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Suggest Treatment For Cold, Sore Throat, Sneezing And Sinus Congestion

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Posted on Mon, 21 Sep 2015
Question: I've had a cold for 2 weeks now (14 days as of today). It started with a sore throat, then runny nose, sneezing and nasal/sinus congestion. I feel I'm getting over it, and basically am now having a fair amount of sinus drainage which seems good. The drainage is mostly clear but can at times be yellowish (isn't green though). This has gone on for about 1 week. I still have some stuffiness on one side of my nose (the passage way is about 1/2 blocked.) That side of my nose is also very sore to the touch from close to the bottom to the upper part. It's just sore on the one side. How long should I let this go on? Why is the one side painful to the touch? Could it be turning into a sinus infection?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (50 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
upper respiratory infection viral

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care question.

You have had an upper respiratory infection for 2 weeks and still having nasal congestion. The drainage has been clear and occasionally yellow. This all indicates a viral infection. It may still cause nasal congestion for another week. If you develop facial pain or if the drainage turns green you may then have developed into a sinus bacterial infection. To help reduce the congestion you can try using a nasal spray of afrin fro 2-3 days to help open the sinuses and reduce drainage. But do not use the spray from more than 3 days

I hope I answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns or questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (3 hours later)
Thanks for addressing my question. What is the cause of the pain on the one side of my nose? It is very sensitive to the touch.

What are your thoughts on using a neti pot to clear things out?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Pressure from sinuses

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for returning to HCM with your health question.

The pressure you are experiencing is pressure in the sinuses from mucous build up. You can try a Neti pot it may help a small amount. I think you will get better relief with using the afrin nose spray for 3 days.

The pain could also be a small local cellulitis of the skin. If this still painful and red you may need to see your medical provider for skin infection. The infection of the skin could be a result of abrasion while you are blowing your nose from the tissue.

I hope I answered your questions. Please contact us again with your health care concerns.
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Ronald Schubert

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Cold, Sore Throat, Sneezing And Sinus Congestion

Brief Answer: upper respiratory infection viral Detailed Answer: Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care question. You have had an upper respiratory infection for 2 weeks and still having nasal congestion. The drainage has been clear and occasionally yellow. This all indicates a viral infection. It may still cause nasal congestion for another week. If you develop facial pain or if the drainage turns green you may then have developed into a sinus bacterial infection. To help reduce the congestion you can try using a nasal spray of afrin fro 2-3 days to help open the sinuses and reduce drainage. But do not use the spray from more than 3 days I hope I answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns or questions