I have a cold and have been coughing a lot. Yet for the past day or so, the coughing has been violent, and sometimes I want to cough, but can t, or I get a gag reflex like I m about to vomit. I fear that a splinter may be stuck in my throat when I chewed on a wooden stick around 7 years ago, and it may be making my cough worse. I have never seemed to have a problem with this and somewhat doubt the splinter s existence. I do theorize that if it does exist, it became dislodged by my cold. Is there a way a normal medical exam can check for this?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Possibility of bronchitis is more in your case. You are having cough and cold since 7 years, so bronchitis is likely diagnosis. But better to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) for the diagnosis of bronchitis. If obstructive airway defect is seen on PFT than bronchitis is confirmed. And you need inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). So better to first diagnose yourself and then start appropriate treatment. Consult pulmonologist and discuss all these. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.