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My dad recently has become congested and is coughing a lot. No production of phlegm. He is eating, sleeping lots, and moaning a lot.


Is there something else I can do for him? I am using a vaporizer, giving him Muvinex and Nyquil. He does drink tea at bedtime. He is on 3 liters of oxygen. We lost Mom in August, and I can't lose him, too. Any suggestions will help.

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Take him to the doctor. He may have allergies, an upper respiratory infection, or a lower respiratory infection (pneumonia). The doctor will prescribe medications to help with his symptoms.
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Reply to Taarna
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Has he actually been diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection or are you making an assumption? Coughing can also be a sign of congestive heart failure, COPD, cancer. It's probably none of those things but you won't know unless you get him in to his doctor or Urgent Care so he can get an accurate diagnosis. If he's difficult to transport, call 911 and get him to the ER. Tell them everything you're trying isn't helping and you're suspecting it could be worsening.
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Reply to Geaton777
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Contact his doctor urgently
he sounds like he needs urgent - antibiotics to clear the chest infection
you are not a doctor
never self diagnose illnesses especially for an elderly person - it can be fatal - and quick.
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Reply to Jenny10
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Caroline, did you get your Dad to a doctor or ER?
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Reply to JoAnn29
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Caroline,
Please get your dad seen by a doctor. This sounds like an infection, which could develop into pneumonia.

I'm answering you, though, more because of your parting comment.
I'm really sorry, but one day you will lose your dad. Try not to think in absolutes (words like "can't", "never") as they make your thinking inflexible and reduce your ability to develop resilience.

Wishing you well.
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Reply to MiaMoor
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He could have pneumonia. He needs to see a doctor.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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You might want to take him to the ER . Call His doctor tomorrow but if he continues to Moan a Lot and seems in Pain call 911 .
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Reply to KNance72
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KPWCSC May 18, 2025
Moaning can also mean confusion which can be related to an infection.
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Respiratory illnesses in the elderly can be very serious. Don't treat it as "just a cold." (There is no such thing as "just a cold" anyway. It could be RSV, Covid, or something else that progresses to pneumonia, bronchitis and death.)

He needs professional medical care ASAP. Doctor or ER.
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Reply to Fawnby
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Get your father to the doctor.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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What does his doctor recommend? He may need to be on some prescription drugs if this infection isn't clearing up with what you're doing for your dad.
I would call his doctor first thing in the morning, or if things get too bad call 911 and have him taken to the ER.
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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