Q: Whenever I inhale foul smells from sewage, public toilets, washbasins or sweat, I suffer for one to three days. I feel tired and there is a constant flow of water and phlegm from my nose. There is a sudden increase of phlegm from my chest, there is a sound in my chest and I have trouble breathing. Is it natural or do I have some kind of deficiency? — A.Y.S., Jeddah

A: Bad odor or any aerosol, dust and vapors from cleaning products are all strong allergens. These allergens can cause severe allergic reaction in the upper respiratory tract, particularly in the nose leading to water flow and nasal congestion. This condition, if not treated promptly, will lead to the blockage of the nostrils. The mucus secretion that you have referred to as phlegm will descend down into the lower respiratory tract causing lung congestion, and blocking the airways, resulting in breathing difficulties. This problem, if prolonged, can lead to asthma. You need to consult an ear, nose, throat and chest consultant to get proper treatment and undertake preventive measures.

Q: I came back from Haj last week and since then I have been suffering from severe breathing problems and chest congestion. I have taken antibiotics, Augmentin 1g, as advised by doctors for four days. It helped a little. But I am having severe and recurring headaches in the frontal part of my head. Please advise me on what I should do. — J.A., Yanbu

A: Breathing problems and chest congestion could be due to a blocked nose or bronchospasm. You need to take anti-allergic and mucolytic medicines. Frontal headaches may be due to sinus problems. You need to undergo an x-ray for sinuses and consult an ear, nose, throat specialist.

Q: Before going for Haj I did not take the mandatory meningitis shot. I am feeling good but I have a creepy feeling that I have exposed myself to danger. Should I still take the shot or just forget about it? — N.Q., Riyadh

A: The vaccines that are needed to be taken before Haj are meningitis and flu vaccines. Even though you missed taking them, I strongly recommend you take them now. These are very useful to prevent you from serious illnesses, which can affect anyone at anytime.

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Dr. M.S. Karimuddin’s answer in this weekly column.