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Suggest Treatment For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Posted on Wed, 11 Mar 2015

Question: Good Evening. I'm trying to assess my symtoms online but my computer is not showing all the options. There is a wave of influenza and pneumonia in the greater XXXXXXX CA area. I take care of an elderly client and we've been to Kaiser many times over the past 6 weeks where I likely came in contact with whatever 'hit me' last Tuesday. I had chills, fever, extreme headache and lethargy. First night I "baked" the 101.2 fever out of me (yippee) with Vitimin C, zinc, aspirin, water and 14-hours quality sleep. Initially I was experiencing burning sensation in my lungs (prior to fever). Some nasal congestion followed but I followed my same regime (still had to work both days). Important to note that I'm extremely fit - 55 years female, 5'1", 95#, no meds, no conditions. Additionally I stayed away from sugar, starches, alcohol or packaged food. I think that I've just about kicked this thing in four days when I hear that people are down for WEEKS, Question: I'm only at 80% (I feel) and I still have lung discomfort and a cough that's deep down in my lungs. Wouldn't I have a fever with pneumonia?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
pneumonia is less likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your situation and problem.
In my opinion you are having upper respiratory tract infection (URTI).
Because most of your symptoms like lethargy, fever, nasal congestion and cough are suggestive of URTI more.
Pneumonia is less likely in your case.
So try to follow these steps for better symptomatic relief.
1. Avoid hot, oily and spicy food.
2. Drink plenty of fluids.
3. Warm water gargles 5-6 times a day.
4. Start antihistamine and anti inflammatory drugs.
5. Start macrolide group of antibiotic, because it is having good coverage against URTI.
Since all these drugs are prescribed medicines, you need to consult doctor for these.
Take these treatment for 5-7 days, if you are not improving then get done chest x ray to rule out lung infection (pneumonia).
Otherwise no need to worry much for pneumonia. You will be alright.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (18 minutes later)

I'm excited that you may be of XXXXXXX (Ayurvedic) background. If not outside the realm of this forum, is there any ayurvedic information that you would be willing to provide?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
khas, lavinga and taj are the ayurvedic options.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on HCM.
Yes, I am an XXXXXXX origin doctor. And I do believe in ayurveda for common cold and cough.
Following are the options.
1. Taj
2. Lavinga
3. Aamla juice
4. Khas etc.
I don't know whether you get these or not.
It is also difficult to find them online.
I want to know your country.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (19 minutes later)

I am willing to take anti-inflammatories (although I seek nutritional equivalents and strive to maintain systemic anti-inflammatory state), I am highly reluctant to participate in antibiotics and very, very pleased to read your list of ayurvedic possibilities. I will check with friends tomorrow about any knowledge of accessibility within this area. Any references that you have; perhaps San Francisco? -- are greatly appreciated. There are some ayurvedic practioners within a 100 mi area to me.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer: XXXXXXX kanthil is also good.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, thanks for your follow up question on HCM.
Its great that you are having XXXXXXX and Pakistan origin friends.
Do ask them about XXXXXXX Kanthil. It is readymade mixture of all ayurvedic contents. It is in small rounded tablet form.
You should keep it under your mouth and let it dissolve slowly.
I want to know, what exactly are you doing?
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks

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

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (16 minutes later)

thank you so very much; I will learn more tomorrow and advise you. I'm very grateful for your time, experience and wisdom. I will share your answers with my friends and seek the recommendations that blessed me with. I picked your name in the choices of physicians online because I hoped that you would provide this level of *real medicine*. Blessing to you. I will be well soon.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
thanks a lot for kind words.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, thanks for your follow up query.
And thanks a lot for your kind words. I am truely obliged. And its my duty to help my patients and guide them properly. I am feeling honoured by your positive reply.
I am always ready to help you. You can ask me directly on bit.ly/askdrkaushalbhavsar.
And yes, I will definitely wait for your query tomorrow.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (44 hours later)

Hello again. I am feeling much better although I still have some fluid in my lungs that I just can't seem to 'cough up'. My friends found the Amla juice and I took some this evening in water. One friend phoned her Mother in XXXXXXX and gave a recipe to brown one teaspoon of khas khas in ghee, pour in milk and drink before bedtime. They could not find the other items that you listed and no one knows what is Lavinga?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Lavang or Clove is one of the XXXXXXX spices.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,

Thanks for your follow up query on HCM.

And its great that you are improving with symptoms. Great to hear XXXXXXX made recipe from you. Start it, you will feel better.

Lavang or clove is one of the XXXXXXX spices. We use it in food for taste and smell. If you keep it under mouth, it will slowly release and gives you soothing and refreshing effect like mouth fresheners.

Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.

Wish you good health.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (4 hours later)

Thank you Doctor. My friend made a strong tea for me with an enormous amount of ginger & clove in a tea base. I added some local honey to tolerate the taste. I drank the entire quart and I did feel better after. I have a wonderful healthcare team. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
have you added amla and khas?

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, thanks for your follow up on HCM.
And thanks for the kind words.
It gives great feeling to hear positive things from patients. I am truely obliged with your answers.
These will boost up my confidence and encourage me to do good work.
Thanks again.
Have you added amla and khas in it?
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health. Thanks.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D