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What Causes Recurring Upper Respiratory Infection?

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Posted on Mon, 12 May 2014
Question: Cough that has lasted 2 1/2 months, clear mucus, worsens when it cools off, I increase activity, or talk very much. Staying warm, avoiding exercise and staying quiet makes it better. I had a bad viral upper respiratory infection first week of February and the cough has lingered and interferes with usual activity and interactions with people. I am responsible for client presentations and the cough interferes with work. Any ideas?
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Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: As described. Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for an elucidate history. As you have rightly noticed the problem started as a viral infection in last week of Feb and has lingered on. Normally the viral infection settles on its own within 3 to 7 days; but it is our observation that the time taken for recovery takes a bit more time with advancing age. Secondly viral itself reduces the defense ( resistance) power of the body and either makes way for another attack , the moment you come in contact with the person with viral infection. So the next attack overrides the first one and the cycle goes on. The repeated attacks does not allow healing of the mucosa of the respiratory tract. This indicates for the need to boost your immunity to come out of the problem. I would advise such a patient: Time to break-off from the duty. Full best rest Steam inhalations No scents , pets, fumes or smoke which can hinder the recovery. Symptomatic treatment as advised by a Doctor- like antihistamines, anti-inflammatory, mucolytics ( NO cough suppressant unless the coughing is violent); Supplements of 2 caps of Vita A and Vit D XXXXXXX one a day for 3 days followed by Multivitamins helps a lot for early recovery and faster healing of respiratory mucous lining. A history of 2 and half months definitely warrant all blood exam to rule out associated medical problems, X-ray chest, Pulmonary function tests a trial with broncho-dilators and all help a lot.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. T Chandrakant

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19777 Questions

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What Causes Recurring Upper Respiratory Infection?

Brief Answer: As described. Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for an elucidate history. As you have rightly noticed the problem started as a viral infection in last week of Feb and has lingered on. Normally the viral infection settles on its own within 3 to 7 days; but it is our observation that the time taken for recovery takes a bit more time with advancing age. Secondly viral itself reduces the defense ( resistance) power of the body and either makes way for another attack , the moment you come in contact with the person with viral infection. So the next attack overrides the first one and the cycle goes on. The repeated attacks does not allow healing of the mucosa of the respiratory tract. This indicates for the need to boost your immunity to come out of the problem. I would advise such a patient: Time to break-off from the duty. Full best rest Steam inhalations No scents , pets, fumes or smoke which can hinder the recovery. Symptomatic treatment as advised by a Doctor- like antihistamines, anti-inflammatory, mucolytics ( NO cough suppressant unless the coughing is violent); Supplements of 2 caps of Vita A and Vit D XXXXXXX one a day for 3 days followed by Multivitamins helps a lot for early recovery and faster healing of respiratory mucous lining. A history of 2 and half months definitely warrant all blood exam to rule out associated medical problems, X-ray chest, Pulmonary function tests a trial with broncho-dilators and all help a lot.