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I have runny nose, cough and sore throat. Is this an exhibit of sinusitis?

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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.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At February 3, 2020
Reviewed AtJanuary 10, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 16-year-old female and not pregnant. I have a runny nose, mucus, cough, sore and swollen throat, what seems to be liquid in my ears (can hear pulsating), my face is achy, and headaches. I always experience sinus infections usually accompanied by strep throat around this time of year, but I feel different I can say worse. I have had these symptoms for the past three days and they are gradually getting worse. They started with an uncontrollable sneeze. I checked my temperature today there was nothing alarming, but even when I am sick I do not run bad fevers.

I am currently using nasal spray and allergic medicine.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and I can understand your concerns. The symptoms you have described suggestive of simple ARI (acute respiratory tract infection). There is no need to worry as it can be completely cured by timely treatment and chances for the complication is less. I suggest you to consult a general practitioner and do the following things:

1. Simple analgesics like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen for pain.

2. Antihistamines like Cetrizine or Levocetirizine would provide symptomatic relief.

3. Nasal decongestants like Xylometazoline if you have blocked nostrils.

4. A short course of antibiotics like Amoxicillin for five to seven days can be taken.

5. Steam inhalation twice a day would be effective.

Generally, symptoms will subside within a few days if the symptoms persist despite all these we have to do the following investigations as prescribed by your physician.

1.CBC (complete blood count) and urine routine.

2.Chest X-ray to rule out pneumonia or other lesions.

I hope this helps.

The Probable causes

Bacterial or viral infection.

Investigations to be done

Basic blood and urine investigations. Chest x-ray.

Differential diagnosis

Sinusitis.

Probable diagnosis

ARI.

Treatment plan

Conservative with antibiotics and symptomatic management.

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

Dr. Shinas Hussain A. P
Dr. Shinas Hussain A. P

General Practitioner

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