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Suggest Treatment For Severe Sinus Infection With Cough While On Mucinex

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Posted on Tue, 18 Oct 2016
Question: I have a sinus infection ( I have a history that's how I know) and a terrible cough. My back is hurting. When I cough I occasionally produce phlegm, greenish in color, I have had this for 5 days now. I have been taking Mucinex and it is not subsiding.
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
may also have bronchitis either viral or bacterial

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The sinus infections may require decongestants and antihistamines for treatment.

In addition to your sinus infection, you may also have bronchitis which is an infection of the bronchi of lungs. It can be viral or bacterial but it is associated with a persistent productive cough like you are describing.

If it is viral, treatment is directed towards breaking up the mucus, opening the airways if there is any closure and helping the cough. If it is bacterial then antibiotics are also needed along with this.

If you have fever, then bacterial infection is more likely. Viral infections can still cause green sputum in some persons but quite often is an indicator of bacterial infection

Unfortunately, the cough with coughs/colds or flu, can persist for up to 6 weeks

Mucinex would help to break up the secretions but in addition to this: (1) fluids to help break up the mucus so that it can be expelled
(2)cough suppressant such as dextromethorphan may reduce the frequency of the cough

(3) in some cases, the persistent coughing is due to small closure of the airways even if the person is not asthmatic
Salbutamol syrup is over the counter and it is used in bronchitis in persons who may need it. It may be best though, to see your doctor, to see if this is the case

(4)antibiotics may be needed if there is no improvement

(5) steroids to reduce airway inflammation if there is no response to the above

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other 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. 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 Severe Sinus Infection With Cough While On Mucinex

Brief Answer: may also have bronchitis either viral or bacterial Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The sinus infections may require decongestants and antihistamines for treatment. In addition to your sinus infection, you may also have bronchitis which is an infection of the bronchi of lungs. It can be viral or bacterial but it is associated with a persistent productive cough like you are describing. If it is viral, treatment is directed towards breaking up the mucus, opening the airways if there is any closure and helping the cough. If it is bacterial then antibiotics are also needed along with this. If you have fever, then bacterial infection is more likely. Viral infections can still cause green sputum in some persons but quite often is an indicator of bacterial infection Unfortunately, the cough with coughs/colds or flu, can persist for up to 6 weeks Mucinex would help to break up the secretions but in addition to this: (1) fluids to help break up the mucus so that it can be expelled (2)cough suppressant such as dextromethorphan may reduce the frequency of the cough (3) in some cases, the persistent coughing is due to small closure of the airways even if the person is not asthmatic Salbutamol syrup is over the counter and it is used in bronchitis in persons who may need it. It may be best though, to see your doctor, to see if this is the case (4)antibiotics may be needed if there is no improvement (5) steroids to reduce airway inflammation if there is no response to the above I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions