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What Causes Fever, Cough And Chest Congestion?
Question: my wife is a 55 year old woman with a good health history. For the past 10 days she's had a fever ranging from 98.6 to 103.2. She has coughing and chest congestion. But does not complain of body aches or muscle pain.
We've seen her doctor and are waiting for blood test results. But do you have any idea what might cause a fever to persist in an adult for nearly two weeks. It seems unusual?
We've seen her doctor and are waiting for blood test results. But do you have any idea what might cause a fever to persist in an adult for nearly two weeks. It seems unusual?
Brief Answer:
Lower respiratory infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Symptoms suggest lower respiratory infection.Clinical examination will help in determining any lung parenchymal involvement.Complete blood count (CBC) and X-ray chest PA view need to be done as the initial work-up.Sputum (if any) for AFB (Acid Fast Bacilli),Fungi and Bacterial culture & sensitivity are also needed.
Otherwise fever with chest symptoms for nearly two weeks could be due to Pulmonary Tuberculosis.However In USA,TB is not endemic unlike developing countries.Fungal infection of lung can also give rise to near similar picture.
Regards
Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX
Lower respiratory infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Symptoms suggest lower respiratory infection.Clinical examination will help in determining any lung parenchymal involvement.Complete blood count (CBC) and X-ray chest PA view need to be done as the initial work-up.Sputum (if any) for AFB (Acid Fast Bacilli),Fungi and Bacterial culture & sensitivity are also needed.
Otherwise fever with chest symptoms for nearly two weeks could be due to Pulmonary Tuberculosis.However In USA,TB is not endemic unlike developing countries.Fungal infection of lung can also give rise to near similar picture.
Regards
Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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