AboutRichard Manlove Expertise All questions regarding the cardiopulmonary system, respiratory care, critical care.
Experience Practicing registered respiratory therapist since 1969 in all respiratory care settings. Educator - co-owner Texoma Healthcare Educators. Lecturer at Oklahoma State University School of Nursing
Education/Credentials RRT, CRT, ACLS, BS, AS (nursing)
Awards and Honors Invited speaker: 51st International Respiratory Care Congress
Question My husband has had a chronic cough for several months and always is very congested (nasal and chest). He always sounds like he has a cold. Yes, he does smoke and is "trying" to quit. We were both concerned and since he just had blood work done, it was time for a visit to the doctor. The doctor said his right lung "sounded" good but his left lung sounded congested. The GP put him on an asthma inhaler and steroid nasal spray. The Doc also wants him to have a chest CT scan with IV contrast. I'm very worried and scared now. He doesn't have the CT appt. yet, but I'm imagining all kinds of scenarios. Once in a while he coughs up flem. He feels basically okay otherwise. Sometimes, he gets very tired but he does have a very physical job, which could contribute to the fatigue. His blood work was fine. Any thoughts you have would help alleviate some of the fear.
Answer Greetings,
We, who answer these medical questions, do so under a disadvantage as we do not have all the information we wish nor do we actually get to examine the patient.
Your husbands physician's giving of a steroidal nasal spray should help his nasal congestion. I am not sure whether his "asthma inhaler" is a steroid, combination of steroid/bronchodilator or just a bronchodilator. Unless your husband has wheezes he may find that the bronchodilator will not help much.
I am wondering why the physician ordered a CT without first ordering a plain chest x-ray first? The latter will indicate whether a CT is even needed and is much less expensive.
I would be interested in knowing the nature of his sputum production - mostly upon rising in the AM? Color and consistency?
Smoking always throws some unknowns into the mix. But, I am wondering if your husband maybe has this productive cough every winter? If so, I might tend toward a chronic bronchitis.
At the very least, I would discuss with your primary health care provider the possibility of getting a chest x-ray first and a simple pulmonary function screening test which would rule out or confirm a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma). The PFT is quick and relatively inexpensive. I really don't see a need from what you have told me for the CT.
Good luck,
Richard
