Suggest Treatment For Cough Along With Nausea And Headaches

Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015

Question: Hello Dr. Rynne,

My mother who is 75 years old has been coughing all weekend and today she is complaining of nausea and headaches. I checked her pulse (117/71).... Any idea what's going on?

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
seem to be a viral infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query and understand your concern about your mother.

Considering her symptoms of cough ,headache,weakness ,nausea ,it seems that she might have a viral infection of upper respiratory tract.
Usually this is a self-limiting condition that doesn't require specific treatment.Usually symptoms can last up to 10 days and then resolve on their own.
She need a lot of rest ,to eat healthy and drink plenty of fluids.
She can take Ibuprofen or Paracetamol for symptomatic relief.
If the cough is productive (with phlegm ) steam inhalation and a mucolytic agent like Ambroxol can help by thinning the mucus so it is more easy to clear it up.

If her symptoms get worse ( high fever ,persistent cough with green -yellow phlegm ) or doesn't seem to improve in 5-7 days ,then she may need to consult a physician for examination.

Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubt to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (14 minutes later)

Dr. Murati,

Thank you for your help and explanation. We took her to a wellness clinic and received the same diagnosis and treatment. We will work on resolving her viral infection per your recommendation. Hopefully, it's not anything major we have to worry about going forward.

Again, thank you for your diagnosis and explanation.

Very Respectfully,

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
you are welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

You are totally welcome.

You don't need to worry.Usually a viral infection will resolve on it's own without causing any major complication and she will feel better after some days.

I wish your mother a quick and complete recovery.
All the best,

Dr.Rovena

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (40 minutes later)

Hello Dr. Rovena!

I've never used healthcaremagic.com until today and to be honest with you I was a bit hesitant. You've alleviated my fears with your quick reply. Thank you!

There is one question that bothers me... Her doctor has her on high blood pressure medication but she has normal blood pressure. I'm concerned that with her osteoporosis medication, her vitamins and blood pressure medications may be a bit much. Should she limit or stop her blood pressure medication until there's indication of elevated blood pressure levels?

Very Respectfully,

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I apologize for the delay in answering your follow up query.

Her doctor has prescribed her medication for hypertension after confirming that she has high values of blood pressure.
Hypertension is a chronic condition and once it is established it requires life-long treatment.
The aim of the treatment is to achieve normal values of blood pressure (around 120/80) so it is a good thing that she have normal blood pressure.
If she stop taking the treatment ,her blood pressure will increase.
It is very important for her to take regularly the medication in order to keep a normal blood pressure.

If her blood pressure is low (under 120/80) most of the time and she has symptoms of hypotension like weakness,fatigue, dizziness etc ,you should discuss it with her treating doctor to lower the dosage of the medication.

Hope this is helpful to you.

Please feel free to ask if you have any other question.I will be happy to help.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (2 days later)

Dr. Rovena,

Hello again as well.... Sorry for the late reply. Unfortunately, I was not able to get to my computer due to my busy schedule.

Yes, lowering the dosage on her blood pressure medication definitely makes sense. We discuss this issue on her next doctor's visit.

Again, thank you for your insightful response and alleviating some of my concerns. I will definitely pass your recommendations to my mother.

Have a great day!

Very Respectfully,

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

You are welcome .
It was my pleasure answering your question.I hope that your mother get well soon.

I wish you and your mother all the best.

All the best,

Dr.Rovena

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar