What shall I do to get relief from cough and heartburn?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 26-year-old female. I am suffering from the following symptoms: Cough blocked itchy throat, which is slightly red, burps, farts, a little gassy, and acidity. This has increased in the past 24 hours. Because of my sore throat, I cannot have cold substances to resolve acidity. Also, I cannot have hot water due to heartburn. I have taken Azithromycin and cough syrup. What should I do for relief?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You appear to be a case of dyspepsia. The acute onset might be drug induced as gastritis is a known side effect of Azithromycin. Gastritis worsens cough, and the cough further induce nausea and vomiting. Hence, it is very prudent to treat both the conditions.

For how long you have been on Azithromycin?
How long you have been having these symptoms?
Do you any other symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, indigestion, nausea and loss of appetite?

The heartburn and burping, which you have mentioned signifies dyspepsia. Lifestyle changes help you to relieve symptoms. Best to eat several small meals instead of two or three large meals. Wait for 2 to 3 hours before you lie down following meals. Raise the head end of the bed by 100-150 mm. Avoid tea, coffee, and spicy food that make your symptoms worse. I suggest you the following medicines. You consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and take the medicine with consent.

Pantop-D (Pantoprazole and Domperidone) or Tablet Omepure DSR (combination of Omeprazole and Domperidone) once a day before breakfast for 1 week.
Syrup Gelusil or Sucralfate thrice 1 hour before three major meals.
You may take Tablet Levocetirizine twice daily for coughing and itchy throat.
If you have any throat or nasal congestion, then you may take syrup Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine) two teaspoons, 6th hourly.
Do salt water gargling and rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash like Listerine.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, the food in irregular timings would have triggered dyspepsia. Do not worry, your symptoms will show improvement in two to three days and you will get complete relief in a week. Swimming might be the likely cause for URTI that is upper respiratory tract infection. Do continue Azithromycin for five days along with medication for heartburn.