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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Are Nasal Congestion And Dry Cough For Two Weeks Indicative Of Viral Infection?

I have some nasal congestion (nasal discharge is clear/white) and a dry hacking cough (it sounds deeper and alarming) for just over 2 weeks now. I ve seen a Physician s Asst. who could not definitively diagnose anything other than a cold virus. He listened to my deep, painless breaths and I sounded clear to him & he did not think I needed a chest x-ray. He has prescribed me an antibiotic just because its been 2 weeks. Should I take it?
posted on Tue, 16 Feb 2016
Twitter Wed, 17 Feb 2016 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 22 Feb 2016 Last reviewed on
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns..

As per your complain it seems that you have a common cold lead to nasal congestion and cough can occur due to throat tickle caused due to post nasal drip..
As it is a Viral infection intake of antibiotics is not needed Antibiotics can treat only bacterial infection..
I would suggest you to take cough suppressant syrup containing Dextromethorphan, cough expectorant like Guaifenesin, anti allergics like Levocetrizine, warm saline gargles and steam inhalation..
Suck throat lozenges and sip in warm water..
Avoid spicy and chilled foods .
Take a soft bland diet and take sufficient rest..
For nasal congestion take decongestant nasal spray containing Xylometazoline and Oral decongestant like Phenylephrine and mucolytics like Ambroxol..
In case of no improvement in a week consult an Otolaryngologist and get evaluated..

Hope this information helps..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.
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Are Nasal Congestion And Dry Cough For Two Weeks Indicative Of Viral Infection?

Hi.. Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns.. As per your complain it seems that you have a common cold lead to nasal congestion and cough can occur due to throat tickle caused due to post nasal drip.. As it is a Viral infection intake of antibiotics is not needed Antibiotics can treat only bacterial infection.. I would suggest you to take cough suppressant syrup containing Dextromethorphan, cough expectorant like Guaifenesin, anti allergics like Levocetrizine, warm saline gargles and steam inhalation.. Suck throat lozenges and sip in warm water.. Avoid spicy and chilled foods . Take a soft bland diet and take sufficient rest.. For nasal congestion take decongestant nasal spray containing Xylometazoline and Oral decongestant like Phenylephrine and mucolytics like Ambroxol.. In case of no improvement in a week consult an Otolaryngologist and get evaluated.. Hope this information helps.. Thanks and regards. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.