Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] Sat. night and my diaphragm is SO sore from coughing. Was to the doctor on Thurs., and she prescribed a Z-Pak and Mucinex. Still coughing and in lots of pain. Taking IBU and have the heating pad on it. Is there additional things to do or am I doing all I can?
[|AI|]  Hi,First you need to be evaluated for the cause of cough. Get a chest X-ray, Sputum Culture (if cough is productive), and routine blood counts. Do you have a recent past history of an upper respiratory tract infection (Sore throat, fever, cough)? Do you have complains of gastric acidity (Bloating, burping, burning in chest)? Once we get to the cause of cough, management can be a lot easier. In the meantime, your pain is apparently due to muscular staring while coughing (though an underlying etiology needs to be rules out, and Chest X-ray or USG Chest shall help). If the pain is muscular, consider taking Capsule Tramadol 50 mg three times a day. Pantoprazole 40 mg Once a day along with your antibiotic shall suffice. Mackinac being a cough expectorant is also fine to loosen up the cough. Note: NEVER USE A COUGH SUPPRESSANT IN A PRODUCTIVE COUGH, AS IT IS USUALLY COUNTERPRODUCTIVE. Unless advised by your doctor in special cases.