[22M] With persistent cough and ear pressure

Patient Description

A 22-year-old male presents with a moderate to severe cough producing green phlegm, which has been consistent for 5 days. The phlegm is thicker in the mornings. Accompanying symptoms included a sore throat, headache, fever, and fatigue, with the headache being most prominent behind the eyes and lasting for the first couple of days. On the fifth day, the patient experienced intense pressure in the right ear followed by pain and ringing after the pressure equalized. The patient has tested negative for COVID-19, influenza A & B, and RSV. The cough has not worsened over time but remains quite severe. The patient has been resting in bed, and there are no reported activities that exacerbate the cough.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, you may be experiencing one of the following conditions:

  • Bacterial Sinusitis: This is an infection of the sinuses, often characterized by a persistent cough with green phlegm, headache, fever, and fatigue. The pressure and pain in your ear may be due to the infection spreading to the nearby Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the nose.

    • Treatment typically involves antibiotics, nasal decongestants, and pain relievers.
  • Bronchitis: This is inflammation of the bronchi in the lungs, often caused by a viral infection. Symptoms can include a persistent cough with green phlegm, fatigue, and fever. The ear pain and ringing could be due to a separate issue, such as an ear infection.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medication to manage symptoms. Antibiotics may be needed if a bacterial infection is suspected.
  • Pneumonia: This is an infection in one or both lungs, which can cause a cough with green or yellow phlegm, fever, fatigue, and chest pain. The ear symptoms could be due to a separate issue, such as an ear infection.

    • Treatment usually involves antibiotics, rest, and fluids.

What you can do

You should seek medical attention as soon as possible. In the meantime, here are some things you can do to help manage your symptoms:

  1. Rest and hydrate: This can help your body fight off the infection and recover.
  2. Over-the-counter medication: This can help manage your symptoms. For example, a pain reliever can help with the headache and fever, and a cough suppressant can help with the cough.
  3. Warm compress: Applying a warm compress to your ear may help alleviate the pain.

What you should look out for

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

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion or difficulty staying awake
  • Coughing up blood

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of bacterial sinusitis?

Common symptoms of bacterial sinusitis include a persistent cough with green or yellow phlegm, headache, facial pain or pressure, fever, fatigue, and nasal congestion. Ear pain can occur if the infection spreads to the Eustachian tubes.


How can I differentiate between bronchitis and pneumonia?

Bronchitis typically involves a persistent cough with phlegm, fatigue, and sometimes fever, often following a cold. Pneumonia, on the other hand, can cause more severe symptoms such as high fever, chills, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. A healthcare provider can perform tests to differentiate between the two.


What home remedies can help alleviate ear pain associated with sinus infections?

Home remedies for ear pain associated with sinus infections include applying a warm compress to the affected ear, staying hydrated, using a humidifier to keep the air moist, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. However, if the pain persists, it's important to consult a healthcare professional.


When should I seek medical attention for a persistent cough?

You should seek medical attention for a persistent cough if it lasts more than three weeks, is accompanied by high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or if you are coughing up blood. These could be signs of a more serious condition that requires medical evaluation.


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