What medicine should I take for sore throat and stuffy nose?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have a sore throat and stuffy nose for the last three days. But, I do not have fever. I do get sputum in the morning, which is slightly green in color. What medicine should I take?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You seem to be suffering from an acute upper respiratory tract infection. Since the sputum is greenish colored, it is better you start on a course of antibiotics. In addition to the antibiotics you would most probably require anti-inflammatory drugs, mucolytics and antihistamines to remove the cough and for the stuffed nose. In my practice, off late due to the recent change in weather there has been an increase in such cases. However, I have found it prudent to put the patient on a symptomatic treatment for a few days and observe. If not feeling better after 3 days, then we institute an antibiotic. In your case, due to the greenish color that is suggestive of bacteria, I would recommend a course of Levofloxacin, Chymoral forte tablets for removing inflammation, Mucinac tablet (Acetylcystine) to help remove the sputum and nasal decongestant nose drops. Consult your doctor, discuss with him or her and take the medicine with consent.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. As a continuation of our conversation, you are most likely suffering from an acute upper respiratory tract infection. If a patient were coming to me with similar complaints in my clinic I would recommend the following medications. You consult with your doctor and take the medicine with consent. Tablet Levofloxacin 750 mg (available as Levoday or L-CIN) once a day for 5 days. Take it the same time every day, after meals. This is an antibiotic. Tablet Chymoral forte, anti-inflammatory medication to remove congestion, edema and help faster healing. One tablet twice daily on an empty stomach for 3 to 4 days. Tablet Mucinac 600 mg one tablet twice daily. It is a mucolytic, which helps lighten and liquefy the mucus so that it comes out of chest easily. Otrivin nasal drops (Xylometazoline), 2 drops in each nostril in the morning and night. After instilling the drops lie down supine over the bed for 10 minutes, so that the drops percolate inside and decongest the nose. During the last 7 days, I have seen many patients with the same complaints. Most of them are suffering from a viral infection which does not require any antibiotic. Body immunity takes care of viral infections.

Some other precautions and general measures that I suggest you take are 1) Avoid smoking and drinking. 2) Avoid spicy foods and cold and drinks. 3) Avoid citrus fruits and bitter products. 4) Take plenty of warm fluids and soups. 4) Take adequate foods at the right intervals and more of fruits and vegetables.