[22F] Experiencing sinus pressure, cough, and sore throat

Patient Description

A 22-year-old female has been experiencing constant sinus pressure for almost two weeks, particularly severe in the mornings, with a severity rating of 7 out of 10. The sinus pressure is accompanied by a cough and sore throat, which have been present for a week. The cough is exacerbated by frequent movement during work. Nasal discharge is typically of normal color but has recently included blood and varies from dry clumps to liquid consistency. The patient also reports aching headaches with an intensity of 6 out of 10, eye strain with a severity of 5 out of 10 that worsens with electronic use, and a recent onset of nausea rated at 7 out of 10 while performing physical activity outside. No fever, chills, neck stiffness, visual changes, or recent illnesses were reported. The patient has no known allergies, is not on any medications, and has no history of sinus problems, respiratory infections, or chronic illnesses.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, you may be experiencing:

Sinusitis: This is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. It can cause sinus pressure, nasal congestion, and post-nasal drip, which can lead to a sore throat and cough. The presence of blood in your nasal discharge could be due to irritation of your nasal passages from the sinusitis or from blowing your nose frequently.
- Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, over-the-counter remedies, and sometimes antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected.
Migraines or tension headaches: These can cause aching pain and can be triggered or worsened by stress, lack of sleep, certain foods, or hormonal changes.
- Treatment typically involves over-the-counter pain relievers, rest, and avoiding triggers.
Eye strain: This can be caused by prolonged use of digital devices, reading, or any activity that requires intense focus. It can cause discomfort, headaches, and blurred vision.
- Treatment typically involves rest, adjusting the lighting, taking breaks, and sometimes prescription glasses.
Nausea: This can be caused by a variety of conditions, including migraines, sinusitis, or even stress. It's also possible that the physical exertion from shoveling triggered your nausea.
- Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and eating bland foods. Over-the-counter remedies may also be helpful.

Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of all possible conditions or treatments. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

What you can do

Here are some general recommendations based on your symptoms:

Rest and hydrate: These are important for recovery from most illnesses.
Over-the-counter remedies: Decongestants or saline nasal sprays may help with your sinus pressure and stuffy nose. Pain relievers can help with your headaches and sore throat.
Avoid triggers: If looking at screens worsens your eye strain, try to take regular breaks, adjust the brightness and contrast of your screen, and consider using a screen filter.
Seek medical attention: If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you start to experience new symptoms, please seek medical attention.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Severe headache or the worst headache of your life
Sudden or severe abdominal pain
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
High fever (over 100.4°F)
Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
Any other severe or concerning symptoms

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.

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1 yr ago

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