[22M] With moderate cough and associated symptoms

Patient Description

A 22-year-old male presents with a moderate, rattling cough that has persisted for 5 days. The cough is exacerbated by blowing his nose and is accompanied by a sore throat, runny nose, and the production of green mucus. The patient also experiences slight shortness of breath and chest discomfort but denies any fever, chills, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or rapid breathing. There has been no change in the severity of the cough over the last few days.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

Common Cold: This is a viral infection of your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). It's usually harmless, although it might not feel that way. Many types of viruses can cause a common cold. Symptoms might include runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, slight body aches or a mild headache, sneezing, low-grade fever, and malaise.
- Treatment for a common cold is simply rest and recovery. Over-the-counter cold remedies can help with symptom relief.
Acute Bronchitis: This is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. People with bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discolored. Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic.
- Treatment for acute bronchitis may involve rest, fluids, a humidifier, and certain over-the-counter medications for symptom relief.
Influenza (Flu): The flu is a common viral infection that can be deadly, especially in high-risk groups. The flu attacks the lungs, nose and throat. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches, and fatigue.
- Treatment for the flu may involve rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications for symptom relief. Antiviral drugs may also be prescribed in some cases.
Pneumonia: This is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
- Treatment for pneumonia typically involves antibiotics, rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications for symptom relief.

What you can do

You should seek care from a healthcare professional to receive a formal diagnosis and treatment if appropriate. In the meantime, here are some things you can do to help alleviate your symptoms:

Rest and hydrate: Make sure you're getting plenty of sleep and drinking lots of fluids to help your body recover.
Over-the-counter remedies: Over-the-counter cold remedies can help with symptom relief. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
Avoid spreading the illness: Cover your mouth when you cough and wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading whatever is causing your symptoms.