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Suggest Treatment For Wheezing, Severe Cough And Sore Throat

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Posted on Wed, 29 Jun 2016
Question: Unlike previous winters, this winter I have been besieged by constant cold/bug symptoms around every 4-5 weeks. The most recent symptoms began on Thurs with "I got a tiger in my tank". I sounded hoarse and then my throat started to hurt. This is day 5 and I am wheezing, coughing and still have a sore throat and still feel
weak and like crap. I'm actually supposed to see clients today and I am not really up to it but that may not be a choice. I have been doing warm water/lemon rinses, I've taken usual meds and supplements. I've been living on variations of Mucinex. Help!!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Some suggestions

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

You are not alone in having had frequent upper respiratory infections this year. There have been a lot of cold and flu infections going around. If you feel you are getting sick more often than is typical for you and is typical for the people around you, then you might want to consult with your doctor about looking into any underlying health problems including allergies. But my guess is that you just happened to get more infections this year. It can happen.

Now about the symptoms you are describing: wheezing is not something people get from colds unless they have asthma. If you are having shortness of breath and fevers, I suggest you go in to your doctor or an urgent care clinic and have an X-ray done. If your throat is terribly sore and you have a fever or swollen glands, you should also get a throat swab to make sure you don't have strep. They can also use the swab to test for flu which can give the symptoms you describe, although it isn't so much influenza season right now.

If the X-ray is clear, and your lungs sound clear on physical exam, you may just have to weather it out. Consider taking a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine. This is not in Mucinex products, but can be bought without prescription by asking the pharmacist for it as it is kept behind the pharmacist's counter - not on the regular shelves.

If the coughing is keeping you up so you can't sleep well, consider asking your doctor for a cough suppressant with codeine. This is by prescription only. It is one of the strongest medicines for suppressing coughs.

Rest is so very important right now, so that your immune system can combat this. I know you said you need to work today, but try to rest any chance you can.

I'm sorry you feel sick. I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification. Although I am going to bed now, but can respond to any further questions you might have tomorrow.

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
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Wheezing, Severe Cough And Sore Throat

Brief Answer: Some suggestions Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, You are not alone in having had frequent upper respiratory infections this year. There have been a lot of cold and flu infections going around. If you feel you are getting sick more often than is typical for you and is typical for the people around you, then you might want to consult with your doctor about looking into any underlying health problems including allergies. But my guess is that you just happened to get more infections this year. It can happen. Now about the symptoms you are describing: wheezing is not something people get from colds unless they have asthma. If you are having shortness of breath and fevers, I suggest you go in to your doctor or an urgent care clinic and have an X-ray done. If your throat is terribly sore and you have a fever or swollen glands, you should also get a throat swab to make sure you don't have strep. They can also use the swab to test for flu which can give the symptoms you describe, although it isn't so much influenza season right now. If the X-ray is clear, and your lungs sound clear on physical exam, you may just have to weather it out. Consider taking a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine. This is not in Mucinex products, but can be bought without prescription by asking the pharmacist for it as it is kept behind the pharmacist's counter - not on the regular shelves. If the coughing is keeping you up so you can't sleep well, consider asking your doctor for a cough suppressant with codeine. This is by prescription only. It is one of the strongest medicines for suppressing coughs. Rest is so very important right now, so that your immune system can combat this. I know you said you need to work today, but try to rest any chance you can. I'm sorry you feel sick. I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification. Although I am going to bed now, but can respond to any further questions you might have tomorrow.