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How To Rule Out Fungal Pneumonia?
Question: I started with an ear and sinus infection 3 weeks ago, and was put on Amoxicillan and Clavulanate Potassium. I continued to have drainage down my throat and cough up chunks of green mucus from my lungs. I went back to the doctor, who said I also had bronchitis and put me on Azithromycin. My nose has not been stuffy, but my forehead and left ear and left cheek feel full. My temp has been around 98 and 99 degrees, so they say I don't have a fever, but my normal temp is always low like 96.8. I asked if I could be tested for a fungal infection, because a teacher at my old school building just died from fungal pneumonia, but they said they didn't have such a test.
Brief Answer:
I will suggest you get a culture of the sinus secretions!
Detailed Answer:
HI and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about these symptoms that you have described. Sinus infection should normally get resolved within 7-10days on amoxicillin and clavulanate. Because this failed to be the case, there needs to be a more detailed assessment to understand what the reasons are for delayed healing. Some could be a blockage in the sinus cavities while others are a resistance of the germ to the antibiotic used. To address this symptom, I will suggest that you get a culture of the sinus cavities secretions and an xray of the sinuses . This way we will identify the exact germ and what antibiotic can act on it as well as the possibilities of impaired sinus drainage that could be responsible for this delayed healing.
From your temperature, you do not have a fever though higher than your regular temperature. The culture will be able to tell us whether fungal is a possibility which needs to be considered. However, fungal infections of the lungs and sinuses is very rare.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
I will suggest you get a culture of the sinus secretions!
Detailed Answer:
HI and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about these symptoms that you have described. Sinus infection should normally get resolved within 7-10days on amoxicillin and clavulanate. Because this failed to be the case, there needs to be a more detailed assessment to understand what the reasons are for delayed healing. Some could be a blockage in the sinus cavities while others are a resistance of the germ to the antibiotic used. To address this symptom, I will suggest that you get a culture of the sinus cavities secretions and an xray of the sinuses . This way we will identify the exact germ and what antibiotic can act on it as well as the possibilities of impaired sinus drainage that could be responsible for this delayed healing.
From your temperature, you do not have a fever though higher than your regular temperature. The culture will be able to tell us whether fungal is a possibility which needs to be considered. However, fungal infections of the lungs and sinuses is very rare.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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