[27F] Experiencing upper respiratory symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've shared, here are a few possibilities:

• Common Cold: This is a viral infection that primarily affects your nose and throat. It's usually harmless and symptoms improve within a week or two. Symptoms can include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, slight body aches, mild headache, sneezing, watery eyes, and low-grade fever.

• Allergies: Given your family history of allergies and asthma, it's possible that your symptoms could be due to an allergic reaction. Allergies can cause symptoms such as itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, a runny or stuffy nose, and throat irritation.

• Sinusitis: This is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. It can cause symptoms like a runny nose, stuffy nose, facial pain or pressure, and cough. However, sinusitis usually lasts longer than a common cold and may be accompanied by a fever, which you have not reported.

What you can do

Here are some general recommendations that may help alleviate your symptoms:

1. Rest and hydrate: Make sure you're getting plenty of sleep and drinking lots of fluids to help your body recover.

2. Over-the-counter remedies: Continue using over-the-counter cold remedies like DayQuil and Zicam as directed on the package, if they are helping with your symptoms.

3. Warm liquids: Warm liquids such as tea or soup can soothe a sore throat and help with congestion.

4. Avoid allergens: If your symptoms are due to allergies, try to identify and avoid the allergen causing your symptoms.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your symptoms persist for more than a week
• You have a high fever (>101°F)
• You have trouble breathing or chest pain
• Your symptoms are severe or worsening

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