Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Bad Cough, Sore Throat And Chest Pain?
Question: I have felt bad for about 2 weeks now and it is getting worse... I have a bad cough, my throat feels like sand paper down to my chest and hurts when I just swallow. Eating isn't very easy. I can't lay down with feeling burning pain. I do take nixxium for reflux.. but this is going away.
Brief Answer:
bacterial infection needs to be ruled out
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Most cases of sore throat are viral but since the pain has been ongoing for 2 weeks, a bacterial throat infection needs to be ruled out.
Viral throat infections do not normally last for that long unless allergies are present as well (post nasal drip of mucus contributing to pain).
Your doctor may do a swab to see if an infection is present, if this is the case, then antibiotics are needed.
The antibiotics may also help the cough, if there is a bacterial aspect to this as well.
If the cough is persistent , this may indicate bronchitis or pneumonia.
Though these can be viral , bacterial would also need to be ruled out.
If the cough is wet, you would need to continue to mucolytic (medication to break up mucus)- mucinex
Additional medication such as a decongestant (pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine) to decrease any post nasal drip secretions that may be aggravating the cough, may also help.
Decongestants are usually over the counter, in combinations with anti histamines or other meds.
The physical stress of illness and any change in appetite may have worsened your reflux so you may need to add other medication to the nexium eg add pepcid or zantac
These work differently than nexium and may combine to help suppress acid and burning.
Summary: (a) a bacterial infection needs to be ruled out, antibiotics may be needed
(b) continue mucolytic
c)use a decongestant
(d)add other reflux medication to the nexium so they can work together
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
bacterial infection needs to be ruled out
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Most cases of sore throat are viral but since the pain has been ongoing for 2 weeks, a bacterial throat infection needs to be ruled out.
Viral throat infections do not normally last for that long unless allergies are present as well (post nasal drip of mucus contributing to pain).
Your doctor may do a swab to see if an infection is present, if this is the case, then antibiotics are needed.
The antibiotics may also help the cough, if there is a bacterial aspect to this as well.
If the cough is persistent , this may indicate bronchitis or pneumonia.
Though these can be viral , bacterial would also need to be ruled out.
If the cough is wet, you would need to continue to mucolytic (medication to break up mucus)- mucinex
Additional medication such as a decongestant (pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine) to decrease any post nasal drip secretions that may be aggravating the cough, may also help.
Decongestants are usually over the counter, in combinations with anti histamines or other meds.
The physical stress of illness and any change in appetite may have worsened your reflux so you may need to add other medication to the nexium eg add pepcid or zantac
These work differently than nexium and may combine to help suppress acid and burning.
Summary: (a) a bacterial infection needs to be ruled out, antibiotics may be needed
(b) continue mucolytic
c)use a decongestant
(d)add other reflux medication to the nexium so they can work together
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
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
