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Suggest Treatment For Head Congestion, Cough And Stiffness Of Neck
Question: I've had a cold/flu virus for the past few weeks that seems to have mostly subsided, except for a bit of head congestion and cough. However, for the past week I've had a vicious pain/stiffness in the back of my neck and cranium that is only eased when I take cold medication.
I'm wondering if it is in fact some kind of flu virus that is connected with the cold/flu virus I had/have, or if it is something for which I should seek medical attention?
When I take the cold meds, the pain/stiffness virtually disappear until the meds wear off and then they reappear with a vengeance, and they haven't subsided for over a week. It's very painful and distracting from my daily activities and work.
I have no fever or other symptoms, other than a slight remaining cough at times, and a little remaining congestion.
Thanks,
XXXX
I'm wondering if it is in fact some kind of flu virus that is connected with the cold/flu virus I had/have, or if it is something for which I should seek medical attention?
When I take the cold meds, the pain/stiffness virtually disappear until the meds wear off and then they reappear with a vengeance, and they haven't subsided for over a week. It's very painful and distracting from my daily activities and work.
I have no fever or other symptoms, other than a slight remaining cough at times, and a little remaining congestion.
Thanks,
XXXX
Brief Answer:
need some details to guide you better
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank You for contacting HCM. My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.
I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. There could be a numer of causes for yo complaint. I Woul db eain aetter position to guide you anything if you answer willowning questions please:
1. since when are having this problem?
2. did it start after taking some food or drink?
3. do you have diabetes, hypertension or other illness?
4. any history of fever? if yes then how much?
5. are you on any medication?
6. any other complaint that you would like to share?
I will be looking forward for the answers to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours.
Thank You
need some details to guide you better
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank You for contacting HCM. My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.
I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. There could be a numer of causes for yo complaint. I Woul db eain aetter position to guide you anything if you answer willowning questions please:
1. since when are having this problem?
2. did it start after taking some food or drink?
3. do you have diabetes, hypertension or other illness?
4. any history of fever? if yes then how much?
5. are you on any medication?
6. any other complaint that you would like to share?
I will be looking forward for the answers to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. Rauf,
I will answer your questions, however, some of them are actually answered quite specifically in the information I already provided, so I'm not sure how to better answer them...?
1. Please see my email for a description of the length of my initial cold/flu (several weeks), and then this started happening, and I have had it for over a week now.
2. No.
3. No.
4. No.
5. As I said in the email, yes, I have been taking Tylenol Cold/Flu (daytime and nighttime). I thought for a bit it might be an allergic reaction, so tried some Sudafed (the package described relief for "pressure/pain", which describes what I am feeling in my head/cranium and back of neck), but it didn't seem to work nearly as well as the Tylenol, so I switched back to it.
6. This head pain feels like a "shower cap" of pressure...my entire skull radiates with the pain, and it seems to be coming from the back of my neck.
I did also have a workout injury near the time that hurt the right side of my neck, but I sought immediate treatment from my regular chiropracter and followed his instructions for icing it. That neck injury seems resolved.
But this pain goes away when I take the cold medication, and comes back when it wears off. I still have some congestion in both my nasal cavity and a bit in my chest, and am coughing a bit.
Does this help?
Thank you
XXXX
I will answer your questions, however, some of them are actually answered quite specifically in the information I already provided, so I'm not sure how to better answer them...?
1. Please see my email for a description of the length of my initial cold/flu (several weeks), and then this started happening, and I have had it for over a week now.
2. No.
3. No.
4. No.
5. As I said in the email, yes, I have been taking Tylenol Cold/Flu (daytime and nighttime). I thought for a bit it might be an allergic reaction, so tried some Sudafed (the package described relief for "pressure/pain", which describes what I am feeling in my head/cranium and back of neck), but it didn't seem to work nearly as well as the Tylenol, so I switched back to it.
6. This head pain feels like a "shower cap" of pressure...my entire skull radiates with the pain, and it seems to be coming from the back of my neck.
I did also have a workout injury near the time that hurt the right side of my neck, but I sought immediate treatment from my regular chiropracter and followed his instructions for icing it. That neck injury seems resolved.
But this pain goes away when I take the cold medication, and comes back when it wears off. I still have some congestion in both my nasal cavity and a bit in my chest, and am coughing a bit.
Does this help?
Thank you
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Most probably unresolved viral flu
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank you for getting back with the answers. I'm sorry for repeating the questions. Your symptoms are reappearing because they are not being treated completely. Neck stiffness is usually associated with flu as muscular spasm occurs in it. If i were your treating doctor then i would have advised following things:
- Cetirizine one at night for 5 days
- naproxen twice a day for 3 days
- Take Diphenhydramine + Dextromethorphan - 1 TSF thrice a day for cough.
- Take hot water in a cup, add 1 table spoon salt in it. Perform gargles (mouth wash) with it three times a day for at least 3 days. It will give soothing effect.
- Take boiling water in a pot, put your head over the steam and cover whole with a sheet. Take deep breaths in it.(Avoid getting closer else it might cause burn). Do this twice a day.
AVOID:
> Chilled water
> Drinks
> Spicy food
> Dust
At this moment i would not suggest antibiotic therapy because viral infection usually resolves itself until or unless there is superadded bacterial infection. If condition does not improve or aggravates in 3-4 days then i would suggest you to visit hospital & get an appointment for a "Consultant ENT Specialist" for prescription medicines.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!
Most probably unresolved viral flu
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank you for getting back with the answers. I'm sorry for repeating the questions. Your symptoms are reappearing because they are not being treated completely. Neck stiffness is usually associated with flu as muscular spasm occurs in it. If i were your treating doctor then i would have advised following things:
- Cetirizine one at night for 5 days
- naproxen twice a day for 3 days
- Take Diphenhydramine + Dextromethorphan - 1 TSF thrice a day for cough.
- Take hot water in a cup, add 1 table spoon salt in it. Perform gargles (mouth wash) with it three times a day for at least 3 days. It will give soothing effect.
- Take boiling water in a pot, put your head over the steam and cover whole with a sheet. Take deep breaths in it.(Avoid getting closer else it might cause burn). Do this twice a day.
AVOID:
> Chilled water
> Drinks
> Spicy food
> Dust
At this moment i would not suggest antibiotic therapy because viral infection usually resolves itself until or unless there is superadded bacterial infection. If condition does not improve or aggravates in 3-4 days then i would suggest you to visit hospital & get an appointment for a "Consultant ENT Specialist" for prescription medicines.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you very much.
That makes sense to me, and I will follow.
I appreciate your help very much!
I'm sorry - I am new to this and thought I could thank you as a reply and still close the file but that option has now disappeared. I assume you now need to reply to me in order for me to have the "close and rate" option appear again...sorry!
That makes sense to me, and I will follow.
I appreciate your help very much!
I'm sorry - I am new to this and thought I could thank you as a reply and still close the file but that option has now disappeared. I assume you now need to reply to me in order for me to have the "close and rate" option appear again...sorry!
Brief Answer:
You are welcome
Detailed Answer:
hello
you are most welcome. i'll be available 24/7 for if you need any help. dont forget to close the discussion and rate it.
wishing you good health
You are welcome
Detailed Answer:
hello
you are most welcome. i'll be available 24/7 for if you need any help. dont forget to close the discussion and rate it.
wishing you good health
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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