Yes, you can talk to one of our licensed healthcare professionals on Ogaei about your cough. Our doctors are available to assess your symptoms, provide medical advice, and recommend treatment options. Whether your cough is due to the common cold, allergies, or a more serious condition, Ogaei makes it easy to connect with a doctor online from the comfort of your home.

Coughing is your body’s natural response to irritants in your throat or airways. Occasional coughing is normal and helps clear irritants and secretions from your lungs. This reflex can be triggered by mechanical or chemical stimuli in your upper and lower airways, diaphragm, pericardium, or stomach. Mechanical receptors respond to touch or displacement, while chemical receptors react to factors like hot or cold substances, capsaicin-like compounds, and certain chemicals. Coughs often indicate underlying conditions. Everyone will experience a cough at some point, and many conditions that cause coughing will resolve on their own. However, if a cough becomes severe, lasts more than two weeks, or produces bloody or discolored mucus, it may signal a more serious condition. Chronic coughs are those that last eight weeks or longer in adults, or four weeks in children.

Coughs can signal a variety of underlying conditions and are often accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

• Sinus congestion
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Coughing up clear, white, yellow, or green mucus
• Headache
• Chest soreness
• Frequent throat clearing
• Heartburn
• Sour taste in the mouth
• Hoarseness
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Postnasal drip (feeling liquid running down the back of the throat)

In rare cases, coughing up blood can occur, indicating a potentially serious condition requiring medical attention.

Coughs can be symptoms of various underlying conditions, including:

• Infections (colds and flu)
• Asthma
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Postnasal drip
• Allergies
• Non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis
• Lung cancer
• Cystic fibrosis
• Airborne irritants (chemicals or cosmetics)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Medications (like ACE inhibitors)

Several home remedies can help reduce cough symptoms, especially if caused by a self-limiting condition like a cold or flu:

• Honey: Taking a teaspoon may help loosen mucus, aiding in clearing airways.
• Cough drops or hard candies: Soothe sore throats or dry coughs.
• Fluids: Drink plenty to thin mucus.
• Humidifier or steamy shower: Moisturize the air.
• Avoid irritants: Stay away from tobacco smoke and known allergens.
• Dietary adjustments: Avoid foods that increase reflux (colas, red wine, acidic drinks, chocolate, fatty foods).
• Eating habits: Don’t eat three hours before lying down.
• Bed elevation: Raise the head of the bed by six to eight inches.

If the cause of your cough is unknown, over-the-counter medications like cough suppressants can help manage symptoms while a doctor identifies the underlying cause. However, over-the-counter medications should not be used in children under six (ideally twelve), except for fever reducers and pain relievers. Once a doctor determines the cause of your cough, they can recommend appropriate treatments, which may include:

• Antibiotics
• Acid blockers
• Inhaled asthma medications
• Antihistamines
• Corticosteroids
• Decongestants

Remember, treating the underlying condition is often necessary to effectively reduce cough symptoms.

Yes, a doctor on Ogaei can treat a cold. Through our secure telehealth platform, you can connect with licensed doctors who can assess your symptoms, provide medical advice, and recommend appropriate treatment options to help you recover. Ogaei doctors can guide you on managing your symptoms, such as a sore throat, cough, or nasal congestion. If necessary, they may prescribe medications like decongestants or recommend over-the-counter remedies.

A cold is an infection in your upper respiratory tract (nose, throat) and lungs that leaves you sneezing, coughing, and feeling generally run-down. It's most common in children, but adults can still expect to catch at least one cold per year. Colds are the most frequently occurring illness worldwide and the leading cause of doctor visits and missed work or school days. They are caused by over 200 different viruses, with rhinovirus being the most common. Due to the sheer number of viruses and the constant development of new ones, the body doesn’t develop resistance, making colds very common. Viruses are primarily transmitted through the mouth, eyes, or nose. They spread through the air when someone with a cold sneezes or coughs without covering their mouth, or through hand-to-hand contact with an infected person.

Common cold symptoms include:

• Congestion
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Slight body aches or pain
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Sneezing
• Fever

To prevent getting a cold:

• Disinfect surfaces and items you frequently touch.
• Use tissues when you sneeze, cough, or blow your nose.
• Limit contact with people who have a cold.
• Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't available.

There are no direct antibiotics or antivirals to treat colds, but you can relieve your discomfort with the following measures:

• Drink plenty of clear fluids.
• Keep your room warm.
• Rest.
• Take pain relievers for fever, sore throat, and headache.
• Use decongestants or nasal sprays to relieve congestion.

Antibiotics may be necessary if you develop a secondary bacterial infection in the lungs, throat, ears, or eyes, which can sometimes result from a cold.

Yes, a doctor on Ogaei can treat the flu. Flu symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, cough, and fatigue can be effectively managed with professional advice. Depending on the severity and timing of your symptoms, the doctor may prescribe antiviral medications, suggest over-the-counter remedies, or provide tips for home care to help you recover faster. Ogaei makes it easy to access flu treatment without needing to visit a clinic. Book a virtual consultation today and get expert medical care from the comfort of your home.

