What Causes Cough, Sore Throat, Fever And Sweating?

Posted on Thu, 18 Feb 2016

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

Thu, 18 Feb 2016 Answered on

Thu, 28 Apr 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been staying in an ICU setting with my sister who passed on Friday. Over the past 2 weeks. On Sun I started to get really sick started with a cough then sore throat two days later accompanied with fever, nasal discharge and phlegm or the feeling like phlegm is stuck at the back of my throat but cant cough it up. Sweating and an unusual full body weakness and dizzy feeling when I exert myself. The Phlegm started as clear and white now is sorta of a tan yellowish color. Cough is deep in pitch and from the chest lung area not throat. I don't normally feel so lightheaded when catching a cold or flu and was wondering if just whats going around or something more serious since exposed to all the sickness in a hospital? I have type 2 diabetes, SVT and have had a upper back molar that is just about loose enough I am going to pull it myself as I do not have insurance at this time. I don't believe there is infection.

Answered by Dr. Roopa Hiremath (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Suspicion of viral fever with secondary bacterial infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr.Guchi,

Welcome to health care magic.

I have gone through your query and I am suspecting viral fever based on the symptoms described in your query. Viral fevers are usually associated with fever, nasal discharge and body pain.

The phlegm in cough is suggesting a secondary bacterial infection which is common in untreated viral fevers. I suggest you get a sputum culture and sensitivity done to rule out lower respiratory tract infection. You have to get a prescription for appropriate antibiotics based on that test result. The antibiotics have to be taken for 5-7 days.

Coming to the loose tooth, I suggest you do not try anything at home as dental wounds have a tendency to get infected easily because the mouth contains many resident bacteria. Moreover, you have diabetes which can predispose to infection. Please get in touch with a dentist for the tooth extraction.

For now, I suggest the following:

1. Tab TusQ - one tablet three times a day. This may cause some sedation, so avoid driving and any large machine handling.

2. Bed rest - this is the best for viral fevers.

3. Sputum culture and sensitivity and X -ray of chest to rule out lower respiratory tract infection.

4. Have a healthy and balanced diet with more fluids to maintain hydration.

Get in touch with a GP nearby you for prescription of antibiotics based on the sputum culture.

I hope I have answered all your queries and helped you with this answer.

Please get back if any more doubts.

Wishing you a fast recovery.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina