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Suggest Treatment For Severe Cold And Cough
Question: My husband has had a cold/cough for moore than two weeks. He is 76 years old. We havebeen treating it with usual rest, no dairy, fluids etc. His cough is frequent with production of white but large amounts of sputum (no blood.).He has had no fever or chills. He is reluctant to take antibiotics as he had one of the early fecal transplants for (can't think of the word, but intestinal flora imbalance) and which I know aren't indicated for viral infections. He says he doesnt feel great, but doesn't feel awful.
My question is, when do you go to the doctor in this situation when the risk of getting something else in the waiting room is probably higher than riding it out at home?
My question is, when do you go to the doctor in this situation when the risk of getting something else in the waiting room is probably higher than riding it out at home?
Brief Answer:
I Suggest Your Husband Visits the Doctor
Detailed Answer:
I believe that you should go to the doctor. The risk of getting 'something else' in the waiting room should be minimal if you ensure proper hygeine; as the common cold is often contact (hand touching something) transmitted. Make sure to wash your hands and that your husband does the same. There is a component of air droplet transmission that is more difficult to prevent, but cold transmission usually occurs with individuals in close contact for some time (i.e daycare, work); not for a few minutes. The situation your husband is going through sounds like bronchitis or something more chronic in nature than a simple cold (Though by no means less treatable). It will likely require a visit to the doctor for diagnosis and definitive treatment so he can finally find a targeted therapy that will rid or minimize his symptoms. It will also be useful to check in to the doctor just to be sure it is nothing serious; to ease your mind/heart and as stated before; your husbands discomfort. I hope this advice has helped.
I Suggest Your Husband Visits the Doctor
Detailed Answer:
I believe that you should go to the doctor. The risk of getting 'something else' in the waiting room should be minimal if you ensure proper hygeine; as the common cold is often contact (hand touching something) transmitted. Make sure to wash your hands and that your husband does the same. There is a component of air droplet transmission that is more difficult to prevent, but cold transmission usually occurs with individuals in close contact for some time (i.e daycare, work); not for a few minutes. The situation your husband is going through sounds like bronchitis or something more chronic in nature than a simple cold (Though by no means less treatable). It will likely require a visit to the doctor for diagnosis and definitive treatment so he can finally find a targeted therapy that will rid or minimize his symptoms. It will also be useful to check in to the doctor just to be sure it is nothing serious; to ease your mind/heart and as stated before; your husbands discomfort. I hope this advice has helped.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Answered by
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