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How Can I Manage Off Balance Feeling While Walking Along With Persistent Cough And Runny Nose?

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Posted on Fri, 9 Jun 2023
Question: have felt slightly off balance when i move around walking etc. May bump into things. Not to the extent of falling over but unbalanced
A little bit of cough/mucus in the chest but only very mild. Slight runny nose. May be a slight cold symptoms but has been lingering for 4-6 weeks now
doctor
Answered by Dr. Riddhi Shah (44 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Might be a Viral infection

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Looking at your symptoms, you might be probably suffering from Viral infection in the respiratory tract and in the inner ear.

There might be other causes of imbalance while walking like problems that affect the skeletal or visual systems, such as arthritis or eye muscle imbalance.This needs to be checked.

You may find relief by taking the following medicines-
Antihistaminic like Cetrizine, oral decongestant like Phenylephrine or Pseudoephedrine and Nasal Decongestant drops like Xylometazoline (take decongestant only if you are not suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney or urinary problems, high pressure in the eyes-glaucoma),
Cough expectorant containing Ambroxol/Guaifenesin,
Antivertigo medicines like Betahistine tablet or Prochlorperazine-you can take it for around 5 days.

* Also do steam inhalation.
* Drink plenty of fluids (warm) and warm saline gargles as they help in breakdown of mucus secretions.
* Avoid cold food, oily food, very sweet food and milk and milk products as they increase mucus production.
* Avoid dust, smoke and other pollutants as they act as trigger in case of cold infection.
* Avoid walking in the dark.
* You also should wear low-heeled shoes or walking shoes outdoors and use a cane if necessary.

If the imbalance problem is for a longer duration without any other brain problem symptoms like weakness in the legs or arms, headache, speech problem etc.,then you may also find relief by doing vestibular rehabilitation exercises like Cawthorne Cooksey exercises.

Hope this answers your question. Take care.

Regards,
Dr. Riddhi Shah
ENT Specialist
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. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Riddhi Shah

ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 533 Questions

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How Can I Manage Off Balance Feeling While Walking Along With Persistent Cough And Runny Nose?

Brief Answer: Might be a Viral infection Detailed Answer: Hi, Looking at your symptoms, you might be probably suffering from Viral infection in the respiratory tract and in the inner ear. There might be other causes of imbalance while walking like problems that affect the skeletal or visual systems, such as arthritis or eye muscle imbalance.This needs to be checked. You may find relief by taking the following medicines- Antihistaminic like Cetrizine, oral decongestant like Phenylephrine or Pseudoephedrine and Nasal Decongestant drops like Xylometazoline (take decongestant only if you are not suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney or urinary problems, high pressure in the eyes-glaucoma), Cough expectorant containing Ambroxol/Guaifenesin, Antivertigo medicines like Betahistine tablet or Prochlorperazine-you can take it for around 5 days. * Also do steam inhalation. * Drink plenty of fluids (warm) and warm saline gargles as they help in breakdown of mucus secretions. * Avoid cold food, oily food, very sweet food and milk and milk products as they increase mucus production. * Avoid dust, smoke and other pollutants as they act as trigger in case of cold infection. * Avoid walking in the dark. * You also should wear low-heeled shoes or walking shoes outdoors and use a cane if necessary. If the imbalance problem is for a longer duration without any other brain problem symptoms like weakness in the legs or arms, headache, speech problem etc.,then you may also find relief by doing vestibular rehabilitation exercises like Cawthorne Cooksey exercises. Hope this answers your question. Take care. Regards, Dr. Riddhi Shah ENT Specialist