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Suggest Treatment For Dry Cough And Irritation In Throat

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Posted on Mon, 25 May 2015
Question: My wife has been suffering from allergies for several days and has been taking an over the counter remedy. She seems to be getting better. As far as I know, I do not have any serious allergies, although I suppose everyone is likely to be allergic to something or other. However, for the last two days I have been having a dry cough. No mucus. Same as my wife. It seems to come out if nowhere. There's no tickle in the throat. I just start to hack. I'm taking a throat lozenge at the moment, and that seems to be helping. I haven't hacked since I started about 10 minutes ago. Any suggestions for dealing with this?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It can be due to mild viral respiratory infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for asking HCM.

I have gone through your query. Your wife had irritation for some days and now you are having. So your problem can be due to some mild viral respiratory infection. Even viral infections also can give allergy.

In such case symptomatic treatment with antihistamines like benadryl and throat lozenges will be helpful. Also avoid cold drinks and smoking. Taking warm fluids like chicken soup with pepper and lemon tea will be helpful. You can also take chewable vitamin C.

Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Nishad BN (25 hours later)
I took Dayquil and that seemed to provide some relief. However, I now occasionally cough up some phlegm. It is not the usual gray-green; it is somewhat reddish. Is that unusual or a cause for concern?

I also have a sore throat that makes it difficult to speak at a normal level.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Viral respiratory infection can last 5 to 7 days.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.

Thank you for your follow up query.

Viral respiratory infection can last for 5 to 7 days. Somewhat reddish color in sputum is most likely from throat. This is usual. But if the redness increase or sputum become yellow or green then it is due to secondary bacterial infection and such case you should consult your GP for antibiotic therapy.

Take warm fluids. You can take steam inhalation and warm saline gargle. You can take dayquil also. Also get some rest.

Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta
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Answered by
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Dr. Nishad BN

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 5482 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Dry Cough And Irritation In Throat

Brief Answer: It can be due to mild viral respiratory infection. Detailed Answer: Hi Thank you for asking HCM. I have gone through your query. Your wife had irritation for some days and now you are having. So your problem can be due to some mild viral respiratory infection. Even viral infections also can give allergy. In such case symptomatic treatment with antihistamines like benadryl and throat lozenges will be helpful. Also avoid cold drinks and smoking. Taking warm fluids like chicken soup with pepper and lemon tea will be helpful. You can also take chewable vitamin C. Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear. Thanks.