HomeAnswersGeneral MedicinebronchitisMy cough and chest tightness has not resolved even after treatment. Please help.

How do I treat persistent and chronic bronchitis despite taking medications regularly?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Sugandh Garg

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At September 9, 2022
Reviewed AtSeptember 12, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have had a cough, tightness in my chest, ears feeling plugged, and fever off and on since last week. I was diagnosed with bronchitis and have just finished my Zithromax, and I am taking cough syrup with Codeine. I am now a full week into this illness and feel worse than ever. Still coughing, have no fever, my ears still feel plugged, my jaw aches on both sides, my back teeth hurt, my glands are sore, and no appetite. When I eat, I get stomach cramps and diarrhea and I am losing weight.

Answered by Dr. Sugandh Garg

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Please mention your age. Since you have already completed your antibiotic course, get an investigation done, including a complete hemogram, blood sugar, urine analysis, WIDAL (typhoid test), and peripheral smear. This is to rule out any other conditions. Also, get a chest X-ray done. Consult a dentist to rule out any problems related to the oral cavity. Consult an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) to rule out tonsillitis or sinusitis, or ear infection. Please note that the ear, nose, throat, and head are all closely related, and any problem in one area will affect the rest.

Is the cough dry or with expectoration, and if so, what is the color?

I would suggest an antihistamine to control the cold. Warm water saline gargles twice or even thrice a day. It will ease out throat soreness. Steam inhalation with a drop or two of tincture Benzine to get rid of and ease cold. Take a multivitamin once daily to combat the weakness caused by infection and antibiotics.

Diet modifications such as:

  1. Avoid cold, sour, and outside food.
  2. Avoid alcohol.
  3. Take a simple basic healthy nutritional diet that is homemade.
  4. A lot of fresh fruit, fresh juice, and soup.
  5. Skip citrus fruits because of the cold.

Stomach issues may be associated with the use of antibiotics and may get resolved after it is stopped.

  1. Is the stool watery?
  2. How often do you urinate?
  3. Is it after every meal?
  4. Do you have cramps while passing motion?
  5. Is there any blood in the stool?

Specific treatment may be suggested depending on the exact symptom.

Meanwhile, drink plenty of water.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sugandh Garg
Dr. Sugandh Garg

Internal Medicine

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