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What Causes Stuffy Nose Along With Severe Headache And Dry Cough?
Posted on
Tue, 1 Sep 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 1 Sep 2015
Answered on
Fri, 18 Sep 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : After strenuous yard work... I had to rehydrate myself... I did so successfully, but the next morning I was stuffy with severe headache and a dry, non-producing cough. (persistent) I stayed home from work because I had a fever of 101.8. and chills. Thought I had a cold... I am achy and intolerant. (not my nature!) and I am still with a low grade fever, coughing with little sputum that is clear. And generally just feel miserable and achy.
Brief Answer:
possibly the flu
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
You are likely correct in believing that your symptoms are due to a viral illness, the cold or flu being the likely causes.
Flu symptoms are generally more severe than common cold symptoms and the presence of aches and pains would indicate the flu more likely than the cold.
Treatment is generally the same except for the monitoring for severe symptoms with the flu (some persons may have severe flu symptoms with prolonged fever, shortness of breath etc)
If severe then may need to see your doctor for assessment.
Treatment: (1) fluids and rest
The fluids help to decrease the viscosity of the mucus so it can be expelled easier
(2)paracetamol or ibuprofen for the fever and pain
(3)mucolytic to help decrease the viscosity of the mucus eg mucomyst, bisolvan , guaifenesin
Can come combined with other meds such as a decongestant if needed and cough suppressant (to take mainly at night so that you can sleep ok)
All over the counter medication
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
possibly the flu
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
You are likely correct in believing that your symptoms are due to a viral illness, the cold or flu being the likely causes.
Flu symptoms are generally more severe than common cold symptoms and the presence of aches and pains would indicate the flu more likely than the cold.
Treatment is generally the same except for the monitoring for severe symptoms with the flu (some persons may have severe flu symptoms with prolonged fever, shortness of breath etc)
If severe then may need to see your doctor for assessment.
Treatment: (1) fluids and rest
The fluids help to decrease the viscosity of the mucus so it can be expelled easier
(2)paracetamol or ibuprofen for the fever and pain
(3)mucolytic to help decrease the viscosity of the mucus eg mucomyst, bisolvan , guaifenesin
Can come combined with other meds such as a decongestant if needed and cough suppressant (to take mainly at night so that you can sleep ok)
All over the counter medication
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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