Last week I lost my voice, and 2 days later I began having lots of phlegm and nasal congestion... I have taken mucinex, generic nyquil, dayquil, and bought delsym, it works but makes me feel loopy. Today is day one of not smoking and I am coughing so deeply and hard it makes me gag, fart, you name it...cough drops help a little, peppermints too. It's painful and embarrassing. Is it a cold and quitting? I did get the flu shot early Dec.
Thanks,
Cough-A-lotapus
Sheretta,
Thanks for your question. Sorry to hear that you're not feeling very well.
It sounds like you are doing everything possible to improve your symptoms. If still very uncomfortable, the next step would be to see your doctor who might prescribe stronger cough medication to allow you to get some rest. Of course, this might be a narcotic which would present some unfavorable side effects.
With the symptoms you have described, you most likely have a viral respiratory infection. Bacterial infections rarely cause the nasal congestion. This may take some time to run its course, but you should recover without any problems. If you develop a high fever, shaking chills or your symptoms become more severe, I suggest you make an appointment to see your doctor to be sure you have not developed a secondary infection like pneumonia.
Congratulations on your decision to quit smoking. Of course, the symptoms of withdrawal will only add some difficulty to your situation, but no matter what situation, quitting is the best move.
Hang in there, you will get better.
Martin Cane, M.D.
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