Persistent Coughing and Ear Discomfort
Hello, I’ve been battling a cold for the last four days, and my condition seems to be deteriorating. I’m a 20-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 3 inches and weighing about 130 pounds. I smoke occasionally, about once or twice per week, and I have asthma, for which I use an albuterol inhaler. Additionally, I take Lexapro. Today, I felt quite faint, and earlier this evening, a severe coughing fit caused me to vomit significantly. Since last night, my ears have been difficult to pop and there’s an unusual static noise in them. I’ve been taking Advil and Sudafed, but they haven't provided much relief. I've also been hydrating with plenty of water and tea and frequently using cough drops. What can I do to expedite my recovery? I’m feeling extremely unwell.
Answers (1)
2/15/2026, 9:40:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling so unwell. Your symptoms suggest that you may be experiencing complications from your cold, including possible bronchial irritation and ear congestion. Let’s break down the situation and focus on what you can do next.
Key Points:
- Persistent Symptoms: A worsening cold, severe coughing fits, ear congestion, and faintness are concerning.
- Use of Medications: Some medications you’re using may not be effectively addressing your symptoms.
- Action Steps: We’ll focus on immediate relief strategies and symptom monitoring.
Explanation:
Your recent cold combined with asthma makes you more susceptible to respiratory issues. The ear discomfort and noise could be due to eustachian tube dysfunction, possibly as a consequence of nasal congestion or viral infection. Coughing fits leading to vomiting are also troubling and can indicate severe irritation.
Next Steps:
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Rest and Relaxation: Ensure you are getting plenty of rest. Your body needs energy to fight off the infection.
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Use Your Inhaler: Given your asthma, continue using your albuterol inhaler as needed to alleviate any wheezing or shortness of breath. If you feel your breathing is worsening or you're having more frequent asthma symptoms, it may be wise to use it more often.
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Stay Hydrated: Continue drinking plenty of fluids, but consider adding warm broths or teas with honey to soothe your throat.
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Use a Humidifier: If you have one available, running a humidifier in your room can help to ease congestion and make breathing easier.
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Nasal Decongestion Strategies: If Sudafed isn’t helping, try saline nasal sprays to relieve nasal congestion. You may also use steam inhalation: take a hot shower or breathe steam from a bowl of hot water (be cautious to avoid burns).
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Avoid Smoking: Consider avoiding smoking, even occasionally, as it can worsen respiratory issues and slow recovery.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms over the next few days. If you find that you’re becoming increasingly faint, have difficulty breathing, or develop high fever, it would be important to seek medical attention.
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Reassess Medications: If your symptoms do not improve in the next couple of days, consider adjusting your over-the-counter medications. Consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider if possible about appropriate alternatives for pain relief and congestion.
Please prioritize these steps and take extra care of your health during this recovery period. If anything changes or worsens, do not hesitate to reach out for further help.
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