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What Causes Severe Productive Cough, Running Nose And Sore Throat?
Question: I have what appears to be Bronchitis - allot of coughing, runny nose, bringing up alot of phlegm which
sometimes makes me almost choke. Also have a sore throat. Doctors all busy so saw a Nurse
Practitioner, she ordered an antibiotic and if I'm not better after a week make a return visit. Is this
contagious? My Son has it also. I have some caretakers coming in and I've told them to leave. I
am ninety-five and believe I'm had this many years ago and it lasted a long time. I am not running
a fever. How long should it last? Thanks so much for your reply. XXXXXXX XXXX
sometimes makes me almost choke. Also have a sore throat. Doctors all busy so saw a Nurse
Practitioner, she ordered an antibiotic and if I'm not better after a week make a return visit. Is this
contagious? My Son has it also. I have some caretakers coming in and I've told them to leave. I
am ninety-five and believe I'm had this many years ago and it lasted a long time. I am not running
a fever. How long should it last? Thanks so much for your reply. XXXXXXX XXXX
Brief Answer:
Continue azithromycin,but you will need N acetyl cysteine and antihistami
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic!
Based on the history you have shared, it can be acute bronchitis but since you have not been by a doctor yet, I would suggest you to visit one and get your chest examined for any signs of narrowing of air ways or for signs of lung infections. A chest Xray and white blood cell count will also be needed to establish a reliable diagnosis. Sputum or blood cultures may also be needed for appropriate antibiotic choice.
Meanwhile continue using azithromycin since signs of respiratory tract infection are quite evident but for a better recovery you need to use N acetyl cysteine XXXXXXX or in solutions to break the mucus plugs and help you expectorate it in a better way. A chest physio or tapping on back 3 or 4 times a day will also be better. A anti histamines like cetrizine or loratidine may also be needed but all these decisions are to be taken by your primary doctor.
Meanwhile steam inhalations will also be very relieving. You can use hot beverages and lemon grass tea for a better relief. As far as the question of it being contagious is concerned, yes it is, but you or those around you can use masks or barriers but for better nursing care an attendant is a must so don't isolate yourself like that. You will be better in a week or two hopefully. Once fever settles down and mucus decreases it is sign of a better recovery however cough may take few weeks to settle completely.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
Continue azithromycin,but you will need N acetyl cysteine and antihistami
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic!
Based on the history you have shared, it can be acute bronchitis but since you have not been by a doctor yet, I would suggest you to visit one and get your chest examined for any signs of narrowing of air ways or for signs of lung infections. A chest Xray and white blood cell count will also be needed to establish a reliable diagnosis. Sputum or blood cultures may also be needed for appropriate antibiotic choice.
Meanwhile continue using azithromycin since signs of respiratory tract infection are quite evident but for a better recovery you need to use N acetyl cysteine XXXXXXX or in solutions to break the mucus plugs and help you expectorate it in a better way. A chest physio or tapping on back 3 or 4 times a day will also be better. A anti histamines like cetrizine or loratidine may also be needed but all these decisions are to be taken by your primary doctor.
Meanwhile steam inhalations will also be very relieving. You can use hot beverages and lemon grass tea for a better relief. As far as the question of it being contagious is concerned, yes it is, but you or those around you can use masks or barriers but for better nursing care an attendant is a must so don't isolate yourself like that. You will be better in a week or two hopefully. Once fever settles down and mucus decreases it is sign of a better recovery however cough may take few weeks to settle completely.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
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