Ask a doctor on the topic of Internal medicine

Cough

April 22, 2020 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf

Hello,
Since 12.03. I have had a slight cough, it is not constant throughout the day and not barking or severe, but just occasionally and it goes away when I lie down or at night. It has been bothering me though. I have been to my GP and she prescribed me burdiair 200 mg. I also have a slight discomfort in my chest since today... I can't explain it, it's not really pain, more like something is lying on my chest. I haven't smoked for 25 years (only smoked in social settings). I am now 53 and female, but I am still worried that it could be heading towards lung cancer. My question is, should I maybe go straight to a pulmonary specialist to get checked out or should I wait for now? I feel like the cough has improved a bit, but the feeling in my chest is worrying me.
Thank you for your response.
Regards,
Sandra

Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf

Good evening,
thank you for contacting us.
The cough may go away on its own, which would be best of course.
The cough could also mean that you have a very mild case of Corona - this could be clarified with a test.
Lung cancer is unlikely, but if the cough lasts more than 4 weeks, then an X-ray should be taken.
Regarding your question: lung specialist or wait
My recommendation is: make an appointment with a specialist, as it is (unfortunately) not quick.
Take a Corona test and if it is negative, then waiting is a good strategy. If it is positive, you can also wait, as you probably have a mild form and the cough will be gone in 2-3 weeks.
I would not recommend medication at the moment.

Please ask if anything is unclear.

All the best

Dr. Schaaf