Suggest Remedies For Severe Cold And Cough

Posted on Thu, 21 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 21 Jan 2016 Answered on

Fri, 26 Feb 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Dear doctor

My name is XXXX I am 43 years old. Currently i am suffering from severe cold and cough. This occured due to sudden change in temperarure here in my city Baroda. I have problem of sinus as i was in open garden for a marriage reception day before yesterday. Due to less hair in my head i get this problem. I feel like coughing although no sputum comes out but my complete head is filled with cough. I keep blowing my nose and cough comes out. Sometimes the nose gets chocked. Can you suggest me some antibiotic so that i get quick relief?

Thanks

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Antibiotic therapy is unwarranted...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

These days in view of multiple cases of drug resistance, it is better to avoid antibiotics wherever it isn't indicated. I would definitely not recommend antibiotics where the symptoms are a day old and there is fever.

Your symptoms are more likely to be triggered by environmental exposure +/- allergies and made worse by previous sinus issues. I would recommend you try steam inhalation with menthol 3-4 times a day. You may also start antihistamine like cetrizine 10mg at night for 3 days. Nasal decongestant like xylometazoline (available as nasivion) may be used for less than 5 days if required.

You may watch the progress of symptoms the next two days. If you feel its getting worse, visit a physician nearby. He/she can evaluate you before deciding to use antibiotic.

Hope I am clear.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar