Hi

Thanks for the query

According to the description, you seem to be suffering from acute sinusitis. Sinuses are the empty cavities in the skull to protect the brain. The acute infection and the inflammation of the sinuses are termed as acute sinusitis.

Following an attack of common cold or flu, there will be nasal congestion, because of which there is blockage of the sinus opening leading to stagnation of the secretions inside the sinuses and increased viscosity of the sinus secretions. Stagnation of these secretions gives rise to headache and nasal infection. Once the infection sets in, the secretions constantly drain into the throat from behind the nose which will induce cough and throat discomfort.

Do not worry! This is a simple and common problem, with appropriate medications this can be taken care of. Azithromycin is not the drug of choice for this problem; you will require a better antibiotic. Finally, this does not look like whooping cough.

My suggestions to you are:

1. Drink plenty of warm water to keep the nose and the throat hydrated.
2. Use saline nasal spray followed by steam inhalation 3-4 times a day, which helps in reducing the nasal congestion, clearing of the mucus and reducing the cough.
3. Avoid coffee and chilled beverages.
4. Try a course of potent antibiotic (such as a combination of amoxycillin and clavulanic acid or cefuroxime).
5. Try taking ambroxol or bromhexine instead of acetylcestine, to reduce the viscosity of the secretions and control cough.
Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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