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Suggest Treatment For Upper Respiratory Infection

Posted on Mon, 3 Nov 2014

Question: Hi there. I'm freaking out a bit. I'm a serious germaphobe, and with ebola spreading around i've really been freaking myself. Especially because I live in an apartment complex at the moment. Today I came down with a sore throat and a bit of coughing. My nose is completely dried up and theres a bit of blood in my snot. Of course I'm freaking out that it's some sign of ebola. BUT I have a bad feeling its the fact that I've been keeping my air conditioning on 72 in California which is very dry and my fan is also on. My ears also feel a little sore or clogged. I just feel really tired and weird. Could this just be an upper respiratory infection from drying out my sinuses ?

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Detail Follows.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome To HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney.
I understand your concern.
Ebola infection usually presents with high grade fever, chills, myalgia's.
Your symptoms seems to be of Upper Respiratory tract infection.
Dont worry.
Adopt following measures :
1. Do steam inhalation at least 3 times a Day.
2. Do warm saline gargles.
3. Take an anti allergic like Levocetrizine once a day for 3 days.
4. Take plenty of water.
If you develop high grade fever, myalgias, rashes report to your doctor.
Don't worry. Your symptoms don't seem to be like Ebola.
If you have any further query please ask me.
Stay Healthy.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (32 minutes later)

Thanks. Just out of curiosity..I do have a bit of soft stool. Does that happen sometimes with an upper respiratory infection ?

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Detail Follows.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Yes this can happen in Upper respiratory tract infection.
You can take a comb of Pantoprazole and Domperidone once a day too.
Also report back to me your currebt condition after 2 days that is on 16th October.
Stay Healthy.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (1 minute later)

Okay. Is sneezing and eyes watering normal ?

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Detail Follows.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend
Yes that is classically a part of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection. Probably a Viral infection.
Keep a watch on your condition. If you see any deterioration seek medical help.
Also I would like to know if you are having any body aches, myalgias ,Fever associated with your watering of eyes and sneezing.
Do mention if you have taken any OTC medicine.
Stay Healthy.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (2 minutes later)

Does this sound anything like ebola?

I do have muscle aches but mostly because of carpal tunnel and sleeping the wrong way. I haven't had a fever.

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Detail Follows.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
It doesn't sounds classically like Ebola. Usually in Ebola the body pains are diffuse and you can easily differentiate them from your regular pains due to carpel tunnel syndrome.
My advise for you is to go on the with the medicines suggested.
Avoid any pain killers other then Paracetamol.
You will be fine.
Revet back after 2 days about your condition in case even if you are improving.
Stay Healthy.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (28 minutes later)

Thanks. I really think it is just from constantly leaving the air conditioner on 72 with the fan blasting and california is so dry

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Detail Follows.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Yes this happens frequently if you suddenly leave AC and go to warm and dry climate.
I am hopeful those remedies suggested would help you.
Stay Healthy.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (2 days later)

Hi doctor! I wanted to let you know that I am feeling a bit better. I'm still stuffed up and coughing. I have been taking precautions. I'm really afraid of this whole ebola scare. How long can ebola stay in the air for??

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Detail Follows.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Since you are getting better continue with Anti Allergic like Levocetrizine.
You will be fine.
This can't be determined that for how much time Ebola stays in air as this is a new infection. Researches are going on it.
Stay Healthy.

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