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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Cough And Excessive Mucus In The Throat
Question: I have had a very bad cough for three weeks. For the last ten day a lot of mucus coming out of nose. I saw a dr. Four days ago who diagnosed sinus infection. X-rays show lungs clear. I am on amoxicillin the last four days 875 mg two times a day . It does not seem to get better. Lots of mucus coming out tonight. Took mutineers 1200 mg tonight . Was taking orbit using cough chest congestion capsules.
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I'm sorry you have been sick so long.
Most sinus infections will run their course in 3 weeks.
If you have no fever, and if the mucus is mostly clear (except when you get up in the morning) I recommend the following:
1. Sinus rinses with either a nettipot or Simply Saline. Turn your head to the side and bend over the sink, then spray or pour in the saline into the upper nostril until it runs out of the other nostril. After you wipe your nose, turn your head and repeat with the other nostril. Try not to blow your nose hard afterwards as the fluid can back up into the ears. If possible, do this twice a day.
2. Consider a decongestant during the day, such as pseudoephedrine. This is kept behind the pharmacist's counter and requires a sign in, but no prescription. It will help dry up the secretions. Do not take it if you have any cardiovascular problems, and if you are on daily meds for any illness, check with the pharmacist to make sure they are compatible. Most are with this medication.
3. Use a steroid nasal spray such as Flonase. This can help stabilize the sinus mucus membranes. It will take a few days of daily use to have a noticeable effect. And don't use it within a half hour to an hour before or after the saline wash as the combination will just make the Flonase drip down into your stomach where it won't help your sinuses.
4. If the cough keeps you up at night, ask your doctor for a potent cough suppressant with codeine in it.
You mentioned that you took mutineers and orbits. I am not familiar with these medications and cannot find them in any of my references. Can you please clarify?
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I'm sorry you have been sick so long.
Most sinus infections will run their course in 3 weeks.
If you have no fever, and if the mucus is mostly clear (except when you get up in the morning) I recommend the following:
1. Sinus rinses with either a nettipot or Simply Saline. Turn your head to the side and bend over the sink, then spray or pour in the saline into the upper nostril until it runs out of the other nostril. After you wipe your nose, turn your head and repeat with the other nostril. Try not to blow your nose hard afterwards as the fluid can back up into the ears. If possible, do this twice a day.
2. Consider a decongestant during the day, such as pseudoephedrine. This is kept behind the pharmacist's counter and requires a sign in, but no prescription. It will help dry up the secretions. Do not take it if you have any cardiovascular problems, and if you are on daily meds for any illness, check with the pharmacist to make sure they are compatible. Most are with this medication.
3. Use a steroid nasal spray such as Flonase. This can help stabilize the sinus mucus membranes. It will take a few days of daily use to have a noticeable effect. And don't use it within a half hour to an hour before or after the saline wash as the combination will just make the Flonase drip down into your stomach where it won't help your sinuses.
4. If the cough keeps you up at night, ask your doctor for a potent cough suppressant with codeine in it.
You mentioned that you took mutineers and orbits. I am not familiar with these medications and cannot find them in any of my references. Can you please clarify?
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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