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Suggest Treatment For Runny Nose, Sore Throat, Chest Pain And Cough

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Posted on Tue, 8 Nov 2016
Question: I have been taking cough sryup ans musinex the past teo days. Tuesday my nose started running, Wednesday my thoart sore, running nose, Friday my chest is hurting really bad!! I keep coughing and the more it hurts.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
cough suppressant, topical decongestant,steam inhalation

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Viral illnesses like the common cold can last 7 to 10 days in most persons. In some cases, the cough can persist up the 6 week after the other symptoms have resolved, this is called post viral cough.

There are no traditional meds that can help the cold go faster but treatment can be directed to the particular symptoms: (1) if you not currently taking a cough suppressant ,antihistamine and decongestant, this should be added.

Dextromethorphan is the most common cough suppressant used at the moment.
Most cough syrups have combinations of medications - look for one with a cough suppressant, decongestant , anti histamine

(2)use ibuprofen, cataflam or aleve to help with the chest pain

(3)use a topical decongestant for the nose eg otrivine or normal saline. This would further reduce the runny nose and any post nasal drip of mucus that is contributing to the cough

(4)consider steam inhalation using products such as menthol. This would help with the coughing as well

(5)fluids and rest (propped up)

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (10 minutes later)
I am doing that already! My chest is hurting when I cough,while doing everything! I dont want to breathe because my chest hurts more when i have uncontrollable coughing.
I guess i should just go the walk in clinic and not listened to my friend about doctors on line.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
ok, may need to add a codeine cough suppressant. query viral bronchitis

Detailed Answer:
HI

Glad to hear that you initiated the appropriate treatment.

Yes, persistent coughing does cause pain because its strains the muscles in the chest wall, this is the reason that the anti inflammatory pain medications were mentioned .

Unfortunately, as was also mentioned, there is no cure for the common cold, meds and treatment can only be given to hopefully help decrease symptoms.

if you are using the dextromethorphan with no improvement in coughing then you can try the codeine cough suppressants added to this eg promethazine/codeine cough syrup.

If the cough is related to viral bronchitis then you should be seen as you said because then you may need meds to help open the airways and decrease inflammation. This includes a short course oral steroids and salbutamol syrup (used in bronchitis in some cases, even if no asthmatic).
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (27 minutes later)
Can you write anything yourself. I feel like a medical dictionary is messaging me. I am going to see my doctor and also let her she this.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
no prob

Detailed Answer:
hi

Sorry about the delayed reply

No prob. with that, I agree actually, seeing your doctor and being assessed would be the very best thing because nothing would beat a physical examination.

Everything above was thought of and written by myself and would be the advice I would give to a patient in front of me except for the codeine cough syrup part, would recommend that first instead of the dextromethorphan.
We carry the codeine syrup with different combined ingredients which tend to work well with cough suppression but not sure if available there.

I am sorry that it is not helpful for you

Wishing you better
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. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Runny Nose, Sore Throat, Chest Pain And Cough

Brief Answer: cough suppressant, topical decongestant,steam inhalation Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Viral illnesses like the common cold can last 7 to 10 days in most persons. In some cases, the cough can persist up the 6 week after the other symptoms have resolved, this is called post viral cough. There are no traditional meds that can help the cold go faster but treatment can be directed to the particular symptoms: (1) if you not currently taking a cough suppressant ,antihistamine and decongestant, this should be added. Dextromethorphan is the most common cough suppressant used at the moment. Most cough syrups have combinations of medications - look for one with a cough suppressant, decongestant , anti histamine (2)use ibuprofen, cataflam or aleve to help with the chest pain (3)use a topical decongestant for the nose eg otrivine or normal saline. This would further reduce the runny nose and any post nasal drip of mucus that is contributing to the cough (4)consider steam inhalation using products such as menthol. This would help with the coughing as well (5)fluids and rest (propped up) I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions