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What Causes Severe Cold, Sore Throat And Chest Tightness Along With Productive Cough?
Question: Hi, I have had a very inarticulate cold. it seemed to be a little in my sinuses but then my throat got very sore. right now it has settled in my lower front and side of my throat and upper chest feels tight. I feel sick to my stomach and the cough is very hard , totally unproductive but it makes me gag. I took musinex at night but it did not seem to do much my airways are clear but my sinusus are not normal. it feels weird when I breath like they are inflamed. I cant even figure how to treat this with OTC meds.
Brief Answer:
Some suggestions:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Yikes - I'm sorry you are having so much trouble.
Here are some ideas:
Flonase nasal spray: This is a corticosteroid nasal spray that is sold without prescription. It will decrease inflammation in your sinuses, and also may stabilize mucus production. May take a few days to see XXXXXXX effects from it.
Nettipot: Saline irrigation can decrease the amount of mucus draining in to your throat. You can get the supplies at a drug store or health food store. I prefer porcelain nettipots because they are easy to clean (although plastic are ok if you run them thru a dishwasher to clean them). NeilMed sells premade saline packets. Don't use the nettipot within an hour or two before or after the Flonase though, or you will get Flonase running down into your stomach where you don't want it and where it won't help you!
If your breathing is clear, and you don't have fevers, you might ask your doctor for a cough suppressant. Suppressants with codeine, such as Robutussin AC or Cheritussin AC, are very effective, but some doctors balk at prescribing these if they don't know you well as these meds have abuse potential.
The Mucinex may still be helpful, but know that it requires a large amount of water intake to work well. Guaifenesin is a mucolytic that draws water to the secretions to thin them.
Some people find extra Vitamin C (500 - 1000 mg) and Zinc helpful, but the research is equivocal about this.
I hope you are feeling better soon! Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Some suggestions:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Yikes - I'm sorry you are having so much trouble.
Here are some ideas:
Flonase nasal spray: This is a corticosteroid nasal spray that is sold without prescription. It will decrease inflammation in your sinuses, and also may stabilize mucus production. May take a few days to see XXXXXXX effects from it.
Nettipot: Saline irrigation can decrease the amount of mucus draining in to your throat. You can get the supplies at a drug store or health food store. I prefer porcelain nettipots because they are easy to clean (although plastic are ok if you run them thru a dishwasher to clean them). NeilMed sells premade saline packets. Don't use the nettipot within an hour or two before or after the Flonase though, or you will get Flonase running down into your stomach where you don't want it and where it won't help you!
If your breathing is clear, and you don't have fevers, you might ask your doctor for a cough suppressant. Suppressants with codeine, such as Robutussin AC or Cheritussin AC, are very effective, but some doctors balk at prescribing these if they don't know you well as these meds have abuse potential.
The Mucinex may still be helpful, but know that it requires a large amount of water intake to work well. Guaifenesin is a mucolytic that draws water to the secretions to thin them.
Some people find extra Vitamin C (500 - 1000 mg) and Zinc helpful, but the research is equivocal about this.
I hope you are feeling better soon! Please let me know if I can provide further information.
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
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