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Have Cough, Sinus Infection, Swollen Uvula And Chest Congestion. Am I Contagious?
Question: Hi I am feeling sick , I am a fitness director and do not want to get anyone else sick,am I contagious .
My symptoms are ,congestion in my chest and sinuses ,coughing , and a swollen uvula
Thank you
My symptoms are ,congestion in my chest and sinuses ,coughing , and a swollen uvula
Thank you
Hi
Thanks for posting the query
After going through the history, I am of the opinion that you could be suffering from acute upper respiratory tract infection with pharyngitis.
If this problem has started recently, then it could be of viral etiology. Viral infection can be contagious sometimes. Do not worry! With appropriate measures this can be taken care of.
My advice to you is:
1. Drink plenty of warm water, this keeps the nasal and throat mucosa moist and reduces the inflammation.
2. Use saline nasal spray followed by steam inhalation 3-4 times a day. Saline spray will keep the mucosa moist and helps in clearing of the nasal secretions. While, steam inhalation opens up the clogged sinuses and clears of the stagnated secretions.
3. Use an anti-inflammatory medicine such as diclofenac or ibuprofen to reduce the uvular swelling and the pain.
4. If the symptoms do not subside with the above measures you will require potent oral antibiotic such as a combination of amoxycillin+ clavulanic acid or cefuroxime.
5. Maintain voice rest for few days till the uvular edema subsides.
6. Avoid forceful clearing of the nose and throat.
7. Avoid sleeping under the fan or in front of the air conditioner.
8. Avoid smoking hot/cold food and beverages and coffee for few days till you recover.
Hope this answers your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Thanks for posting the query
After going through the history, I am of the opinion that you could be suffering from acute upper respiratory tract infection with pharyngitis.
If this problem has started recently, then it could be of viral etiology. Viral infection can be contagious sometimes. Do not worry! With appropriate measures this can be taken care of.
My advice to you is:
1. Drink plenty of warm water, this keeps the nasal and throat mucosa moist and reduces the inflammation.
2. Use saline nasal spray followed by steam inhalation 3-4 times a day. Saline spray will keep the mucosa moist and helps in clearing of the nasal secretions. While, steam inhalation opens up the clogged sinuses and clears of the stagnated secretions.
3. Use an anti-inflammatory medicine such as diclofenac or ibuprofen to reduce the uvular swelling and the pain.
4. If the symptoms do not subside with the above measures you will require potent oral antibiotic such as a combination of amoxycillin+ clavulanic acid or cefuroxime.
5. Maintain voice rest for few days till the uvular edema subsides.
6. Avoid forceful clearing of the nose and throat.
7. Avoid sleeping under the fan or in front of the air conditioner.
8. Avoid smoking hot/cold food and beverages and coffee for few days till you recover.
Hope this answers your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2545 Questions
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