What Causes Persistent Dry Cough And Running Nose Despite Taking Medication?

Posted on Tue, 22 Sep 2015

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

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 Answered on

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Doctor,

My Wife is suffering from dry cough and running nose from couple of days.
We are currently in singapore and have taken the medicine panadol (3 tabs), but still cough persist ,She is currently feeding kid . Could you please advice ?

Thanks & Regards
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (-2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Try antihistamine...

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Panadol is not effective for dry cough or cold. Instead I would suggest to start an antihistamine that is available over the counter. As per my knowledge benadryl should be available over the counter. Please check with the pharmacist. Benadryl syrup 5ml twice a day for 2-3 days.

In addition, I will also request her to start steam inhalation which is effective in these condition.

She should watch out for high grade fever, headache and sorethroat. I would insist to see the doctor if she develops these symptoms or if her symptoms persist beyond 5 days.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

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