Kitten asthma/laryngitis/mystery

Hello, we purchased two Mainecoon kittens, they came home dec 4/22, dec 5/22 we took them to the vet because one of them had a cough/gag that was worrisome. The vet treated with antibiotics for diarrhea. But nothing for the cough. We took him back dec 9/22 because the cough was becoming more consistent and he had lost the ability to meow. The vet on dec 9/22 told us that he was breathing normally, and eating normally, and he was still very active/normal. He told us the kitten would get better overtime. He has since regained his meow, but still very consistently gags/clears his throat, and sometimes coughs. The cough sounds phlegm-y to me, but is infrequent. it has been almost a month and our poor kitten is still doing the same thing.. i am looking for a second opinion as our second kitten (his brother) has started to do the same gagging/coughing thing. i am worried about them and it sometimes seems like it may be difficult for them to catch their breath. They poop normal, eat normal, play normal, all except for the cough/gag… should I take them back to the same vet? It doesn’t seem to concern them but after a month not getting better I am concerned… thanks in advance, hilary

Hello Hilary!  Coughs can be because of something anatomical / something stuck in the throat, but let's assume that as both kittens have it, then something infectious / hereditary / inflammatory / parasitic may be worth considering.  In any case, the vet should listen to both chests to ensure that nothing is progressing and check the kittens' vital perameters. They will want to examine the cariorespiratory system and compare their findings and your history with their previous notes.   This should give them enough information regarding how to investigate further in order to find the cause.   Questions like:  What are the most likely three causes?   And, how would you differentiate those from each other, and What would the advantages be of doing that?  Might give you some more concrete clues.  A final question that is always useful is, What do you expect to happen with this cough over the next couple of dags / weeks / months? - (always have them record the answers in the notes).  If they expect it to continue with no further work-up,  perhaps you might try, 'Can you send me to someone who specialises in respiratory conditions for a second opinion at all?'  Best of luck and please do keep us updated.