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My mother has been suffering from severe cold, cough, and catarrh for years now. Please help.

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My mother is suffering from severe cold, cough, and catarrh for years. She consulted several doctors but the root cause of her illness is not identified. The doctors are not able to identify the cause. Having a little exposure to the breeze makes her feel very cold. It makes her sneeze profusely. She does not take cold water. She does not walk on the tiled floor using barefoot. If she does it, she starts to have a severe cold for days and weeks.

Answered by Dr. Balamurugan Muthu Pandy

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Balamurugan Muthu Pandy is a highly motivated Family Physician and General Practitioner with expertise in managing acute and chronic illnesses, preventive care, and health promotion. Skilled in patient evaluation, diagnosis, and personalized treatment, he provides comprehensive care for individuals and families. Dr. Muthu Pandy is dedicated to improving overall well-being through compassionate, evidence-based medicine and fostering long-term patient relationships for better health outcomes.    

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

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. Your mother is suffering from vasomotor rhinitis. It occurs due to dysregulation of sympathetic (controls vascular tone) parasympathetic (mucus secretion) and pain-sensitive nerves (controls itching or sneezing reflexes) that innervate the nasal mucosa. It results in increased vascular permeability and mucus secretion. The environmental triggers are strong odor, cold air exposure, alcohol ingestion, and spicy foods. It is treated by avoiding triggers. Taking topical nasal corticosteroids, topical anticholinergics and topical antihistamine help a lot. Taking a combination of intranasal steroids and topical antihistamines can provide better symptomatic relief.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At September 5, 2020
Reviewed At May 25, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Balamurugan Muthu Pandy is a highly motivated Family Physician and General Practitioner with expertise in managing acute and chronic illnesses, preventive care, and health promotion. Skilled in patient evaluation, diagnosis, and personalized treatment, he provides comprehensive care for individuals and families. Dr. Muthu Pandy is dedicated to improving overall well-being through compassionate, evidence-based medicine and fostering long-term patient relationships for better health outcomes.    

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

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

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!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Balamurugan Muthu Pandy is a highly motivated Family Physician and General Practitioner with expertise in managing acute and chronic illnesses, preventive care, and health promotion. Skilled in patient evaluation, diagnosis, and personalized treatment, he provides comprehensive care for individuals and families. Dr. Muthu Pandy is dedicated to improving overall well-being through compassionate, evidence-based medicine and fostering long-term patient relationships for better health outcomes.    

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

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