Dry, Hacking, Bronchial Cough, Shortness Of Breath, Sneezing, And Runny Nose. What Do I Have?

Question

Asked by RFLYNN78

Dry, Hacking, Bronchial Cough, Shortness Of Breath, Sneezing, And Runny Nose. What Do I Have?

I have been throulgh all summer up til now with bronchial, dry, hacking cough, with shortness of breath, gasping for air in hot humid weather even in the library, and I have been sneezing with a runny nose and a postnasal drip and now it is getting cold andstarting to turn winter. I am about to get worst with brealthing difficulty in the next coming months.

Rose M. Flynn

Answer

Hello Rose! Thank you for your question.

You need to see your doctor to get a diagnosis.

Your symptoms may describe several different conditions. For example, shortness of breath and unproductive cough are typical symptoms of asthma.

The sneezing and runny nose are typical symptoms of allergies. However, these are also symptoms of idiopathing rhinits (which simply means that your nose runs for no reason) and of the common cold.

You could have asthma triggered by allergies. In the summer, the major allergy triggers are pollens. In the fall and winter, the major triggers are ragweed pollen and indoor dust and molds. Allergies and asthma are chronic, and you will need treatment, possibly for the rest of your life. Or you could have a respiratory infection, which, if acute, may only need treatment to clear up the problem. If it's chronic, then you will, again, need long-term treatment.

Either way, you will need to see your doctor to get a diagnosis and to discuss further treatment.