Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Cold, Cough And Chest Congestion
Question: Hi, I am 25 years old....day before yesterday I caught cold, yesterday really bad coughing and today chest congestion, so bad that I am really find it difficult to breathe, it once happened in the past as well, that time doc gave me a nebulizer medicine and it got me much needed relief....I am not able to recall the name of that medicine...and doc wont b sitting today coz of Sunday so can you help.me on this...
Thanks
Thanks
Brief Answer:
Could have been salbutamol.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal
I have read your query
I am unsure from the query why the nebulizer was given at the first time.
The symptoms are suggestive of a URTI.
Or simply put a flu.
A flu ideally does not need a nebulizer.
A nebulizer needs come up only when a patient is having a chest condition like bronchitis or asthma. These can also come up acutely and sometimes look like cold, except that the patient is very breathless.
Usually the nebulizer that we give in such conditions contains the medicine called salbutamol. This helps the patients in breathing easier. And also reduces the cough. But you must have a wheeze to take this medicine- like a whistling sound when you breathe.
Please understand there are many medicines that are given by nebulizers, including insulin and steroids. So its not possible for me to be able to tell you exactly what the doctor must have given you.
Also, assuming a flu, you should start with
1. steam inhalation 4 times a day
2. warm saline gargles 4 times a day
3. plenty of warm fluids
4. tab paracetamol sos for possible fever
5. a multivitamin of your choice.
I hope that helps you.
Please feel free to contact me for further advice.
I would suggest checking AEC- absolute eosinophilic count and a chest x ray.
So please discuss these with your doctor.
Best of luck
Dr Mittal
Could have been salbutamol.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal
I have read your query
I am unsure from the query why the nebulizer was given at the first time.
The symptoms are suggestive of a URTI.
Or simply put a flu.
A flu ideally does not need a nebulizer.
A nebulizer needs come up only when a patient is having a chest condition like bronchitis or asthma. These can also come up acutely and sometimes look like cold, except that the patient is very breathless.
Usually the nebulizer that we give in such conditions contains the medicine called salbutamol. This helps the patients in breathing easier. And also reduces the cough. But you must have a wheeze to take this medicine- like a whistling sound when you breathe.
Please understand there are many medicines that are given by nebulizers, including insulin and steroids. So its not possible for me to be able to tell you exactly what the doctor must have given you.
Also, assuming a flu, you should start with
1. steam inhalation 4 times a day
2. warm saline gargles 4 times a day
3. plenty of warm fluids
4. tab paracetamol sos for possible fever
5. a multivitamin of your choice.
I hope that helps you.
Please feel free to contact me for further advice.
I would suggest checking AEC- absolute eosinophilic count and a chest x ray.
So please discuss these with your doctor.
Best of luck
Dr Mittal
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
