Suggest Treatment For Cold, Cough And Chest Congestion

Posted on Wed, 21 Jan 2015

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

Thu, 22 Jan 2015 Answered on

Wed, 18 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Here is the scenario:
I had a bad cold/bacterial infection around Thanksgiving time. I went to urgent care in my area and was prescribed an anti-biotic for 10 days. I was getting better but still had the cough and phlem and was generally uncomfortable. So I went to see my Dr. a couple of weeks ago who prescribed another antibiotic for 6 days. I still have ears that become clogged periodically and an occassional coughing. My concern is that I will be flying to Ecuador in a couple of weeks and I do not want to fly with congestion. I have flown before with this problem and my ears have caused incredible pain and i do not know what to do next to allay the fears of traveling with this congestion. Can you help???

Answered by Dr. Krunal Karade (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
During flight use chew gum, decongestant nasal drops & swallow repeatedly.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the query.

I have read your query , reviewed medications and understand your concern.

After reading your clinical history it appears that you are most probably having upper respiratory tract infection with allergy .

If I were your treating Doctor for this case , I would advice you
Steam Inhalation twice daily ,
Saline nasal rinse or spray thrice daily &
Antihistaminic levocetirizine + Montelukast combination at night .

You will need prescription for above drug .

During flight i would advice , use chew gum & Decongestant nasal drops .
Also swallow fluid repeatedly & avoid sleep while flying mostly during ascends and descends .

Hope this information helpful to you .If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Krunal Karade (56 minutes later)

Thank you Dr. Karade,
So a follow up question to you would be, can you prescribe the medication to me?
I have an HMO physician who seems very hard to connect with and to see a specialist, I have to wait weeks for an authorization. Thus, my trip will in a couple of weeks.......
Can you help??
Thanks XXXX
XXX-XXX-XXXX

Answered by Dr. Krunal Karade (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Till then you can use Over-the-Counter tab Claritin at night .

Detailed Answer:
Hi ,
Thanks for the follow up query.

Saline nasal rinse or spray thrice daily like nose spray solspre ,
Antihistaminic levocetirizine + Montelukast combination at night like Tab Xyzal M .

Presription on this forum is not valid in US .
Hence , you will need to see your doctor to get a prescription .

Till then you can use Over-the-Counter tab Claritin at night .

Hope this information helpful to you .
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju