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Suggest Treatment For Symptoms Of Upper Respiratory Infection
Question: i was diagnosed with an acute upper respiratory viral infection last tuesday evening. it took awhile to get over that but right i can breathe comfortably. there is still some phlegm that i am bringing up and it is bit yellow. yesterday, it became very difficult to talk and my voice is hoarse. i am taking an expectorant. i have no fever, no chills, no sweats. but the back of my throat now hurts and there is a bit of blood in my spit. a tad befuddled. any ideas?
Brief Answer:
Possibly a second viral infection vs drainage from the 1st virus.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
It sounds as though you either weren't fully over the past viral infection and you are having post nasal drainage which is making your throat sore and a hoarse voice. But the other possibility is that you have come down with a second virus.
The yellow is ok as long as the sputum isn't really nasty and it isn't discolored all day long. It's common to have discolored sputum/phlegm when you first get up when having a cold.
The blood is likely from irritation - a broken capillary - in the throat. Unless it is a large amount, and since you have a reason for it (the infection) it is not too concerning.
By expectorant, I imagine you are taking something with guaifenesin in it. That is good - drink 2 glasses of water per 400 mg of guaifenesin.
You may also benefit from a decongestant, but if you tend to get stimulated form these, then best not to take one at night.
Although studies are conflicting, some people benefit from Vitamin C and Zinc at the beginning of a cold.
I recommend getting as much rest as you can, hot tea, hot soup.
I hope this information helps.
Possibly a second viral infection vs drainage from the 1st virus.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
It sounds as though you either weren't fully over the past viral infection and you are having post nasal drainage which is making your throat sore and a hoarse voice. But the other possibility is that you have come down with a second virus.
The yellow is ok as long as the sputum isn't really nasty and it isn't discolored all day long. It's common to have discolored sputum/phlegm when you first get up when having a cold.
The blood is likely from irritation - a broken capillary - in the throat. Unless it is a large amount, and since you have a reason for it (the infection) it is not too concerning.
By expectorant, I imagine you are taking something with guaifenesin in it. That is good - drink 2 glasses of water per 400 mg of guaifenesin.
You may also benefit from a decongestant, but if you tend to get stimulated form these, then best not to take one at night.
Although studies are conflicting, some people benefit from Vitamin C and Zinc at the beginning of a cold.
I recommend getting as much rest as you can, hot tea, hot soup.
I hope this information helps.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
i am relieved on the blood answer, that makes sense. i missed 2.5 days of work last week and i am isolating myself from my family as much as possible. i was given a steroid inhaler, codeine that was switched to robitussin dm. hoping to get better soon as i am the sole bread winner for my family. can i go to work?
Brief Answer:
Ok to work unless develop fever and v. sore throat
Detailed Answer:
If you feel up to going to work, yes, that would be ok, but do try to rest as much as you can.
However if you develop a fever, very sore throat, (and usually also tender swollen neck glands), then you shouldn't go to work, and should go in to get a throat swab to make sure it's not strep. Then you would need an antibiotic and to not be out and about in public until you are on the antibiotic for 24 hours.
Most upper respiratory infections are spread either by droplets (from someone nearby sneezing or coughing) or by touching a surface and then touching your eyes or nose. The hand to surface to eyes or nose is a very frequent way that people get sick. I've trained myself to never tough my eyes or nose unless I've just immediately before washed my hands well and have touched no other surface in between. Or use a tissue. When I was a med student in pediatric rotation, all the med students were getting sick until our attending doctor taught us this.
Ok to work unless develop fever and v. sore throat
Detailed Answer:
If you feel up to going to work, yes, that would be ok, but do try to rest as much as you can.
However if you develop a fever, very sore throat, (and usually also tender swollen neck glands), then you shouldn't go to work, and should go in to get a throat swab to make sure it's not strep. Then you would need an antibiotic and to not be out and about in public until you are on the antibiotic for 24 hours.
Most upper respiratory infections are spread either by droplets (from someone nearby sneezing or coughing) or by touching a surface and then touching your eyes or nose. The hand to surface to eyes or nose is a very frequent way that people get sick. I've trained myself to never tough my eyes or nose unless I've just immediately before washed my hands well and have touched no other surface in between. Or use a tissue. When I was a med student in pediatric rotation, all the med students were getting sick until our attending doctor taught us this.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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