Flu/virus

[chokkie]

Been feeling absolutely ghastly since last Tuesday (15th) - was off work for 3 days with what I presumed was some kind of virus, kept feeling a bit more energised and then had to get my head back on the pillow in bed. This weekend, a cold/cough started to emerge, and I'm still feeling rough. Back at work today - but still got a sore throat and very blocked up nose. Of course I don't really want to bother my GP with this if it's just a virus ... but just wanted to know if someone could give me an idea of how much longer I'm going to be feeling so awful! Not blowing my nose that much or coughing during the day, but then the cough starts when I lie down and try to get to sleep ..... help .......

[Sqad]

The cough may last for up to 6 weeks from the onset of symptoms....so you may have another 4 weeks at least coughing.

Blocked up nose ........the same.

Not a lot that you can do about the cough but a nasal decongestant OTC e.g Vick Sinex spray may well help to unblock your nose.

[Bazile]

Just as a matter of interest sqad .

I thought that a blocked nose was as a result of the inside of the nose swelling up , rather than blocked with stuff

[Sqad]

Bazile......it is......so what.....a decongestant does just that....decongests.

[Bazile]

sqad - i was not questioning your advice - perhaps i should have worded it better

I was simply asking if that was correct - as i recall a colleague questioning why there was nothing coming out when she blew her nose

[Sqad]

LOL.....I don't mind my advice being questioned...I am used to it on AB.

Now you are making me be more scientific ( which I hate)

A virus acts on the lining of the nose and it swells up...blocks the nose. A decongestant acts on the nose, shrinking the lining (decongests)and the airway is clear.

A virus acts on the lining of the nose causing the lining to swell AND the lining of the nose produces SNOT which cant get out because the lining of the nose is preventing it doing so. A decongestant will shrink the nasal lining and the SNOT will be able to escape, clearing the nasal passage.

Now......occasionally polyps (benign growths) or a deviated cartilage may cause the blockage and no amount of decongestive agents will improve this. One then must rely on the skill of the surgeon.

[Bazile]

thanks for that

[chokkie]

Hi folks, many thanks for the information - looks like I will just have to put up with it all for a bit longer .....am certainly cancelling my dental apt tomorrow - they won't thank me for going - I feel sure! Cheers. Chox.