[23M] With heavy cough and fluctuating body temperature

Patient Description

A 23-year-old male is experiencing a heavy, dry cough that has persisted for four days, accompanied by the expectoration of yellow mucus. The cough is exacerbated by speaking and occurs every 2-3 minutes throughout the day. The patient rates the severity of the cough as 7-8 out of 10. Additionally, the patient reports experiencing hot and cold flashes, a hot forehead, and migraines with a severity of 6-7 out of 10, which are alleviated by darkness, earplugs, and over-the-counter pain medications. The patient also notes shortness of breath associated with the cough and mild chest pain when coughing. There is a history of mild asthma and ADHD inattentive type, diagnosed 7 and 2 years ago, respectively. Current medications include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, cough medicine, allergy medication, echinacea, zinc, magnesium, and ginger. No known allergies or adverse reactions to medications have been reported. The patient was sick with similar symptoms three weeks prior.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

Bronchitis: This is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to your lungs. It causes a cough that often brings up mucus, as well as shortness of breath, wheezing, a low fever, and chest tightness. Your history of asthma could make you more susceptible to bronchitis.
- Treatment typically involves rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers and cough suppressants. If your bronchitis is caused by bacteria (which is less common), your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
Influenza (Flu): The flu is a common viral infection that can be deadly, especially in high-risk groups. Symptoms include a cough, headaches, and fever. The flu can exacerbate existing conditions like asthma.
- Treatment involves bed rest and plenty of fluids. Over-the-counter medication can help with symptoms. An annual vaccine can help prevent the flu and limit its complications.
COVID-19: This is a viral infection caused by a new coronavirus. Symptoms can be mild to severe, and include a cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Given the ongoing pandemic, it's important to consider this as a possibility.
- Treatment involves supportive care to help relieve symptoms. Severe cases require hospitalization.

What you can do

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

Rest and hydrate: Make sure you're getting plenty of sleep and drinking lots of fluids. This can help your body recover.
Over-the-counter medication: Continue taking over-the-counter medication to help manage your symptoms. However, do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Isolate: If you have not already done so, you should isolate yourself from others to avoid spreading the infection.

What you should look out for

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

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Persistent pain or pressure in your chest
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish lips or face

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and timely information, I am not a doctor. You should seek care from a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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1 yr ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Acute Bronchitis: Best OTC Treatments