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Suggest Treatment For Severe Dry Cough

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Posted on Mon, 15 Feb 2016
Question: i started having a realy dry cough last night and couldnt seep the whole night because of it now it feels like i have congestion in my lunch and chest what could this be ?
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
likely a viral illness

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The most common cause of your symptoms would be a viral illness such as the common cold or flu virus.

The flu is normally associated with severe symptoms as well as fatigue, muscle aches/pain, joint pain, fever, headache and joint pain.

If these symptoms are not present then it is possible that it maybe the cough/cold.

This can affect the upper and lower aspects of the airways. The coughing is due to irritation of the throat and lower airways eg bronchi.

Treatment includes :(1) fluids and rest- fluids would help to break up any secretions
(2)if the cough because wet, and this may occur since you are starting to feel congested- then a mucolytic would help- these are medications that help to break up mucus

eg guaifenesin, mucomyst, bisolvan

(3) cough suppressant- dextromethorphan
Available over the counter

(4)any aches or pains can be treated with paracetamol


I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Dry Cough

Brief Answer: likely a viral illness Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The most common cause of your symptoms would be a viral illness such as the common cold or flu virus. The flu is normally associated with severe symptoms as well as fatigue, muscle aches/pain, joint pain, fever, headache and joint pain. If these symptoms are not present then it is possible that it maybe the cough/cold. This can affect the upper and lower aspects of the airways. The coughing is due to irritation of the throat and lower airways eg bronchi. Treatment includes :(1) fluids and rest- fluids would help to break up any secretions (2)if the cough because wet, and this may occur since you are starting to feel congested- then a mucolytic would help- these are medications that help to break up mucus eg guaifenesin, mucomyst, bisolvan (3) cough suppressant- dextromethorphan Available over the counter (4)any aches or pains can be treated with paracetamol I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions