How can I manage my 3-day-long throat pain and cough at 24?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 24-year-old female of weight 143.30 lbs. I have had a cough, a cold, and also a little pain in my throat for the last three days. And everyone in my family has a cold and a cough.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) can be defined as self-limited irritation and swelling of the upper airways with associated cough and no signs of pneumonia in a patient with no other condition that would account for their symptoms or with no history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis. Upper respiratory tract infections involve the nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, and large airways.

A variety of viruses and bacteria can cause upper respiratory tract infections. The common cold continues to be a large burden on society, economically and socially. The most common virus is the rhinovirus. URTI usually involves direct invasion of the upper airway mucosa by the organism. The organism is usually acquired by inhalation of infected droplets.

Symptoms of URTIs commonly include cough, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, low-grade fever, facial pressure, sneezing, malaise, myalgias, etc. Since there is a COVID-19 pandemic, it is better to isolate from each other and get tested for COVID-19 RT PCR (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction). Treatment includes symptom relief. Decongestants and combination antihistamine or decongestant medications can limit cough and congestion.

I suggest you take the tablet Paracetamol 650 mg thrice daily.

I hope this was helpful.

Thank you.