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Suggest Treatment For Dry Cough And Ear Aches
Question: Onset of dry cough 3 days ago. Got really bad Friday. Finally went to monitor clinic. Slight fever, 99.4. Headache, squishy left ear, headache, no ear ache. Last night one hour of severe chills. Headache now, weak, body does not ache. Feverish.
Brief Answer:
Following advice on easing cold symptoms...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am sorry for the bad health situation you are going through.
Your case:
- 66 years old male
- symptoms: dry cough, slight fever (99.4), headache, squishy left ear, severe chills, feverish
- already seen a doctor
- current medications :Levaquin (levofloxacin)
From what you are describing, you are going through a bad cold (viral infection of upper respiratory tract).
Levaquin is an antibiotic and if your doctor prescribed it, that is because a bacterial infection has been noted after physical examination or possible ear infection (if he/she checked them).
Squishy left ear could be due to clogged Eustachian tube due to inflammation and congestion.
I advise to:
- take cough suppressant medications; they come in a combination pill for cold and flu you might found over the counter (e.g. dextromethorphan).
- antihistamines like Benadryl-D
- antacids to stabilize stomach pH which becomes acidic when having a flu
- acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the headache and fever
- vapo rub topical ointment applying on chest and back to ease congestion
- can use vapo rub on boiling water and inhale as aerosol-therapy
- lots of rest
- plenty of fluids
- vitamin c supplementation
If still no improvement, should get rechecked by your doctor.
Wish fast recovery.
Dr.Albana
Following advice on easing cold symptoms...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am sorry for the bad health situation you are going through.
Your case:
- 66 years old male
- symptoms: dry cough, slight fever (99.4), headache, squishy left ear, severe chills, feverish
- already seen a doctor
- current medications :Levaquin (levofloxacin)
From what you are describing, you are going through a bad cold (viral infection of upper respiratory tract).
Levaquin is an antibiotic and if your doctor prescribed it, that is because a bacterial infection has been noted after physical examination or possible ear infection (if he/she checked them).
Squishy left ear could be due to clogged Eustachian tube due to inflammation and congestion.
I advise to:
- take cough suppressant medications; they come in a combination pill for cold and flu you might found over the counter (e.g. dextromethorphan).
- antihistamines like Benadryl-D
- antacids to stabilize stomach pH which becomes acidic when having a flu
- acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the headache and fever
- vapo rub topical ointment applying on chest and back to ease congestion
- can use vapo rub on boiling water and inhale as aerosol-therapy
- lots of rest
- plenty of fluids
- vitamin c supplementation
If still no improvement, should get rechecked by your doctor.
Wish fast recovery.
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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