I NEED HELP. URGENT!!!

[gwenski]

I have been sick since Dec. 4 after cleaning the house. For the record, I have asthma. I have a very itchy throat and very stuffy nose. I have tried to take a Robitussin Expectorant but it just made me vomit everything with tons of phlegm, of course. And I have tried to take some antihistamines like Benadryl and Celestamine. Well, it helped me for a while but I'm back with a very stuffy nose and very itchy throat. The worse part is I'm not taking any expectorants anymore and still I vomit everything I eat. It's been a week now and I'm still suffering from my throat and nose. I need help, guys! I don't even know if I have to consult my pulmonologist or an ENT.

[gwenski]

Thanks a lot for the information... It was a great help. I was diagnosed with Acute Tonsillopharyngitis.

[David Tinkelman, M.D.]

I am sorry to hear that you are so miserable.  It sounds like you may have two things going on: 1) an upper respiratory infection or allergic reaction to something you were exposed to in cleaning your house and 2) an upper gastrointestinal disorder, responsible for the vomiting.  It Is also possible that your vomiting may be due, at least in part to excessive amounts of swallowed phlegm.

What is clear that, whether one or the other of the preceding problems persists, you do need to see your doctor because,  “the very stuffy nose and very itchy throat” may reflect a treatable infection that might also be effecting your lungs (bronchitis or pneumonia) or, if allergic may respond to a short course of prednisone and, if the vomiting persists, you may soon become dehydrated. In response to your question, I would favor your seeing the ENT, who could also assess both your upper and lower respiratory tracts, with physical examination,  a chest X-ray, a blood count and, especially if the phlegm is discolored, examination of the phlegm being raised.

Good luck,  I sincerely hope that you are already feeling better.