Suggest Treatment For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Posted on Tue, 13 Jan 2015

Question: My wife and I just returned from Cuba. The very day we got back we both are feeling ill with a few symptoms being the same and a few differences. I have a bad cough, stuffed up, get shakes feeling like I'm cold then get very warm, sleep a lot on and off throughout the day, feel exhausted by the time I walk up the stairs, feel very thirsty throught the day, my wife has a lot of the same except she doesn't have the congestion but headaches instead.

Answered by Dr. Praveen (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It’s mostly URTI. Steam inhalation and antibiotic shall help.

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear. Thanks for your query.

Your symptoms are suggestive of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) with infection and inflammation of sinus. I am pretty sure that mostly both of you are having URTI though your wife do not have headache.

If I were your treating doctor I would suggest you:

a. Steam inhalation 2-4 times/day for 2-3 days. This will clear the congestion/stuffiness and frees the sinus and restores their normal function. Hot soup and cough lozenges soothe your throat.

b. Avoid cold food and drink items.

c. Suggest protective covering like gloves, muffler, sweater ect.

d. Suggest Tab. Levofloxacin 500mg(antibiotic) twice daily for 5 days to be taken after food for both; in addition with Paracetamol 500mg thrice daily for 5 days after food.

Antibiotic is a prescribed medication hence I suggest you visit your primary doctor for clinical examination and prescription.

Feel free to reach for further queries. Get well soon

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju