I've been dealing with this dry cough for over two weeks whenever I'm drinking water or eating, and it lasts for at least a minute or breaks up as I eat. I used to have intercostal muscle pain for a couple of months, but that's a lot better now. Recently, I've noticed a swollen lymph node on the right side of my neck, though it doesn't hurt. My throat's also started getting itchy and swollen now. I don't have a fever or problems with swallowing or breathing, but I can't help but wonder if these issues are connected somehow. Could you help me figure out what's going on?

Dr Shubham Chauhan

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 4+ Yrs

Consult Now

It sounds like you may be experiencing symptoms of postnasal drip, which can lead to a dry cough, throat irritation, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. The intercostal muscle pain you were experiencing could also be contributing to the discomfort. To help alleviate your symptoms, you can try taking an over-the-counter antihistamine like Claritin (loratadine) 10mg once daily to help with the throat irritation and postnasal drip. Additionally, you can use a throat lozenge like Strepsils to soothe your throat as needed. Make sure to stay hydrated and avoid irritants like smoke or strong odors. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it's important to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

Answered 04/07/2025