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Runny Nose, Cough And Back-chest Pain
Hi there,
I came down with a cold last Tuesday. It started with a sore throat, then runny nose and cough. Now, I have a worsened cough and I am coughing up yellow stuff. When I cough it hurts in my lower back and chest. I still have my runny nose, and experiencing chills. Any ideas??
posted on
Mon, 20 Sep 2010
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 20 Sep 2010
Answered on
Sat, 1 Oct 2011
Last reviewed on
User's Response
Dr. Sumit Bhatti's
Response
Yellow mucus or phlegm is usually a sign of active infection or rarely reflux of bile. The flank and back pain may signify a coxsackievirus infection. Since you are experiencing chills, you should rule out malaria, dengue, typhoid and urinary tract infections. You may also need to have a course of antibiotics in addition to the regular supportive treatment such as rest, anti-histamines, anti inflammatory medications, cough suppressants (not expectorants!), steam and fluids. If you have any worsening of symptoms you must see a local physician and rule out influenza. A common viral fever will respond to the medications mentioned above.
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You could be having an upper respiratory tract infection which progressed to your lungs causing even lower respiratory tract infection. This gives rise to yellow sputum. It can be pneumonia. You will need to keep well hydrated, avoid hot or cold food or fluids. Eat high protein diet and also diet rich in fruits and green leafy vegetables. Do consult your Doctor and get examined to rule out any complications and some tests may be done to find out the type of infection and required antibiotics will be given accordingly to help cure this problem. You can do steam inhalation to get relief for now. Do not delay in consulting your Doctor.
You could be having an upper respiratory tract infection which progressed to your lungs causing even lower respiratory tract infection. This gives rise to yellow sputum. It can be pneumonia. You will need to keep well hydrated, avoid hot or cold food or fluids. Eat high protein diet and also diet rich in fruits and green leafy vegetables. Do consult your Doctor and get examined to rule out any complications and some tests may be done to find out the type of infection and required antibiotics will be given accordingly to help cure this problem. You can do steam inhalation to get relief for now. Do not delay in consulting your Doctor.
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