Suggest Treatment For Flu And Severe Cough

Posted on Thu, 17 Sep 2015

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

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 Answered on

Mon, 5 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi dr,

I have been suffering with the flu the past 5 days now and most of the symptoms that I had are gone, but one new one only developed recently. I have a strong muscus build up in my throat and I have these really strong chesty coughs but I am never coughing anything up even there is a lot of mucus there. Could this possibly be acute bronchitis that I have developed after the flu? I mean I feel prettty much fine other than this cough but it still can be painful if I keep coughing. Should I go back to the doctor again and how can I relieve the mucus build up?

Regards,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, get back to your doctor for physical examination

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.

It is true that acute bronchitis is a common complication of flu.
In your case, coughing with mucus (sputum) might be due to bronchitis. I suggest to get back to your doctor for a thorough physical examination to determine if you really have bronchitis or not.

You need to take a mucolitic (e.g. carbocystein) to dissolve mucus, aerosol therapy and prescription cough medicines.

After physical examination, your doctor will decide whether you need to take antibiotics or not.

Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana

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