Brief Answer:
Coughing is due to upper respiratory infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to health care magic,

I have read your query and understand the concern.

Here your main problem is severe coughing with mucus from which you are having pain over ribs and chest during the episode.

Coughing with greenish or yellowish mucus is likely due to upper respiratory tract infection (like pharyngitis) or may be acute bronchitis but it should be evaluated further by clinical examination and various tests since it causes severe stomach and chest pain and also sleep disturbing.

So,in my advise you should go for some routine blood works (CBC),ESR and X- ray chest which will be helpful to make some clear diagnosis whether it is due to viral infection or bacterial (like streptococcal pharyngitis) or some allergic.

However,generally this kind of severe coughing is viral origin and very unlikely to be due to bacterial infection.

You will require,

1) Pain killer and anti-inflammatory combinations like Aleve (naproxen) with ibuprofen 400 mg to reduce pain and further inflammation in throat.

2) Take tablet Mucinex-Dm (available OTC) twice daily which contains Dextromethorphan which is a cough suppressant in combination with Guaifenesin which is an expectorant and helps to loosen congestion in your throat and making it easier to cough out mucus/phlegm.

But it would be better to stop codral cold tablets further which contains codiene,an opioid analgesic and cough suppressant.

3) Nebulizer (with budesonide respules) 3 to 4 times a day with steam inhalation will also be helpful to prevent further episodes of coughing and steam inhalation will loosen the cough making easier to expel out the mucus through mouth.

4) Drink plenty of fluids and avoid cold water or any other cold products like ice-cream etc.

5) Antibiotics (Preferably levofloxacin 500 mg) would also be a good choice for at least 5 to 7 days course if coughing does not subside with symptomatic medications.

But for antibiotics,you will have to see some local physician or ENT specialist will know about it and may prescribe it after clinical examination and some relevant tests.

With this treatment,your coughing will improve gradually as the inflammation subsides and which would further help to relieve from stomach/rib pain.

Hope this will help you.Let me know if you have more questions.

Thanks and Regards,

Dr.Sandip Kabra

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