HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Cough With Congestion In Chest?

I am trying to determine if a doctor s visit is warranted or not (viral vs. bacterial). About a week and a half ago I began developing symptoms of a sinus infection (I have a severely deviated septum and these are a frequent occurrence) and these symptoms peaked on Wednesday, along with malaise, headache, and exhaustion from inability to sleep, but no fever. My nose became extraordinarily runny as well (mixture of green and clear). Today, Thursday, I felt better, but still had a running nose and congestion (though not as bad) though now I am coughing and feel congestion in my upper chest. (Like the last time I had an upper respiratory track infection.) Every time I lay down I cough like a crazy person, and cough stuff up. When I m sitting or standing symptoms are relieved. Can it be determined if this is viral or bacterial?
Mon, 3 Nov 2014
Report Abuse
Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on HCM.
In my opinion you should atleast get done chest x ray to rule out lung infection (pneumonia).
If x ray is normal than it must be upper respiratory tract infection(URTI) only.
Viral infection are more common in URTI.
Blood test csn differentiate viral and bacterial infection. If total count is not much raised with lymphocytic predominant then viral is the cause. If neutrophilic leukocytosis than bacterial os the cause.
Symptoms like fever, malaise, weakness seen in viral while high grade fever with chills seen in bacterial.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Cough With Congestion In Chest?

Thanks for your question on HCM. In my opinion you should atleast get done chest x ray to rule out lung infection (pneumonia). If x ray is normal than it must be upper respiratory tract infection(URTI) only. Viral infection are more common in URTI. Blood test csn differentiate viral and bacterial infection. If total count is not much raised with lymphocytic predominant then viral is the cause. If neutrophilic leukocytosis than bacterial os the cause. Symptoms like fever, malaise, weakness seen in viral while high grade fever with chills seen in bacterial.