What is the treatment for recurrent URTI?
Patient: Recurrent URTII have a recurrent URTI presenting with chesty cough, with whitish sputum and nasal discharge on and off for 2/52 duration. Consult a doctor and was given antibiotic (Amoxacillin) and Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride.But the cough doesn't improve at all. What should I do? Can i go to the hospital and ask for SAFB? Doctor: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Recurrent cough should be ruled out for tuberculosis. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system, chest x ray and sputum examination for AFB (acid fast bacilli-bacteria causing tuberculosis). Chest x ray is needed to rule out pneumonia. Sputum AFB will diagnose tuberculosis if present. If both these are normal than no need to worry much for tuberculosis or pneumonia. You should take Influenza vaccine annually. It will prevent recurrent upper respiratory tract viral infection. Also take high protein diet, multivitamin and antioxidants tablet to improve immunity. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.