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Have Headache And Mucus In Throat After Flu Infection. What Should I Do For Cure?

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Posted on Wed, 20 Feb 2013
Question: scary flu I have had the flu for 4 days and I'm feeling better but still having headaches and now I have mucus in the back of my throat that feels like glue and its a grey color its making it hard to swallow which is triggering my anxiety I haven't slept for 24 hours cause when I lay down it gets worse what do I do I'm scared I do smoke and I'm 35 Yr. old female.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Nsah Bernard (2 hours later)
Hi,

From your description you are presenting with pharyngitis which is just an extension of your flu syndrome probably due to a viral infection. At this point I will prefer that you pay a visit to your doctor who would do a throat swap + culture and determine the kind of microorganism causing the throat infection.

A course of antibiotics (such as amoxicillin+clavulinic acid) + analgesics for the headache (such as acetaminophen) + mucolytic to suppress the mucus production ( such as acetylcysteine/carbocysteine).

A fibroscopy might be needed if symptoms persist despite above management plan to rule out laryngeal or pharyngeal tumor ( since you are a known smoker).

There is no need for anxiety, it might just be a viral infection that will cool off within a couple of days and if bacteria infection, antibiotics will take care of that.

Do visit an ENT specialist or doctor to examine you properly and provide you with adequate treatment.

Hope this helps.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Follow up: Dr. Nsah Bernard (4 hours later)
I had one more thing too when I lay on my stomach and try to sleep its like my brain forgets to tell me to breath and I just end up gasping for air every few mins then I roll over on my back and my throat fills up with the gluey mucus I feel like I can't win for losing
doctor
Answered by Dr. Nsah Bernard (13 minutes later)
Hi,
Nasal obstruction due to mucus is provoking the difficulty breathing order wise known as orthopnea. The stomach is simply an aggravating factor. Try lying on your back at semi-recumbent position to reduce the gravity on your chest and allow your airway to be liberated. A nasal decongestant is well indicated here. Antihistamines such as chlopheniramine/phenylephidrine are recommended.
You will have to pay a visit to your doctor soonest as your situation can aggravate to a lung infection or pneumonia.

Thank you
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Nsah Bernard

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 1704 Questions

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Have Headache And Mucus In Throat After Flu Infection. What Should I Do For Cure?

Hi,

From your description you are presenting with pharyngitis which is just an extension of your flu syndrome probably due to a viral infection. At this point I will prefer that you pay a visit to your doctor who would do a throat swap + culture and determine the kind of microorganism causing the throat infection.

A course of antibiotics (such as amoxicillin+clavulinic acid) + analgesics for the headache (such as acetaminophen) + mucolytic to suppress the mucus production ( such as acetylcysteine/carbocysteine).

A fibroscopy might be needed if symptoms persist despite above management plan to rule out laryngeal or pharyngeal tumor ( since you are a known smoker).

There is no need for anxiety, it might just be a viral infection that will cool off within a couple of days and if bacteria infection, antibiotics will take care of that.

Do visit an ENT specialist or doctor to examine you properly and provide you with adequate treatment.

Hope this helps.