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How Can Chronic Cough And Chest Congestion Be Treated?
I work in a thrift store. I sort donated bags of clothing for resale. Sometimes moldy, sometimes clean, and sometimes just dirty. The store is very busy and there is a LOT of dust everyday. Customers cough and sneeze. Now, I cough up yellow globs, and I m weak. Symptoms started 5 days ago, and the cough is now productive as of last night. But I still have a deep congestion in my chest, like there s more yellow stuff being manufactured. No fever, but eyeball aches. I can eat and no vomiting..and my bowels are normal. Is this viral or bacterial? what antibiotic is best? do I need a swab test ?
General & Family Physician, Dr. Vasudha's Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Your occupation exposes to lot of dust (from stored clothes/molds). I feel, you must have developed allergic symptoms before getting yellow sputum. Could be instigated by added infection (viral/bacterial). Yes, for certain and quick relief, it's advisable to get sputum culture and sensitivity test done. Please consult a physician, he would start with an antibiotic of his choice after the sputum sample is given. You should take rest until you are cured. Eat light nutritive diet, drink lot of boiled water and have a habit of wearing a mask to avoid repeat problem due to allergy.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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How Can Chronic Cough And Chest Congestion Be Treated?
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Your occupation exposes to lot of dust (from stored clothes/molds). I feel, you must have developed allergic symptoms before getting yellow sputum. Could be instigated by added infection (viral/bacterial). Yes, for certain and quick relief, it s advisable to get sputum culture and sensitivity test done. Please consult a physician, he would start with an antibiotic of his choice after the sputum sample is given. You should take rest until you are cured. Eat light nutritive diet, drink lot of boiled water and have a habit of wearing a mask to avoid repeat problem due to allergy. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.