Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I have a chronic cough that has been going on  for 5 years.  I do not have a sore throat.  But sometimes the coughing causes my gag reflex to get stuck and there is sometimes flem.  I do have cysts on my thyroid - could this be a part of the problem?
[|AI|]  Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Yes, Thyroid cyst if enlarged and compressing internal tracheal wall, can cause chronic coughing. So better to consult ENT doctor and get endoscopic examination of throat to rule out this. Also consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (pulmonary function test) to rule out bronchitis because this can also cause chronic cough. PFT will not only diagnose bronchitis, but it will also tell you about severity of the disease. And treatment of bronchitis is based on severity only. You may need inhaled bronchodilator and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). If thyroid cyst is the cause then you will need to have time do surgical removal of cyst. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.