Suffering from cold, chest congestion and sore throat. What is it?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 60-year-old male who is overweight. Other than being overweight, I am in relatively good health. I am getting regular health checkups every six months. Currently, I am taking Triamterene and Simvastatin 20 mg. I recently had a cold, respiratory discomfort, chest congestion, sneezing, sore throat, mild fever, and coughing. Congestion is gone, as is sneezing. Sore throat lingers. There is an irritated spot on the back of the tongue. It could be from sucking on too many cough drops. Tonsils and the entire throat area are red and swollen. Ibuprofen relieves pain temporarily. Please give some thoughts or any suggestions. Initial symptoms of chest congestion appeared seven days ago. Please guide.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The symptoms of the query are quite suggestive of a possible upper respiratory tract infection. I suggest you get a X-ray paranasal (PNS) waters view and a X-ray chest PA (posteroanterior) view. Also, a complete blood count (CBC) should be obtained. Meanwhile, start with warm saline gargles four times a day. Steam inhalation four times a day. Multivitamin course once a day. Have plenty of fluids. An antibiotic course along with a short duration of the steroidal course may be needed. Take Paracetamol SOS (as and when required).

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.