[25F] Experiencing wheezing, dry cough, and sore throat

Patient Description

A 25-year-old female has been experiencing wheezing, described as a crackling noise when breathing out, along with a sudden onset of a dry cough and sore throat for several hours. The wheezing is rated at a 4 in severity on a scale of 1-10 and is alleviated by remaining calm. The cough is mild and worsens when breathing through the mouth. The patient has no fever or chills. Past medical history includes anemia since childhood, obesity since middle school, and a recent diagnosis of fatty liver a couple of weeks ago. The patient is currently taking Lexapro and supplements including Vitamin D, iron, and fiber. No known drug allergies or other medications reported.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Asthma: This is a condition that causes your airways to become inflamed and narrow, and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

    • Treatment typically involves the use of inhalers to quickly relieve symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.
  • 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 bronchitis is typically supportive, including rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms.
  • Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI): This is an infection that can cause symptoms similar to a common cold, including cough, sore throat, and wheezing.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms.

Please note that these are only possible diagnoses. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

  1. Rest and hydrate: These are general measures that can help your body recover from many illnesses, including respiratory infections.
  2. Over-the-counter medications: These can help manage your symptoms. For example, cough suppressants can help with a dry cough, and decongestants can help if you're feeling congested.
  3. Breathing exercises: These can help manage wheezing. Try taking slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.

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
  • Chest pain
  • High fever (temperature over 100.4°F)
  • Symptoms that persist for more than a week or get worse over time

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may need different approaches. Always consult with a healthcare professional for accurate information.

Show More

1
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of asthma and how is it treated?

Common symptoms of asthma include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, especially at night or early in the morning. Treatment often involves the use of inhalers to relieve symptoms and prevent asthma attacks, as well as avoiding triggers.


How can I differentiate between bronchitis and a common cold?

Bronchitis often involves a persistent cough that may produce mucus, wheezing, and chest discomfort, whereas a common cold typically includes a runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic, and a healthcare provider can help differentiate between them.


What lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms of fatty liver?

Lifestyle changes for managing fatty liver include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet low in saturated fats and sugars, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol. These changes can help reduce liver fat and improve liver health.


Are there any interactions between Lexapro and common over-the-counter medications for respiratory symptoms?

Lexapro, an antidepressant, can interact with certain over-the-counter medications. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking decongestants or other medications for respiratory symptoms to avoid potential interactions.


Preview

Post

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

Share your feedback

All Stories

Experiencing symptoms?

Our AI will conduct a medical interview and assess what might be happening. You can also make a post afterwards.

Share your feedback