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How Can Uncontrollable Coughing Fits, Constant Phlegm In The Throat, Continuous Sneezing And Runny Nose Be Treated?
Question: UNCONTROLABE COUGHING, SPITTING UP THICK FLIM NO BLOOD. STARTED OUT CONSTANNT SNEEZING AND RUNNY NOSE. HAD SURGERY FOR SPURS ON NECK MARCH 2017. CLEAR FLUID KEPT COMING FROM WOUND. DR. SAID IT WOULD STOP. IT DIDN`T AND I COLLAPSED AT HOME. HE WENT IN AGAIN AND CLEANED IT UP, MEANTIME MY BRAINSWELLED AND I WAS IN HOSPITAL ALMOST 2 MONTHS
Brief Answer:
Rest, fluids, antihistamine/decongestants, mucolytic.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The presence of a runny nose, sneezing and coughing usually imply a viral or bacterial infection of the respiratory tract (cold/flu).
In most cases, the infection is viral but in some persons, a bacteria can also be present and antibiotics are needed.
The medication lists Spiriva which is usually used in COPD. The presence of COPD can sometimes complicate simple infections so you may need to be assessed if you do have COPD.
With most viral respiratory tract infections, treatment consists of --
(1) rest,
(2) fluids (helps to keep hydrated and breaks up the mucus so can be expelled easier),
(3) a mucolytic to break up the mucus eg Mucinex. Initially, as your body tries to get rid of the mucus, coughing may increase.
(4) a topical decongestant such as normal saline would decrease the nasal symptoms. Can also use an antihistamine to try and decrease nasal symptoms
Though the complication from surgery was no doubt distressing, it is not likely related.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Rest, fluids, antihistamine/decongestants, mucolytic.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The presence of a runny nose, sneezing and coughing usually imply a viral or bacterial infection of the respiratory tract (cold/flu).
In most cases, the infection is viral but in some persons, a bacteria can also be present and antibiotics are needed.
The medication lists Spiriva which is usually used in COPD. The presence of COPD can sometimes complicate simple infections so you may need to be assessed if you do have COPD.
With most viral respiratory tract infections, treatment consists of --
(1) rest,
(2) fluids (helps to keep hydrated and breaks up the mucus so can be expelled easier),
(3) a mucolytic to break up the mucus eg Mucinex. Initially, as your body tries to get rid of the mucus, coughing may increase.
(4) a topical decongestant such as normal saline would decrease the nasal symptoms. Can also use an antihistamine to try and decrease nasal symptoms
Though the complication from surgery was no doubt distressing, it is not likely related.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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