When should I revisit my doctor?
I’m a 21-year-old male weighing 152 pounds. It all began on June 9, when I started experiencing a sore throat. I consulted a doctor on June 13, where tests for COVID-19, strep throat, and the flu all came back negative. A day or two later, I developed a fever, and my throat discomfort escalated over the following days. The week after, I noticed a cough and nasal congestion, while the sore throat seemed to subside. On June 23, I returned for another examination but was prescribed only cough suppressants and a five-day course of antibiotics. I completed that course today. Although my nasal congestion has disappeared, I've been dealing with a persistent cough for nearly two weeks. This cough intensifies if I sit or bend in a certain way. In summary, I had throat pain for two weeks, which led to a cough during the second week. I’ve now been coughing for about two weeks. My initial tests came back negative for any illness, and I was given antibiotics just this past Monday.
Answers (1)
6/27/2025, 5:40:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been experiencing prolonged symptoms following an initial throat issue, and it's understandable to be concerned about your persistent cough. Here’s a breakdown of your situation and what to consider next.
Main Points
- You have a persistent cough that has lasted nearly two weeks, following a history of throat pain and a recent respiratory illness.
- Your symptoms improved slightly, but the cough remains concerning, especially since it worsens with certain positions.
Explanation
After a throat infection, it’s common for coughing to linger due to postnasal drip (mucus running down the back of the throat), irritation, or even a mild secondary infection that can occur. You’ve already seen a doctor twice, and it's good to note that antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, which is likely what you had initially.
However, since your cough has persisted for two weeks following treatment and is aggravated by certain movements, it’s important to ensure there aren’t any other underlying issues, such as asthma, bronchitis, or reflux.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your cough, such as its frequency, intensity, and any associated symptoms (like wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest pain).
-
Try Home Remedies:
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to help soothe your throat and thin mucus.
- Humidifier: Use a humidifier in your room to keep the air moist and relieve cough irritation.
- Lozenges: Soothe your throat with lozenges or warm saltwater gargles if you experience throat discomfort again.
-
Revisit Your Doctor:
- If your cough persists beyond another week, worsens, or if you experience any new symptoms like fever, difficulty breathing, or coughing up blood, you should revisit your doctor for further evaluation. It's essential to discuss the intensity of your cough and its positional nature, as this can help guide further diagnostics.
-
Consider Seeking Advice SOON: If you're feeling particularly anxious about your symptoms or if something feels off, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider sooner rather than later.
Patience is key with coughs post-viral infections, but staying attentive to your body’s signals will guide your next steps effectively. Let me know if you have any more questions or need further details!
Related Questions
Unexplained Bruises on My Right Hand – Seeking Advice
I've noticed some unusual bruising on my right hand over the past month. Strangely enough, they don't hurt at all. Should I be concerned about this? It's quite puzzling to see these random marks without any apparent cause.
Intense Pain in Left Thumb
Greetings, I’ve been experiencing a piercing pain at the tip of my left thumb intermittently. This discomfort is situated within the thumb rather than on the outer skin. It primarily affects the underside of the thumb and surrounds the base of the nail. The pain seems to extend only to the first skin fold, specifically around the distal phalanx. When applying pressure, I’ve noticed some red streaks appearing beneath the surface, alongside the white area. I trust this explanation is clear. This issue has persisted for over a year, occurring sporadically but intensifying as time has passed. Could this be a cause for concern? A bit about myself: I am a 25-year-old female with no significant medical issues in my background. I previously smoked cigarettes for three years, transitioned to vaping, and have been vaping for six years now. I maintain an active lifestyle, frequently going to the gym and participating in various sports such as indoor football and pickleball. I don’t have any known allergies.
Resources for Safe Mouse Cleanup
While it may not be a typical inquiry for a healthcare professional, I find myself in need of guidance. Recently, we had an uninvited mouse visitor in our home, and unfortunately, it left droppings in my children's toy storage and on the changing table. I am seeking advice on how to effectively disinfect all affected items or determine if disposal is necessary to prevent any health risks. My children are quite young, at 2.5 years and just 4 months old. If they’ve potentially been exposed to mouse droppings, should I reach out to their pediatrician? For reference, I’m a 32-year-old female, standing at 5'6" and weighing 140 pounds, not currently on any medications.
Excessive Electrical Shocks Encountered
Hello everyone! This is my inaugural post here since I don't frequently use Reddit. I'm a 15-year-old male, and I've recently been experiencing an unusual frequency of electrical shocks. Whenever I come into contact with anything that is either highly charged or conductive, I receive a sharp, irritating jolt. This situation has become increasingly bothersome. For instance, I can only grasp my Mac charger by the cord and not the plug itself. I'm curious if anyone has insights into why this is happening. Please let me know; I hope it's nothing serious! 💕
Urinalysis Inquiry
Subject: Urinalysis Results Review Age: 23 Height: 5'2" Weight: 101 lbs Greetings! I would appreciate it if you could review my urinalysis findings. The test was conducted yesterday, just one day prior to the start of my menstrual cycle, and I am now currently on my period. Below are the details of my results, as I need this information to fulfill a prerequisite for my employment. Additionally, I would like to know whether my menstrual cycle may have influenced the outcome of the test. I typically experience frequent urination, yet I do not have any discomfort or pain while urinating.