Not getting better ...

[rustyrain]

Hi all. I have a question with regards to a chest infection I developed four weeks ago, but I am just not getting better. I am a 27yr old female and have been suffering from asthma for the past 2 - 3 years. Four weeks ago I fell ill and went to the doctor, who diagnosed me with bronchitis. I was given an antibiotic and another pill (can't recall now), but the doctor also recommended that I continue with my chronic pump, nasal spray, cortisone pills and Topraz pills. I did as the doctor said, and completed the entire antibiotic course, but I did not get better. A week later my symptoms worsened again, and I headed back to the drawing board again. I decided I was going to see a different doctor, and he diagnosed me with an upper respiratory tract infection. He said the bronchitis infection is better, but said I should stop all the meds (excluding the asthma pump and nasal spray) given to me by the previous doctor, and he gave me a new antibiotic course, cortisone, cough syrup and theoplus pills. I finished up all the meds given by the doctor, but still have cough syrup left over; however, I am still not better. My symptoms have eased up but the phlegm (I know its a a bit gross) is still green at time, and I have this choking cough that doesn't want to go away. I have tried some herbal decongestant, some ACC effervescents - but nothing seems to help :( the phlegm seems to be stuck in the middle of my chest, and it feels like I have dust in my throat and/or chest and this seems to trigger the coughing :( I am not sure what to do anymore - like I say this is week 4 that I am struggling with this infection. Do I need to go back to the doctor? Should I have my lungs x-rayed? Please help.

[caregiver222]

With respects I disagree with the recommendation to take acetaminophen. Elevation of blood temperature is part of the immune response. Certain bacteria cannot replicate except within a certain range of temperatures. While you have an active bacterial lung infection you should be completely off the oral prednisone. Completely. Drink NO alcohol. Obtain an expectorant and cough up phlegm and examine it. If it is yellowish you have an on-going bacterial infection. In theory this should be cultured, but the current generation of physicians and hospitals do not do so. The word "stronger" is meaningless. different antibiotics have different mechanisms of action. The problem is if you are on one antibiotic (a) the strain of bacteria may not respond well to that antibiotic (b) the strain will mutate and become resistant to that antibiotic. They will probably take an x-ray, however proper auscultation of the lung fields four quadrants, anterior and posterior are just as good. If this doesn't clear up within five days you need to to a hospital. You may require intravenous antibiotics. These lung infections can end up in death. If you have difficulty breathing at night do not hesitate to head for an ER. I am not a happy camper with the fact you have had this infection for four weeks. These infections can migrate to the bloodstream and settle on the heart valve.I would suggest a teaching hospital and a consult with an infection control specialist.

[rustyrain]

thanx for the advice :) went back to the doctor and he has put me on stronger meds :) I hope it'll do the trick ...

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hi, if your symptoms are worsening with the antibiotic then the infecting organism may not be susceptible to the antibiotic. You will need to consult your doctor who may need to do a sputum culture and sensitivity to determine what antibiotic the organism is susceptible to.  He may even ask for blood test and an X ray. In the meantime take OTC acetaminophen for the temperature, try to take warm oral fluids and do steam inhalations prior to your meals. This helps to loosen up and bring out the secretions. And continue with the inhalers. Regards.