: Your risk for lung cancer involves a number of factors including your smoking history, chest imaging findings, and genetic predisposition. If you are experiencing a prolonged cough, a pulmonary function test and chest radiograph may help to determine the next steps. If your chest is clear on exam the likelihood of bronchitis or pneumonia is less. A virtual in box consult can also be arranged.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Nov 23, 2016

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