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Are cough and chest congestion the symptoms of pneumonia?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am having cough and chest congestion for the last three days. Also getting a mild fever again and again. I also have a chest X-ray done today only. Please suggest is it pneumonia and if yes how severe is it?

Answered by Dr. Srinivas Morampudi

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

After getting my basic medical degree from Gandhi Medical College in Hyderabad, India, I moved to the UK for post-graduate training in internal medicine. I obtained my MRCP (UK) in 2001 and then moved to the US for a further 3 years post-graduate training in internal medicine. From 2004-2011, I worked as a Hospitalist (in-patient specialist) in the US and returned to India in mid-2011. Since then, I have worked in various private hospitals in Hyderabad and I also started my own clinic in 2014.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. Your chest x-ray appears normal. There is no pneumonia. What you have is an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), mostly caused by viruses. This is a self-limited disease and usually clears up within seven days on its own. Sometimes, cough can persist a while longer and is called post-viral cough. Antibiotics are useless against viruses. They should only be used against bacterial infections. Viruses cause the vast majority of URTIs. These infections spread through the air (when you cough or sneeze) or through contact. They are not transmitted through food. Treatment for viral URTI is symptomatic. Fever medicines like Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, or Naproxen can be used. Nasal decongestants for the congested nose. If cough persists beyond a week, then a corticosteroid inhaler can help.

Answered by
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nithila. A
Published At June 10, 2019
Reviewed At July 6, 2023

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

After getting my basic medical degree from Gandhi Medical College in Hyderabad, India, I moved to the UK for post-graduate training in internal medicine. I obtained my MRCP (UK) in 2001 and then moved to the US for a further 3 years post-graduate training in internal medicine. From 2004-2011, I worked as a Hospitalist (in-patient specialist) in the US and returned to India in mid-2011. Since then, I have worked in various private hospitals in Hyderabad and I also started my own clinic in 2014.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Nithila A is a Dental Surgeon specializing in providing comprehensive oral healthcare. She focuses on preventive care, routine dental treatments, and patient education to maintain optimal oral health. Known for her compassionate and patient-centered approach, she ensures comfortable and effective dental care tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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

Dr. Srinivas Morampudi

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

After getting my basic medical degree from Gandhi Medical College in Hyderabad, India, I moved to the UK for post-graduate training in internal medicine. I obtained my MRCP (UK) in 2001 and then moved to the US for a further 3 years post-graduate training in internal medicine. From 2004-2011, I worked as a Hospitalist (in-patient specialist) in the US and returned to India in mid-2011. Since then, I have worked in various private hospitals in Hyderabad and I also started my own clinic in 2014.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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