How to manage chronic bronchitis effectively?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have had a cough, tightness in my chest, ears feeling plugged, and fever off and on since last week. I was diagnosed with bronchitis and have just finished my Zithromax, and I am taking cough syrup with Codeine. I am now a full week into this illness and feel worse than ever.

Still coughing, have no fever, my ears still feel plugged, my jaw aches on both sides, my back teeth hurt, my glands are sore, and no appetite. When I eat, I get stomach cramps and diarrhea, and I am losing weight.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Please mention your age. Since you have already completed your antibiotic course, get an investigation done, including a complete hemogram, blood sugar, urine analysis, WIDAL (typhoid test), and peripheral smear. This is to rule out any other conditions.

Also, get a chest X-ray done. Consult a dentist to rule out any problems related to the oral cavity. Consult an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist to rule out tonsillitis or sinusitis, or an ear infection. Please note that the ear, nose, throat, and head are all closely related, and any problem in one area will affect the rest.

Is the cough dry or with expectoration, and if so, what is the color?

I would suggest an antihistamine to control the cold. Warm water saline gargles twice or even thrice a day. It will ease out throat soreness. Steam inhalation with a drop or two of tincture of Benzine to get rid of and ease a cold. Take a multivitamin once daily to combat the weakness caused by infection and antibiotics.

Diet modifications such as:

Avoid cold, sour, and outside food.
Avoid alcohol.
Take a simple, basic, healthy nutritional diet that is homemade.
A lot of fresh fruit, fresh juice, and soup.
Skip citrus fruits because of the cold.

Stomach issues may be associated with the use of antibiotics and may be resolved after it is stopped.

Is the stool watery?
How often do you urinate?
Is it after every meal?
Do you have cramps while passing motion?
Is there any blood in the stool?

Specific treatment may be suggested depending on the exact symptom.

Meanwhile, drink plenty of water.

I hope that this answers your query.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.