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Suggest Treatment For Intermittent Sinus Congestion, Runny Nose And Clear, Yellow Mucus
Question: Nearly 3 weeks ago I went diving and realized I had slight sinus congestion that made it difficult to clear my ears when descending underwater. I had to work harder than normal to clear my ears for 4 dives, and had 'snot' in my mask when I came up (gross). After that I developed intermittent sinus congestion and runny nose, and discharge is intermittently clear/light yellow. Then it progressed into my lungs. I think I have a 'productive cough', It stems from my lungs, which sound raspy. If I laugh, it induces a cough. My throat doesn't hurt. I'm worried that it has lingered so long. I'm doing green juices, Vitamin C, herb/lemon/honey tea, and rest. Is this likely viral or bacterial? Do I need to get anything tested, or can you advise me? (Thank you!!!)
Brief Answer:
It's more like a bacterial one, better to see a doctor
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Most of the times these infection are viral and resolve itself, However if this has been for 3 weeks then it's important to take it a bit more seriously.
Viral infection mostly end up in a week time and we advise pts if symptoms persists beyond this time, the may indicate a bacterial infection. Other features suggestive of bacterial infection include phlegm with cough or purulent discharge from ear or nose.
So in your case, though it does not look to be serious illness (until you have high grade fever, or severe cough, or difficulty in breathing), but we have good reasons to think about bacterial infection here.
Personally I would advise, now you should talk to your doctor who would assess you in details specially to examine you for any signs of infection in chest or throat .And if needed to give you antibiotics on time.
There are certain viral infection of nose and throat that can be prolong so he may also check for that if needed.
An X-ray of chest may be advisable. Rest of tests may be needed after your doctor examine you in more details.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you have any question to ask. Good luck and wish you a quick recovery.
Regards,
Dr. Rahman
It's more like a bacterial one, better to see a doctor
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Most of the times these infection are viral and resolve itself, However if this has been for 3 weeks then it's important to take it a bit more seriously.
Viral infection mostly end up in a week time and we advise pts if symptoms persists beyond this time, the may indicate a bacterial infection. Other features suggestive of bacterial infection include phlegm with cough or purulent discharge from ear or nose.
So in your case, though it does not look to be serious illness (until you have high grade fever, or severe cough, or difficulty in breathing), but we have good reasons to think about bacterial infection here.
Personally I would advise, now you should talk to your doctor who would assess you in details specially to examine you for any signs of infection in chest or throat .And if needed to give you antibiotics on time.
There are certain viral infection of nose and throat that can be prolong so he may also check for that if needed.
An X-ray of chest may be advisable. Rest of tests may be needed after your doctor examine you in more details.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you have any question to ask. Good luck and wish you a quick recovery.
Regards,
Dr. Rahman
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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