[18F] With moderate cough and cold symptoms

Patient Description

An 18-year-old female presents with a moderate dry cough that produces occasional green hard pieces or soft yellow gooey mucus, predominantly in the morning and at bedtime. The cough is accompanied by a sore throat, dry eyes upon waking, and a stuffy nose. The patient has been experiencing these symptoms for approximately 3-4 days, with dry eyes persisting for about a week. There is minor wheezing but no reported fever, chills, changes in sense of smell or taste, or severe shortness of breath. The patient also reports sinus pain. No interventions have been noted to relieve the dry eyes, and there is no known exposure to others who are sick or to a setting with increased risk of respiratory infections.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, here are a few possible conditions:

  • Common Cold: This is a viral infection that primarily affects your nose and throat. It's usually harmless and symptoms improve within a week to 10 days. Typical symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, slight body aches, mild headache, sneezing, and low-grade fever.

  • Influenza (Flu): This is a more severe viral infection that can cause fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting.

  • Allergies: These can cause symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, itching, rash, edema (swelling), or asthma. A cough is a common symptom of allergic rhinitis, which could explain your dry eyes and stuffy nose.

  • COVID-19: This is a viral infection that can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe. It's important to get tested if you have symptoms like cough, fever, and loss of taste or smell.

What you can do

  1. Rest and hydrate: Make sure you're getting plenty of sleep and drinking lots of fluids to help your body recover.

  2. Over-the-counter medication: Over-the-counter cold remedies can help alleviate symptoms like a runny nose, congestion, and body aches.

  3. Isolate: If you're feeling unwell and have symptoms of a respiratory infection, it's important to stay home and avoid contact with others to prevent spreading the illness.

  4. COVID-19 test: Given the ongoing pandemic, it's recommended to get a COVID-19 test if you're experiencing symptoms like a cough, even if you don't have a fever.

What you should look out for

If your symptoms worsen, last for more than a week, or you develop new symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or bluish lips or face, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What could be causing my dry cough and mucus production?

Your dry cough and mucus production could be caused by a common cold, allergies, or a mild respiratory infection. The green or yellow mucus suggests your body is fighting off an infection, but it's important to monitor your symptoms and consult a healthcare provider if they persist or worsen.


Why do I have dry eyes in the morning?

Dry eyes in the morning can be due to several factors, including allergies, dehydration, or environmental conditions like dry air. It might also be related to your nasal congestion affecting tear production or drainage.


Should I be concerned about my symptoms being related to COVID-19?

While your symptoms could be related to a common cold or allergies, it's important to consider COVID-19 as a possibility, especially if you have a cough. It's advisable to get tested for COVID-19 to rule it out, even if you don't have a fever or loss of taste or smell.


What home remedies can help alleviate my sore throat and stuffy nose?

To alleviate a sore throat and stuffy nose, you can try home remedies such as staying hydrated, using a humidifier, gargling with salt water, and using saline nasal sprays. Over-the-counter medications like decongestants and throat lozenges may also provide relief.


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