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Is Painful Cough And Sore Throat Indicative Of A Respiratory Tract Infection?
Question: Since returning from a trip (by air), I’ve developed a very painful cough and sore throat. Additionally, I’ve been running a low-grade fever (101) and producing a lot of phlegm. My whole body aches, too
Brief Answer:
a respiratory tract infection - probably bronchitis
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Your symptoms sound like a viral infection probably bronchitis as the production of a phlegm and painful cough are common presenting symptoms along with the fever.
Body aches commonly accompany fever and sore throat is a common symptom of many respiratory tract infections.
Although a viral bronchitis is a self-limited disease in most cases (more than 90%) other more serious infections may present with the same symptoms, for example, pneumonia. Your doctor may discover signs of more serious disease with clinical examination.
So in conclusion, my suggestion for you is to visit your doctor for clinical examination.
Although your symptoms usually seem to be due to acute viral bronchitis, the diagnosis is not certain and requires further investigation starting with clinical examination.
Until then you can use Paracetamol (Acetaminophen 650mg three times daily after some food) for the fever and body aches.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Panagiotis Zografakis, Internal Medicine Specialist
a respiratory tract infection - probably bronchitis
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Your symptoms sound like a viral infection probably bronchitis as the production of a phlegm and painful cough are common presenting symptoms along with the fever.
Body aches commonly accompany fever and sore throat is a common symptom of many respiratory tract infections.
Although a viral bronchitis is a self-limited disease in most cases (more than 90%) other more serious infections may present with the same symptoms, for example, pneumonia. Your doctor may discover signs of more serious disease with clinical examination.
So in conclusion, my suggestion for you is to visit your doctor for clinical examination.
Although your symptoms usually seem to be due to acute viral bronchitis, the diagnosis is not certain and requires further investigation starting with clinical examination.
Until then you can use Paracetamol (Acetaminophen 650mg three times daily after some food) for the fever and body aches.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Panagiotis Zografakis, Internal Medicine Specialist
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. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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