Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Throat Discomfort, Headache, Nose Congestion And Cough
Question: just wondering if I have to get antibiotics -- trying to kick this thing on my own. started with scratchy throat, then a headache, then stuffy, runny, congestion, turned to coughing - -- sore throat. Got cold & flu medicine which helps and cough drops -- now have lost my voice, still have sore throat and am coughing up green phlegm. Antibiotics or can I kick this thing?
Brief Answer:
Sore throat with upper air ways involvement secondary to cold & Flu
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
I read your question and i understand your concern. Cold and flu are nasty sometimes and end up in sequelaes like sore throat and upper airways involvement. But no worries as it almost always resolves on its own as it is mostly viral like in your case.
As far as color of phlegm is concerned that is green due to a fighting antibody in our white blood cells indicate your immune system is working fine.
If you don't run fever or have not have these symptoms for more than 7 days then no worries as the chances of bacterial infection are very unlikely.
So waiting and seeing for antibiotics is advised and not starting them right aways. However getting a swab test done for sore throat to rule out strept or any other bacterial infection would be wise.
Meanwhile rest, drink plenty of fluids, gargle salt water using one tea spoon of salt in warm water of 8 ounces or 250 ml cup. Prefer warm comforting fluids like hot beverages, coffee, tea or warm water with honey etc. Humidify the air using humidifiers and take some tylenol or ibuprofen for the fever or pain. Talk to your doctor for further management.
I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.
Regards
Khan
Sore throat with upper air ways involvement secondary to cold & Flu
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
I read your question and i understand your concern. Cold and flu are nasty sometimes and end up in sequelaes like sore throat and upper airways involvement. But no worries as it almost always resolves on its own as it is mostly viral like in your case.
As far as color of phlegm is concerned that is green due to a fighting antibody in our white blood cells indicate your immune system is working fine.
If you don't run fever or have not have these symptoms for more than 7 days then no worries as the chances of bacterial infection are very unlikely.
So waiting and seeing for antibiotics is advised and not starting them right aways. However getting a swab test done for sore throat to rule out strept or any other bacterial infection would be wise.
Meanwhile rest, drink plenty of fluids, gargle salt water using one tea spoon of salt in warm water of 8 ounces or 250 ml cup. Prefer warm comforting fluids like hot beverages, coffee, tea or warm water with honey etc. Humidify the air using humidifiers and take some tylenol or ibuprofen for the fever or pain. Talk to your doctor for further management.
I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.
Regards
Khan
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
