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I Have What Feels Like A Cold But Not Sure.
Question: I have what feels like a cold but not sure. Runny nose, cough, slight headache, etc. I’m taking Delsym for cough and Flonase for runny nose. I had radiation the end of March and my doctor said that if I have pneumonia type symptoms, it could be from the radiation. So, my question is what are my symptoms indicative of?
Brief Answer:
It's unlikely to be pnemonia, more like flue
Detailed Answer:
Hi and Welcome to "Ask A Doctor " service .Thanks for suing this app.I have read your question and here is my advice.
This is right that radiation may cause inflamation in the lungs what we call "radiation pnemonitis" in some people. However your symtoms are more like a flue and not those of radiation pnemonitis.
Radiation pnemonitis generlly occurs with in first few months and is more symtpomic and prolonged. It causes cough , chest pain , Fever , shortness of breath for a long times not resolving .
Your symtpoms are typical of a cold. So you should not worry alot .Take more fluids and avoid too much work .Continue same drugs.You can use paracetamol for headache or fever if needed.
You shoud go to your doctor if it does not settle in 5 days, or you have shortness of breath, or prulent discharge from throat , or too much phlemn with the cough .But in hope this won't be needed.
It's unlikely to be pnemonia, more like flue
Detailed Answer:
Hi and Welcome to "Ask A Doctor " service .Thanks for suing this app.I have read your question and here is my advice.
This is right that radiation may cause inflamation in the lungs what we call "radiation pnemonitis" in some people. However your symtoms are more like a flue and not those of radiation pnemonitis.
Radiation pnemonitis generlly occurs with in first few months and is more symtpomic and prolonged. It causes cough , chest pain , Fever , shortness of breath for a long times not resolving .
Your symtpoms are typical of a cold. So you should not worry alot .Take more fluids and avoid too much work .Continue same drugs.You can use paracetamol for headache or fever if needed.
You shoud go to your doctor if it does not settle in 5 days, or you have shortness of breath, or prulent discharge from throat , or too much phlemn with the cough .But in hope this won't be needed.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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