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What Causes Head And Chest Congestion Along With Constant Coughing?

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Posted on Mon, 3 Aug 2015
Question: I have had head and chest congestion along with constant coughing for about a month now. Went to the doctor, got a steriod shot, took another round of steriods in pill form, use cough medicine with codeine, and steriod nose drops. Nothing worked. One day I will seem to be better, and the next day it's all back again. Clear nasal fluid, but it's almost constant. I can't take over the counter meds because of all the arthritis and blood pressure meds I'm on. What can I do?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for asking on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would explain that first it is very important to properly differentiate between several upper respiratory inflammations: Is it a seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis? Is it an acute or chronic rhinosinusitis? A nasal polyposis? Or associated also with bronchial hyperactivity as well? Etc.

Probably, facing the fact your symptoms are persisting for weeks a seasonal or chronic allergy may be suspected. A comprehensive medical history review and special additional tests are necessary to clarify this issue.

Different clinical classifications show different responses to nasal or oral forms of antihistamines, steroids and other decongestants. For example, intranasal antihistamines appear to improve congestion better than oral forms, etc.

A second and very important issue, it to define the exact cause of respiratory inflammation. This will help to avoidance of environmental triggers where possible.

You need to discuss with an allergy specialist about the above issues, as properly defining the clinical form and possible etiological factor(s), may resolve the right therapy option dilemma to control the situation.

Pharmacotherapy, and immunotherapy sometimes are judge as appropriate together, but it remains on the attending doctor’s discretion to make the right decision.

advice is to visit an allergy specialist, as seems that we are facing a more complicated situation than just an acute allergy.

So, a well defined diagnosis leads to appropriate therapeutic solutions.

Hope to have been helpful to you!
Feel free to ask me whenever you need! Greetings! Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (4 days later)
I took the doctor's advice and saw an allergist. She diagnosed me with a severe sinus infection and prescribed an antibiotic. She also did blood work to determine the things I may be allergic to. Thank you for your suggestion. Although I am not well yet, I believe I am on the right track.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome!

Detailed Answer:

Hi again!

I am glad you have reached to the right diagnostic conclusion. This will yield certainly even a clinical improvement (after an appropriate course of therapy).

Wish you good health!

Regards,

Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9529 Questions

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What Causes Head And Chest Congestion Along With Constant Coughing?

Brief Answer: I would explain as follows: Detailed Answer: Hello! Thank you for asking on HCM! Regarding your concern, I would explain that first it is very important to properly differentiate between several upper respiratory inflammations: Is it a seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis? Is it an acute or chronic rhinosinusitis? A nasal polyposis? Or associated also with bronchial hyperactivity as well? Etc. Probably, facing the fact your symptoms are persisting for weeks a seasonal or chronic allergy may be suspected. A comprehensive medical history review and special additional tests are necessary to clarify this issue. Different clinical classifications show different responses to nasal or oral forms of antihistamines, steroids and other decongestants. For example, intranasal antihistamines appear to improve congestion better than oral forms, etc. A second and very important issue, it to define the exact cause of respiratory inflammation. This will help to avoidance of environmental triggers where possible. You need to discuss with an allergy specialist about the above issues, as properly defining the clinical form and possible etiological factor(s), may resolve the right therapy option dilemma to control the situation. Pharmacotherapy, and immunotherapy sometimes are judge as appropriate together, but it remains on the attending doctor’s discretion to make the right decision. advice is to visit an allergy specialist, as seems that we are facing a more complicated situation than just an acute allergy. So, a well defined diagnosis leads to appropriate therapeutic solutions. Hope to have been helpful to you! Feel free to ask me whenever you need! Greetings! Dr. Iliri