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Suggest Treatment For Severe Nasal Congestion And Cough
Question: Hello,
I have had serious nasal congestion, and have been coughing up phlegm for over a month. This is not entirely unusual for me during the winter season, but I have unique symptoms this time around.
1) I have serious nasal congestion that has produced significantly large portions of muscus. Sometimes, the muscus discharges in very large amounts with an unusual bright green colour. It is particularly bright compared to other nasal mucus.
2) My ears are blocked. Typically only one side at a time, but switch every couple of days. One side of my ears feels like there is water jammed inside. I have used a neti pot but it has only temporary relief. Steam, yawning, clogging nose and blowing usually do not work.
3) I cough up large amount of phlegm everyday.
4) Over the last couple of days, the right side of my nose has produced blood, though, not a runny nose bleed. When I blow my nose, the right nostril produces light blood. It is not very concentrated.
I don't feel 'sick' per se. No fever, I have full energy and still workout. I am unsure if I have a sinus infection, or some type of ear blockage or infection.
Thank you,
Nik
I have had serious nasal congestion, and have been coughing up phlegm for over a month. This is not entirely unusual for me during the winter season, but I have unique symptoms this time around.
1) I have serious nasal congestion that has produced significantly large portions of muscus. Sometimes, the muscus discharges in very large amounts with an unusual bright green colour. It is particularly bright compared to other nasal mucus.
2) My ears are blocked. Typically only one side at a time, but switch every couple of days. One side of my ears feels like there is water jammed inside. I have used a neti pot but it has only temporary relief. Steam, yawning, clogging nose and blowing usually do not work.
3) I cough up large amount of phlegm everyday.
4) Over the last couple of days, the right side of my nose has produced blood, though, not a runny nose bleed. When I blow my nose, the right nostril produces light blood. It is not very concentrated.
I don't feel 'sick' per se. No fever, I have full energy and still workout. I am unsure if I have a sinus infection, or some type of ear blockage or infection.
Thank you,
Nik
Brief Answer:
Following answers to your questions..wish fast recovery...
Detailed Answer:
Hi Nik,
I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.
Following the answers to your questions:
1. Your symptoms of mucus, blocked ear, and coughing are suggestive of upper respiratory tract infection coming to an end. Usually, viral infection will last for a couple of weeks. When it is at the end, the color of the mucus will turn into green (bright green in your case).
2. Blocked ears are often associating nasal congestion. This is due to blocked Eustachian tube that is connecting the middle ear with back of throat. Inflammation/infection of throat can also cause inflammation of Eustachian tube presenting clinically with the symptoms you are already having.
Add eucalyptus oil to the neti pot and you will see the difference. Rub the eucalyptus oil/balm on the chest and back and you'll be better.
3. You cough large amount of mucus, means that you are not correctly treating it. As I was going through your medical history, I did not noted any cough medicines you might be taking, so I suggest to add:
- mucolytics like carbocystein or n-acetylcystein to dissolve the mucus (thrice daily)
- anti-hystaminics to reduce the inflammation: e.g. Benadryl
- usually cold medications you find over the counter do have cough suppressants and will help ease the coughing
Sleeping with raised head from shoulders can also give relief. Increase fluids intake. Take multivitamin supplementation to strengthen your immune system.
4. The light blood coming from the right nostril is because its mucosa has become more sensitive due to:
- infection itself
- neti pot you are doing on daily basis
This is temporary and will be subsided once the nasal congestion is over.
Do not take the hard crust from your nostril by force as it will cause more laceration of the nasal mucosa.
Wish fast recovery.
Dr.Albana
Following answers to your questions..wish fast recovery...
Detailed Answer:
Hi Nik,
I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.
Following the answers to your questions:
1. Your symptoms of mucus, blocked ear, and coughing are suggestive of upper respiratory tract infection coming to an end. Usually, viral infection will last for a couple of weeks. When it is at the end, the color of the mucus will turn into green (bright green in your case).
2. Blocked ears are often associating nasal congestion. This is due to blocked Eustachian tube that is connecting the middle ear with back of throat. Inflammation/infection of throat can also cause inflammation of Eustachian tube presenting clinically with the symptoms you are already having.
Add eucalyptus oil to the neti pot and you will see the difference. Rub the eucalyptus oil/balm on the chest and back and you'll be better.
3. You cough large amount of mucus, means that you are not correctly treating it. As I was going through your medical history, I did not noted any cough medicines you might be taking, so I suggest to add:
- mucolytics like carbocystein or n-acetylcystein to dissolve the mucus (thrice daily)
- anti-hystaminics to reduce the inflammation: e.g. Benadryl
- usually cold medications you find over the counter do have cough suppressants and will help ease the coughing
Sleeping with raised head from shoulders can also give relief. Increase fluids intake. Take multivitamin supplementation to strengthen your immune system.
4. The light blood coming from the right nostril is because its mucosa has become more sensitive due to:
- infection itself
- neti pot you are doing on daily basis
This is temporary and will be subsided once the nasal congestion is over.
Do not take the hard crust from your nostril by force as it will cause more laceration of the nasal mucosa.
Wish fast recovery.
Dr.Albana
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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