I've been dealing with a cough for about two weeks now. I took a three-day course of azithromycin and some cough syrup, but nothing seems to be helping. Should I be worried or consider trying something else?

Dr Dr Khaleel Ur Rahim

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 1+ Yrs

Consult Now

Persistent Cough After Antibiotics and Cough Syrup

Concerns and Next Steps

1. Incomplete treatment: Azithromycin is typically prescribed for 5-7 days. A 3-day course might not have fully cleared the infection.
2. Underlying conditions: Persistent cough can be a symptom of various conditions, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, allergies, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
3. Further evaluation needed: Consult your doctor to reassess your symptoms and determine the best course of action.

Recommended Actions

1. Schedule a follow-up appointment: Visit your doctor to discuss your persistent cough and determine if additional testing or treatment is necessary.
2. Get a chest X-ray or other tests: Your doctor may order a chest X-ray, spirometry, or other tests to rule out underlying conditions.
3. Consider alternative treatments: Depending on the underlying cause, your doctor may prescribe additional medications, such as bronchodilators, antihistamines, or acid reflux medications.

Answered 04/07/2025