Persistent Cough: Seeking Relief and Symptoms

Persistent cough?

On the morning of June 15, I woke up feeling a slight discomfort in my throat.
Everything else was normal.
On June 16, I woke up with a significantly lower and hoarse voice, and my throat felt very uncomfortable.
In the afternoon, I started to feel lethargic, and by evening, I was very sleepy.
On June 17, I went to see a doctor and explained my condition.
He did not mention anything about my temperature, which was just over 36 degrees Celsius, not reaching 37 degrees.
He said it was just a cold and prescribed Longifene, Medicon, Methyl Ephedrine, Scanol, Ulcerin, and Koder-G (Codin-P), all for a three-day supply, without any injections.
However, in the afternoon, I still felt very uncomfortable, drowsy, sweating cold, with a hot head, a bit dizzy, and lacking motivation.
The same feeling persisted into the evening.
On June 18, I took the medication on time, drank plenty of water, and had enough sleep, but I still felt lethargic and sweaty with no motivation.
On June 19, my condition remained poor; I wanted to sleep but did not feel dizzy or sweaty anymore, just lacking energy.
On June 20, I still felt bad, had no runny nose, but had a slight cough and a sore throat, so I went back to see the same doctor.
He didn’t say much and asked if I wanted an injection, to which I agreed.
He also prescribed Medicon, Methyl Ephedrine, Scanol, Ulcerin, and BM syrup 120cc, among others.

On June 21, my throat hurt a lot, and I was coughing forcefully, with a rough voice, but I no longer felt dizzy or weak.
I was eating more and felt much better overall, except for the uncomfortable cough.
By evening, I struggled to sleep due to persistent coughing.
Drinking water still hurt my throat, and eating was uncomfortable, with a dry cough and no phlegm.
Coughing made my eyes tear up.
On June 22, other symptoms seemed to improve, but I was still coughing, and eating was painful.
The cough was exhausting and frustrating, and I felt tired from it.

I would like to ask the doctor for some advice:
1.
Should I continue taking the medication prescribed on June 20?
2.
Do I need to see a doctor again, or can I just rest at home?
3.
My son had a similar cold two years ago (he described many symptoms like mine) and coughed for almost a month without fully recovering.
Should I expect the same duration?
4.
Are there any foods or fruits I should avoid? What can I eat to help my throat heal faster?
5.
What should I pay attention to regarding my diet, clothing, living conditions, and activities?
6.
If I experience a similar cold in the future, what should I do? Every time I see a doctor, they just say it’s a cold, prescribe medication, and I still feel unwell and cough.
Is there no way to treat a cold early to recover quickly? Must I go through this painful process? I don’t even know how I caught this cold.
Can’t I start feeling better after seeing a doctor early? I haven’t had a cold like this in a long time; this is my first time experiencing such symptoms.
I hope the doctor can provide some advice to help me escape this persistent cough.
Thank you in advance.

steve, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/06/22

Dr. Ye Dawei reply Otolaryngology

1.
Let's hold off for now.

2.
Let's observe and see; if there are any further abnormalities, then seek medical attention.

3.
It's possible.

4.
Avoid eating very cold foods.

5.
Just drink warm water.

6.
Colds have a certain duration; if your immune system is weak, you are more likely to catch a cold.
Take care of yourself.

Reply Date: 2006/06/22

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a persistent cough and throat discomfort that has been quite distressing. Based on your description, it seems you have been dealing with symptoms that resemble a respiratory infection, possibly a viral upper respiratory infection or a post-viral cough. Here are some insights and recommendations regarding your situation:
1. Continuation of Medication: If you were prescribed medications such as Medicon, Methyl Ephedrine, and others, it is essential to follow your doctor's instructions regarding their use. If you are still experiencing significant discomfort, it may be beneficial to continue taking the medications as prescribed. However, if you notice no improvement or if your symptoms worsen, it is advisable to consult your doctor again.

2. Follow-Up with Your Doctor: Given that your symptoms have persisted and you are experiencing significant discomfort, it would be wise to schedule a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider. They can reassess your condition, possibly perform further tests, and adjust your treatment plan if necessary. Persistent coughs can sometimes indicate other underlying issues, such as bronchitis or even allergies, which may require different management.

3. Duration of Symptoms: It is not uncommon for coughs to linger for weeks after a respiratory infection, especially if there was significant irritation to the airways. Your son’s experience of a prolonged cough is not unusual, and while it can be frustrating, many people do experience similar durations. However, if your cough continues beyond a few weeks or worsens, further evaluation may be warranted.

4. Dietary Considerations: While there are no strict foods that you must avoid, it is generally advisable to steer clear of irritants such as spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, as they can exacerbate throat irritation. Instead, focus on consuming soothing foods and beverages, such as warm teas with honey, broths, and soft fruits like bananas or applesauce. Staying hydrated is crucial, as it helps thin mucus and soothe the throat.

5. General Care Tips: To aid your recovery, consider the following:
- Rest: Ensure you are getting adequate sleep and rest to allow your body to heal.

- Humidity: Using a humidifier can help keep your throat moist and reduce coughing.

- Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong odors, and allergens that could aggravate your symptoms.

- Warm Salt Gargles: Gargling with warm salt water can provide temporary relief for a sore throat.

6. Future Precautions: If you find yourself getting sick frequently, consider discussing preventive measures with your doctor. This may include vaccinations, such as the flu vaccine, and strategies to boost your immune system, such as maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise.

7. Understanding Coughs: Coughing is a natural reflex that helps clear the airways. However, if it becomes persistent, it can be a sign of an underlying issue. Early intervention can sometimes prevent a cough from becoming chronic, so if you feel unwell, it’s always best to seek medical advice sooner rather than later.

In conclusion, while it can be frustrating to deal with a persistent cough, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and support your recovery. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further assistance, especially if your symptoms do not improve or worsen. Your health and comfort are paramount, and there are often effective treatments available to help you feel better.

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