I have had a cold for the past week. Although I am about 80% recovered, my right nostril is still blocked, and I have a mild cough. What should I do? | Apollo Pharmacy

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I have had a cold for the past week. Although I am about 80% recovered, my right nostril is still blocked, and I have a mild cough. What should I do?

Asked by Male, 38 · 9 days ago

Chandrakanta Jena

Pharm D

4 days ago

Your symptoms are most likely due to lingering inflammation after a viral cold. It is common for nasal congestion and a mild cough to persist for 1 to 3 weeks, even after you start feeling better. To help relieve the blocked nostril, drink plenty of fluids, inhale steam carefully, and use saline nasal drops or a saline nasal spray several times a day. If advised by your doctor, a short course of a nasal decongestant spray may also help, but it should not be used for more than 3 to 5 days. For the cough, stay well hydrated and consider warm fluids such as honey with warm water or tea if you are an adult. Consult your doctor if your symptoms last longer than 10 to 14 days, worsen after initially improving, or are accompanied by high fever, severe facial pain, thick foul smelling nasal discharge, shortness of breath, or chest pain, as these may indicate a bacterial infection or another condition requiring treatment.

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I have had a cold for the past week. Although I am about 80% recovered, my right nostril is still blocked, and I have a mild cough. What should I do? | Apollo Pharmacy