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Suggest Treatment For Severe Nasal Drip Causing Incessant Cough

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Posted on Wed, 28 Jan 2015
Question: Had a minor cold on and off for past two weeks. Now have severe nasal drip causing incessest caugh that resulting in very limited sleep.Suspect it is sinus I infection; had similar symptoms 20+ years ago.

69 yr old male otherwise in excellent health.

A minor amount of green mucus is occasionally present. Cough is minor during days when doing extensive walking while on vacarion.

Contact and aspin having only a little effect. No signs of fever. Minor ballance and vision impact.


Am 5000.miles from home due at airport on XXXXXXX 3. to return to US.

Need over-count med ( or other) recommendation(s) available in Japan. Will make apt. asap with ENT physician when returning.
Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
OTC phenylephrine

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns.

I agree with your that you may have a sinus infection. Unfortunately you are out of the country and need help in reducing your symptoms until you return home.

The green color that you are draining is a sign of bacterial infection. To help reduce the symptoms I have my patients use several medications and they are sometimes combined into a single agent. When looking for medication OTC I recommend a decongestant, mucolytic and a cough suppressant.

For a decongestant the usual medication is phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine.

For a mucolytic guaifenesin and for a cough suppressant dextromethorphan.

You may need to ask a pharmacist to help you find a right combination of products.

As an additional help I would recommend you also get a nasal spray decongestant. I recommend using the nasal spray sparingly as it can cause rebound congestion or worsening congestion after it wears off. But use the nasal spray just before flying. The spray will reduce the pressure in your sinuses and ears during the flight.

As soon as you get home you can see your ENT but you can also see a family doctor or urgent care center as they also can treat for sinus infections.

I hope this answers your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns and questions
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. Prasad
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ronald Schubert

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Nasal Drip Causing Incessant Cough

Brief Answer: OTC phenylephrine Detailed Answer: Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns. I agree with your that you may have a sinus infection. Unfortunately you are out of the country and need help in reducing your symptoms until you return home. The green color that you are draining is a sign of bacterial infection. To help reduce the symptoms I have my patients use several medications and they are sometimes combined into a single agent. When looking for medication OTC I recommend a decongestant, mucolytic and a cough suppressant. For a decongestant the usual medication is phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine. For a mucolytic guaifenesin and for a cough suppressant dextromethorphan. You may need to ask a pharmacist to help you find a right combination of products. As an additional help I would recommend you also get a nasal spray decongestant. I recommend using the nasal spray sparingly as it can cause rebound congestion or worsening congestion after it wears off. But use the nasal spray just before flying. The spray will reduce the pressure in your sinuses and ears during the flight. As soon as you get home you can see your ENT but you can also see a family doctor or urgent care center as they also can treat for sinus infections. I hope this answers your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns and questions