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What Causes Cough, Runny Nose, Headache And Chest Congestion?
Posted on
Mon, 12 Sep 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 12 Sep 2016
Answered on
Mon, 24 Oct 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : I started with cough a week ago coughing up clear phlegm then ver runny nose headache and general unwell now cough persists with a wheeze feels like phlegm deep in chest but can't cough up I'm a non smoker and take no medications 58 yr old female
Brief Answer:
some suggestions
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your post.
It is possible that you had a cold virus that turned into a bronchitis and has left you with some inflammation in the airways. Sometimes the cough and congestion after this can persist for weeks.
If this is what has happened there is no medicine to cure it but a bronchodilator like albuterol may help you with the cough and wheezing. If it is bothering you a lot, keeping you from sleeping or making you short of breath then see a doctor for an evaluation.
On the other hand if you have a fever, shortness of breath and worsening cough you may be developing a bacterial bronchitis or pneumonia. This is more serious and could be treated with antibiotics.
If you are uncertain what is going on it is best to see a doctor and let them figure it out so that you can get proper treatment
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
some suggestions
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your post.
It is possible that you had a cold virus that turned into a bronchitis and has left you with some inflammation in the airways. Sometimes the cough and congestion after this can persist for weeks.
If this is what has happened there is no medicine to cure it but a bronchodilator like albuterol may help you with the cough and wheezing. If it is bothering you a lot, keeping you from sleeping or making you short of breath then see a doctor for an evaluation.
On the other hand if you have a fever, shortness of breath and worsening cough you may be developing a bacterial bronchitis or pneumonia. This is more serious and could be treated with antibiotics.
If you are uncertain what is going on it is best to see a doctor and let them figure it out so that you can get proper treatment
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dear Dr, I have now had a cough for a month it has improved considerably but has left residual breathlessness on exertion and exposure to cold air. I am hoping all symptoms will stop soon. I did take a course of Amoxycillin 500 mg 2 daily ...
Brief Answer:
should resolve soon
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I am glad you are improving but I am concerned about the residual breathlessness. The cough can linger for months but the breathlessness should resolve soon.
If it does not see your doctor. You may need an chest xray or pulmonary function testing. If those are normal and you are still short of breath on exertion they may need to do some testing on your heart as well.
I hope you are better very soon
Dr. Robinson
should resolve soon
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I am glad you are improving but I am concerned about the residual breathlessness. The cough can linger for months but the breathlessness should resolve soon.
If it does not see your doctor. You may need an chest xray or pulmonary function testing. If those are normal and you are still short of breath on exertion they may need to do some testing on your heart as well.
I hope you are better very soon
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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