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Suggest Treatment For Cold, Sore Throat And Cough Indicate?
Question: I have had a cold, with sore throat, cough, and some nasal issues. My eyes are red and watery, one side being much worse. Do I need to go on antibiotics?
Brief Answer:
fever, severe or persistent cough, malaise, fatigue-antibiotics
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Most cases of cough and cold are viral not bacterial and do not require antibiotics.
It can sometimes be difficult to determine if antibiotics are needed but in general : (1) if there is a high or prolonged fever. Fever can occur in viral illness but in a bacterial infection it would last longer.
(2)sore throat is severe and not improving. Viral infection is the most common reason for sore throat but if it is very severe and there has been no change by day 3 to 5 or there has been worsening , then there may be a bacterial infection needing antibiotics
(3)feeling very weak and lethargic
(4)persistent or severe cough, very wet cough
One side may be worse than the other because of sinus congestion.
If any of these are the case, then yes, you definitely should be on antibiotics. You should see your doctor so that a course can be prescribed for you.
If the symptoms are not as above, then antibiotics may not be needed.
It can take 1 to 2 weeks for viral symptoms to resolve.
Treatment may involve: (1) rest , fluids- the fluids help break up the thickness of any secretions so that they can be expelled
(2)dayquil cold and flu, dayquil severe cold and flu and dayquil sinex all contain a decongestant which would be helpful for sinus congestion and may help reduce the cough (reduces mucus drip which can stimulate cough)
(3)a cough suppressant is in the nyquil and dayquil cold flu, severe cold flu.
(4)a warm compress not hot to the congested side of the face would help with drainage
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
fever, severe or persistent cough, malaise, fatigue-antibiotics
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Most cases of cough and cold are viral not bacterial and do not require antibiotics.
It can sometimes be difficult to determine if antibiotics are needed but in general : (1) if there is a high or prolonged fever. Fever can occur in viral illness but in a bacterial infection it would last longer.
(2)sore throat is severe and not improving. Viral infection is the most common reason for sore throat but if it is very severe and there has been no change by day 3 to 5 or there has been worsening , then there may be a bacterial infection needing antibiotics
(3)feeling very weak and lethargic
(4)persistent or severe cough, very wet cough
One side may be worse than the other because of sinus congestion.
If any of these are the case, then yes, you definitely should be on antibiotics. You should see your doctor so that a course can be prescribed for you.
If the symptoms are not as above, then antibiotics may not be needed.
It can take 1 to 2 weeks for viral symptoms to resolve.
Treatment may involve: (1) rest , fluids- the fluids help break up the thickness of any secretions so that they can be expelled
(2)dayquil cold and flu, dayquil severe cold and flu and dayquil sinex all contain a decongestant which would be helpful for sinus congestion and may help reduce the cough (reduces mucus drip which can stimulate cough)
(3)a cough suppressant is in the nyquil and dayquil cold flu, severe cold flu.
(4)a warm compress not hot to the congested side of the face would help with drainage
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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