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COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Why do airways close when coughing?

06/24/2008 07:32AM

Question:

hi my husband had a viral cough 3 wks ago he still has it. now he is finding when he gets a coughing fit he`s airways close and he cant breath he goes very red and feels like he will faint please advise

Answer:

He may be suffering from inflamed vocal cords related to his recent viral infection and frequent coughing. Continued coughing may keep the vocal cords inflamed. He should discuss his symptoms with his physician. A cough suppressant may be indicated.

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Response by:

The Ohio State University Gretchen Whitby, APRN
Nurse Practitioner
Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine
Department of Internal Medicine
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University
Gretchen   Whitby, APRN

 

The Ohio State University Phillip T. Diaz, MD
Associate Professor
Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine
Department of Internal Medicine
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University
Phillip T. Diaz, MD