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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Does Chest Congestion Persist?

It started suddenly as lung congestion and persistent cough when I wen to bed. The next day I had a fever, headaches and generalized weakness with some dizziness and impaired balance. Over several days all the symptoms subsided except for the lung congestion and night time cough. How long can I expect this to persist? When it finally disappears will I be totally well and no longer contagious? Thanks for your opinion.
Thu, 5 Jul 2018
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

By your history and description, possibility of post infectious bronchitis is more likely. Bronchitis is inflammation of airways. It causes chest congestion, coughing etc. It is commonly seen after viral upper respiratory tract infection (URTI - common cold). Usually it is self limiting in 1-2 weeks. So wait for 1-2 weeks more. You can do warm water gargles and steam inhalation 4-5 times a day. If symptoms persist or worsen then consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). PFT will not only diagnose bronchitis but it will also tell you about severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only. You may need inhaled bronchodilators (Formoterol or Salmeterol) and inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS) (budesonide or fluticasone).

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.


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How Long Does Chest Congestion Persist?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. By your history and description, possibility of post infectious bronchitis is more likely. Bronchitis is inflammation of airways. It causes chest congestion, coughing etc. It is commonly seen after viral upper respiratory tract infection (URTI - common cold). Usually it is self limiting in 1-2 weeks. So wait for 1-2 weeks more. You can do warm water gargles and steam inhalation 4-5 times a day. If symptoms persist or worsen then consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). PFT will not only diagnose bronchitis but it will also tell you about severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only. You may need inhaled bronchodilators (Formoterol or Salmeterol) and inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS) (budesonide or fluticasone). Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.