Helped Over 500,000 patients with 98%+ satisfaction.

Connect & Get Personalized 1-to-1 Answers from Expert Doctors

DoctorSpring > Question Home

Viral Pharyngitis.

Resolved Question:

Lat week I started to get a sore throat and mild cough and sinus congestion. I saw my doctor who did a strep test (negative) and told me it was viral and to use antihistamines and Tylenol until the symtoms subside in about 7 to 10 days. After the appointment Friday I started coughing more (wet coughs). No fever, as I keep checking...always around 97. No body aches. I went out a hike yesterday with a group of people and my symptoms did not change. at times I did start to cough up green phlegm and I still am today. I thought the exercise would help with my immunity. I am staying hydrated as well. Could this be bacterial? Does green phlegm from my chest indicate that I need antibiotics? Should I see the doctor again? I am taking Tylenol for the sinus pressure and Claritin D for the running nose and congestion. Should I stay home tomorrow?

EDIT: The hike included almost 3000 ft elevation change and my ears still feel like they need to pop, but will not.

Category: Family Physician-GP

Ask Your Own Question

Category: HIV- AIDS Specialist
 19 Doctors Online

Hello and thankyou for approaching DoctorSpring with your query.
I have gone through your case and understand your concern.
Green phlegm does not necessarily mean bacterial infection. It can occur in viral infection too. Viral infection can take upto 2-3 weeks to clear in some individuals.
I would advise you to carry on with the present medication that you already are on.
In addition drink a lot of warm fluids.
Do steam inhalation by inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Do this twice a day.

However if your symptoms do not clear in a week, the phlegm gets worse, you develop fever, feel tired and breathless I would advise you to get the following tests done.
1) Complete blood count 2) Chest X Ray.
As of now you need not worry. If you are feeling weak, and your symptoms are bothering you can stay home. Otherwise it is not required that you stay home, if it is not strenous activity.
I hope this has helped. Feel free to follow up.
Thankyou


Patient replied :

Is Musinex DM ok to take with Claritin D? The Claritin isn't helping with my chest congestion and cough...


Hello,
Yes you can take both. Mucinex DM will help with your cough and congestion.
I hope this has helped.
Get well soon.
Take care


Patient replied :

After taking these two medications my cough has subsided some, but not entirely. When I do cough, I cough up green phlegm and I keep having to blow my nose also (mostly clear). Once the phlegm left a slightly metallic taste in my mouth. Every time I cough it has a wet sound to it--even when I don't feel the urge to cough. WOuld coughing up this and blowing my nose be an effect of these medications? Could I have bronchitis? I have no fever, don't feel weak, and no chest pain nor wheezing. I've also tried hydrogen peroxide in my ears to help with the symptoms. Would it be okay to stick to my regular exercise routine?


Hello,
It is difficult to distinguish between bronchitis and a upper respiratory tract infection only on symptoms. However the treatment for both is symptomatic relief which you are already on. Since you do not have fever, no chest pain, wheezing or weakness it is less likely. But like I said you cannot say definitely based on symptoms.
The Mucinex Dm does loosen the mucus in the respiratory tract but suppresses cough.
You can carry on with your regular exercise. However if you go out early morning and if the weather is cold do use proper clothing as protection.
If you do not feel better in a weeks time or your symptoms worsen, you can get a CBC and Chest X Ray done.

I hope this has helped.
Thankyou


Patient replied :

The mucinex has caused me to have trouble falling asleep at night. Would it be safe to take a Unisom tablet before bed while on the mucinex dm?


Hello.
I would not advise you to take Unisom as you are already on Claritin D and Mucinex DM. I would advise you to continue Mucinex DM for another 2 days and then you can stop taking the medication.

I hope this has helped.
Thankyou


Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy
Category: HIV- AIDS Specialist
Experience: 
MBBS from Sri Ramachandra University in December 2011
M.Med (Family Medicine) - TNMGR University, Chennai
MBA-MPH in Public Health in March 2016, SRM University
Finished AFIH in March 2016, SRM University
MRCP ( UK ), Internal Medicine, Royal College of Physicians, June 2016
Fellowship in Diabetology from Martin Luther University in January 2017

Currently Resident Physician, in MD Radiodiagnosis - Kamakshi Memorial Hospital, Chennai
Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy and 4 other Medical Specialists are ready to help you

Users who read this, also read:

Make informed and better medical decisions.

Join the 500,000 people who found a smarter, quicker way to get Answers, Recommendations & Expert Opinions.

Expert Doctors at fingertips

Recommendation on next step. Second-opinion.Multi-specialty.

Save Time

Average time for answers: 6 hours.

Save Money

$35 for typical specialist consult vs. $120 for a local appointment.

Free Follow-ups

Clarify, ask further questions for free in private conversation.

100% Satisfaction

Money back guarantee for the 1st reply. MEDNET Quality Board.

Start My Consultation

CHAT NOW

About DoctorSpring.com

Doctor Spring is a novel online Doctor consultation platform where you can get your medical questions answered by leading Doctors. Just Submit your question and rest assured that you will consult a Doctor easily. Once you submit the question, the Doctor from the concerned specialty will reply within hours. You can always ask more questions or add details with follow-up question options and make it an online doctor chat. You may use this service to consult a specialty or for getting medical second opinion. All paid services come with a MEDNET quality assurance and 100% money back guarantee.

DoctorSpring in news