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Suggest Remedy For Yellowish Nasal Drainage And Severe Cough While Treating Upper Respiratory Infection
Posted on
Wed, 9 Dec 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 9 Dec 2015
Answered on
Mon, 4 Jan 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : I have had an upper respiratory infection for 10 days..its seem worse..I am hoarse..thick yellow nasal drainage..and nasty cough
Brief Answer:
Sinusitis vs bronchitis
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
You have noticed an upper respiratory infection for 10 days and now persistent cough and yellow drainage. This is no longer a viral illness as most viruses are resolved in 1 week. Now that it has been 10 days and the symptoms are worse with purulent nasal drainage I would think you have a sinus infection. I would recommend seeing your medical provider and see if they agree with me. I would also suggest that you may have bronchitis and your doctor will be able to differentiate between the two illnesses. For the infection I would recommend antibiotics. For some symptom control using a nasal spray like afrin for 3-4 days will help reduce congestion and allow for better healing from a sinus infection. Adding a cough suppressant like robitussin DM will help reduce your cough.
In summary
1. possible sinus infection vs. bronchitis
2. See your medical provider
3. Treat with antibiotics
4. Nasal spray afrin for nasal congestion
5. Robitussin DM for cough
I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions
Sinusitis vs bronchitis
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
You have noticed an upper respiratory infection for 10 days and now persistent cough and yellow drainage. This is no longer a viral illness as most viruses are resolved in 1 week. Now that it has been 10 days and the symptoms are worse with purulent nasal drainage I would think you have a sinus infection. I would recommend seeing your medical provider and see if they agree with me. I would also suggest that you may have bronchitis and your doctor will be able to differentiate between the two illnesses. For the infection I would recommend antibiotics. For some symptom control using a nasal spray like afrin for 3-4 days will help reduce congestion and allow for better healing from a sinus infection. Adding a cough suppressant like robitussin DM will help reduce your cough.
In summary
1. possible sinus infection vs. bronchitis
2. See your medical provider
3. Treat with antibiotics
4. Nasal spray afrin for nasal congestion
5. Robitussin DM for cough
I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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