A member asked:
Have a runny nose and when i blow its thick mucous with coughing up a lot of thick yellow mucous for a week now. should i get checked?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Yes: When a viral infection, which is what you probably started with a week ago continues into the 7 to 10 day period, it is quite likely that it has now become bacterial. Usually a viral illness will be clearly getting better by then. You may in fact benefit from an antibiotic at this time.
Answered 12/8/2015
5.4k views
Yes if no better: Most uncomplicated viral colds run their course in 7- 10 days. If thick yellow nasal mucus is not improving after about 10-14 days, the possibility that a sinus infection has occurred is significantly higher. Nasal saline rinse and decongestants may relieve symptoms, but if not improving over next several days, antibiotics would be reasonable.
Answered 1/7/2013
5.4k views
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