The flu is a contagious viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system (nose, throat, and lungs). People often confuse it with the common cold, but the flu is a distinct illness with more severe symptoms. Unlike the common cold, the flu can be deadly and is one of the top 10 causes of death in developed nations. The flu spreads primarily when infected individuals cough or sneeze. It can also be transmitted by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus. After exposure, it takes 1-4 days for flu symptoms to appear, making it difficult to determine the exact source of infection.

Common flu symptoms include:

• Body aches and pain
• Chills
• Dry cough
• Fatigue and weakness
• Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
• Headache
• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat

Flu treatment typically involves plenty of rest and staying hydrated. In some cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed to shorten the duration and severity of the illness. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce body aches and headaches. Flu tests, usually in the form of a nasal swab, are available but not always necessary, as doctors can often diagnose the flu based on symptoms alone.

The best way to prevent the flu is to avoid exposure to the virus. Here are some preventive measures:

• Get the flu shot: Annual vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu.
• Avoid contact with sick people: Stay away from individuals who are infected.
• Cover your nose and mouth: Use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
• Disinfect surfaces: Regularly clean commonly touched surfaces.
• Limit touching your face: Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
• Hand hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

By following these preventive measures, you can reduce your risk of contracting and spreading the flu.

Yes, a doctor on Ogaei can treat a sore throat. Whether your sore throat is caused by a viral infection, strep throat, allergies, or another condition, our licensed doctors can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment. With Ogaei, you can get expert advice and relief for your sore throat without leaving your home. Book a consultation today for fast, convenient care.

A sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, is often one of the first signs of an infection. It's usually caused by viruses, such as the cold virus, but can also result from more serious viruses like the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis. Only a small number of sore throats are due to strep bacteria, known as strep throat. The most common cause of a sore throat is a viral infection, like the common cold or flu. Other, less common causes include:

• Allergies: Reactions to pets, mold, dust, and pollen.
• Bacterial infections: Including Streptococcus pyogenes, which causes strep throat.
• Dry air: Indoor dry air can make your throat feel dry and itchy.

Common symptoms of a sore throat include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarse or muffled voice
• Inflamed tonsils
• Itchy throat
• Throat pain
• Sore and swollen glands around the neck and jaw area

A sore throat caused by a viral infection, such as the common cold, includes symptoms like:

• Body aches
• Cough
• Fever
• Mild headache
• Runny nose
• Sneezing

A sore throat caused by a bacterial infection typically includes symptoms like:

• Loss of appetite
• Pain when swallowing
• Red tonsils

Bacterial sore throats can be treated with antibiotics. There is no specific treatment for viral sore throats, but you can relieve symptoms by:

• Drinking plenty of fluids (soup, tea, water)
• Eating nutritious foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein)
• Gargling with warm salt water
• Resting
• Sucking on ice chips
• Taking over-the-counter cold medicine

You should see a doctor if you experience:

• A high fever (38.3°C / 101°F or higher)
• A lump in your neck
• A sore throat that lasts longer than a week
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Earaches
• Hoarse voice lasting more than two weeks
• Joint pain

These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition requiring medical attention.

Yes, a doctor on Ogaei can help treat diarrhea. Whether it's caused by a viral infection, food poisoning, digestive issues, or another condition, our licensed healthcare providers can assess your symptoms, identify potential causes, and recommend effective treatments. During your virtual consultation, the doctor will ask about your symptoms, such as frequency, duration, and any accompanying issues like fever or dehydration. They may suggest dietary adjustments, over-the-counter remedies, or prescribe medications if needed. If your symptoms indicate a more serious condition, the doctor may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.

Everyone experiences diarrhea occasionally, characterized by loose, watery, and more frequent bowel movements. Typically, it lasts for several days, but if it persists for weeks, it could indicate a serious disorder such as a chronic infection, inflammatory bowel disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. Diarrhea is often caused by a viral stomach infection, such as the stomach flu. Other causes include:

• Allergy or intolerance to certain foods
• Alcohol abuse
• Diabetes
• Difficulty absorbing nutrients
• Digestive system surgery
• Food that upsets the stomach
• Food poisoning
• Intestinal diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease, Ulcerative colitis)
• Laxative abuse
• Overactive thyroid
• Some cancers
• Certain medications
• Radiation therapy
• Running

Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Loose, watery stools
• Bloating
• Blood in the stool
• Fever
• Nausea
• Urgent need to have a bowel movement

To prevent diarrhea, wash your hands often, especially:

• After using the bathroom
• After changing diapers
• After sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose
• Before and after preparing a meal

Diarrhea usually doesn't require prescription medication and will go away on its own. Staying hydrated by drinking water or beverages with electrolytes (like sports drinks) can help replace fluids. Over-the-counter medications like Imodium (loperamide) can reduce the severity of symptoms and the frequency of bowel movements. If diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection or parasites, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics.

You should seek medical attention if:

• There is blood or pus in your diarrhea or your stool is black
• You have a fever above 38°C (101°F)
• Your diarrhea lasts longer than two days
• You can't keep fluids down due to nausea or vomiting
• You have severe stomach or rectal pain
• You experience diarrhea after traveling to a new country
• You show signs of extreme dehydration (fatigue, increased heart rate, headache, lightheadedness, dark urine)

These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that requires professional treatment.