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What Causes Sore Throat And Headache When Diagnosed With Upper Respiratory Infection?
Question: Hey doctor,
I have been sick for about 2 weeks in total now. It first started out with normal cold symptons of a headache, congestion, sore throat etc about 2 weeks ago and after about 5 days of having the initial symptoms I started to feel a lot better but then a day later after feeling better I started to develop this chesty cough and a mild fever. I then later went to to the doctor who diagnosed me with a upper respiratory infection and said to rest and take pain relievers if needed. It's now been another week since my visit and I still have the cough which isn't as bad, but what is more annoying and concerning is this runny nose that does not stop I have gone through so many tissues and decongestants don't really work that long for me. I have also a distorted sense of smell from it and some pressure sensations in my teeth. How much longer is this meant to last and when should I go back to the doctor?
Kind Regards,
XXXXXXXX
I have been sick for about 2 weeks in total now. It first started out with normal cold symptons of a headache, congestion, sore throat etc about 2 weeks ago and after about 5 days of having the initial symptoms I started to feel a lot better but then a day later after feeling better I started to develop this chesty cough and a mild fever. I then later went to to the doctor who diagnosed me with a upper respiratory infection and said to rest and take pain relievers if needed. It's now been another week since my visit and I still have the cough which isn't as bad, but what is more annoying and concerning is this runny nose that does not stop I have gone through so many tissues and decongestants don't really work that long for me. I have also a distorted sense of smell from it and some pressure sensations in my teeth. How much longer is this meant to last and when should I go back to the doctor?
Kind Regards,
XXXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
You should go back to the doctor without further delay
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone carefully through the details and understand your concern. Most often such symptoms are due to viral infections and antibiotics are ineffective in such cases. Irrespective of treatment, the viral infections are self limiting and usually resolve in a week or so. However, lasting for more than a couple of weeks is unusual and calls for some basic investigtions like chest X ray and blood counts.
Such infections are frequently associated with an allergic component and it is advisable to take some antiallergic like cetirizine once daily for next few days.
You need to take steam inhalation. It helps in reducing the congestion. The water vapor will reach deep inside and would help in diluting the cough and thus would provide relief.
Hopefully that would help. Feel free to write back in case of further queries.
Regards
You should go back to the doctor without further delay
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone carefully through the details and understand your concern. Most often such symptoms are due to viral infections and antibiotics are ineffective in such cases. Irrespective of treatment, the viral infections are self limiting and usually resolve in a week or so. However, lasting for more than a couple of weeks is unusual and calls for some basic investigtions like chest X ray and blood counts.
Such infections are frequently associated with an allergic component and it is advisable to take some antiallergic like cetirizine once daily for next few days.
You need to take steam inhalation. It helps in reducing the congestion. The water vapor will reach deep inside and would help in diluting the cough and thus would provide relief.
Hopefully that would help. Feel free to write back in case of further queries.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I will head backto the doctor asap and I will try the antihistimane and see how it goes is it ok to have with decongestants? In terms of oral decongestants as well how long can you have them for? I have been having phenylephrine on and off for the last week and half not every day though just when I have to go out and i'd usually take one a day XXXXXXX but I just brought pseudoephedrine and it seems to work a bit better.
Brief Answer:
Can be taken but need not take it for long
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. It is ok to have antihistaminics with decongestants. I would not suggest oral decongestants for more than a week.
Regards
Can be taken but need not take it for long
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. It is ok to have antihistaminics with decongestants. I would not suggest oral decongestants for more than a week.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Just out of curiosty what is the reasoning behind not using oral decongestant for longer than 7 days? Can they have a rebound effect like the nasal spray varients?
Brief Answer:
Effectivity is the concern. Not side effect.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. There is no specific side effect that I am worried about. It is just that if you need to take it for more than 7 days, chances are that taking it is of no use at all. No specific rebound effect expected.
Regards
Effectivity is the concern. Not side effect.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. There is no specific side effect that I am worried about. It is just that if you need to take it for more than 7 days, chances are that taking it is of no use at all. No specific rebound effect expected.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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