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Suggest Treatment For Cough, Sneezing, Runny Nose And Heaviness In The Head

Posted on Fri, 21 Oct 2016

Question: Hello Doctor,
I have been having viral infection since this Monday. I had severe throat infection, sneezing and runny nose with a heavy head for 3 days. Today the runny nose and sneezes have stopped but my nose is extremely dry and blocked. Plus I am experiencing heaviness in the chest i guess due to cough accumulation. Please advise.

Regards,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need some further details regarding..

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX, Welcome back to HCM,

I've gone through your query and understand your concern,

Yes it can be an underlying bacterial infection along with the pre-existing viral infection which has made it so severe..However it can also be due to an acute allergic response..

Can you please tell me which antibiotic are you taking and along with proper dosage, time duration etc. ?

Also which anti-allergic are you taking presently ?

Is this the first time this episode had happened ?

Are you allergic to any food particle/ dust/ pollen etc. ?

Was there any fever/headache/joint pain/ difficulty swallowing/ hoarseness of voice/ sore throat since Monday ?

Any other problems ? Any investigations done so far ?

Please let me know these details so that I can guide you more specifically..

Meanwhile start taking Steam inhalation with Vapo-caps (eg. Carbol vapor plus capsule) twice daily for next 4-5 days and alternatively take plain steam inhalation in between for twice daily for next 4-5 days and observe how you stay..

Stay well hydrated and avoid sour food /drinks for the time being..

Awaiting for the details..

Take Care
Kind Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Arnab (3 days later)

Hello Doctor,

Firstly, many thanks for the detailed answer. I have taken a course of Cefixime and Ofloxacin given by the doctor. As i was not keeping well despite a week gone by, I was asked to get a blood test done. The Widal test for typhoid was negative. However, the platelet count was a bit less than normal - 148000, the WBC was 3500. He asked me to get admitted, but i denied.

Im feeling a bit better today. Is the WBC adn platelet count something to worry about? Thank you.

Regards,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow the Advises..

Detailed Answer:
Welcome Back XXXX,
Thanks for following up,

Your symptoms were indicative of viral infection and these blood investigation parameters are also showing the secondary changes due to that..as of now nothing to worry, but if symptoms persist, worsen then repeated investigations will be necessary (complete CBC, LFT, KFT, Chest X-ray along with tropical infectious disease work-ups as mentioned below)..

Widal is not a very sensitive test for typhoid, if any fever, loose motion etc. experienced, then blood culture & sensitivity along with Typhie Dot IgM, should be done.. however since your feeling better, then it may not be required.. If fever persists and/ any joint pain, rash over any body part, you should get Dengue IgG,IgM & NS1 antigen along with Chikungunya IgG,IgM without any further delay (please discuss this with your doctor)..

Stay rested, hydrate yourself (drink a lot of water ~3 ltr per day, only Mineral/U.V.R.O purified)..have simple home cooked meals, drink plenty of warm liquids (Soups, broth, porridge etc.)..

The post viral symptoms can persist for several days to weeks (in some individual it can even persist for few months) depending on the type and severity of infection, body's immune system..

Let me know how you stay in the due course..

Take Care
Kind Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee