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What Causes Headaches, Cough, Nasal Congestion And Sore Throat?

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Posted on Mon, 17 Aug 2015
Question: Started out with a head cold, headaches, nasal congestion , minor sore throat and mild fever about 5 days ago . The last 3 days have lost my voice and started coughing . Last night I didn't sleep much as I was coughing all night. Today I have a hacking cough that goes on and on and gets that bad that I almost feel like vomiting. I am flushed in the face and still have a mild temp . I do not bring up anything when I cough, although in the first few days was bringing up phlegm .
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Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
A chest examination will give important clues to the probable cause

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking again on HealthcareMagic.
I understand the gravity of the situation and that the problems are so intense that you can hardly sleep. Hacking cold can be a symptom of whooping cough or some other viral infection. Although whooping cough can affect both children and adults, the condition in adults is not that serious and can be managed at home. Antibiotics might be required if the chest auscultation gives certain findings. In case of viral infection antibiotics are not required. So in order to determine whether antibiotics are required in your case you need to visit a doctor and get yourself examined. But irrespective of the cause, steam inhalation and gurgling with lukewarm water should provide relief. You should also take some antiallergic along. In case you have temperature higher than 100°F you should take paracetamol/acetaminophen.
Hope that clears your queries. Feel free to revert back in case you need to ask something else.
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. Prof. Kunal Saha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1954

Answered : 4467 Questions

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What Causes Headaches, Cough, Nasal Congestion And Sore Throat?

Brief Answer: A chest examination will give important clues to the probable cause Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking again on HealthcareMagic. I understand the gravity of the situation and that the problems are so intense that you can hardly sleep. Hacking cold can be a symptom of whooping cough or some other viral infection. Although whooping cough can affect both children and adults, the condition in adults is not that serious and can be managed at home. Antibiotics might be required if the chest auscultation gives certain findings. In case of viral infection antibiotics are not required. So in order to determine whether antibiotics are required in your case you need to visit a doctor and get yourself examined. But irrespective of the cause, steam inhalation and gurgling with lukewarm water should provide relief. You should also take some antiallergic along. In case you have temperature higher than 100°F you should take paracetamol/acetaminophen. Hope that clears your queries. Feel free to revert back in case you need to ask something else.