HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Breathing Difficulty And Dehydration While Having Flu

default
Posted on Thu, 21 Jan 2016
Question: hello. so i had the flu 2 weeks ago and then started to feel better the week after. i was taking z pack during the flu because of mild pneumonia. now this week, i feel worse. its kind of hard to breathe, im shaking/cold and im suffering from some sort of derealization. like everythings a dream. i thought it was because i hadnt had coffee in a few days so i had some today and now i feel worse. constant need to shake/move and still feeling lightheadex
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
A couple of things to point out

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. First of all, with any type of respiratory infection there will be some amount of dehydration due to the fluid loss. So the first thing to do is to make sure you are always well hydrated, and continue to remain that way for at least a week or two after the infection subsides.

So the coffee you took could/would have aggravated the dehydration if at all it was present. The next thing I would like to speak about is the z-pakc (antibiotics); the specific pack of antibiotics that you took will only help specific type of infections (usually upper respiratory tract infections), but can be effective for others as well. But only if you are susceptible to it, which is also important.

So, the important points we need to realise here are:

1. Was the z-pack effective for the type of infection you had?

2. Was the z-pack taken for the right duration of time?

3. Even if the infection was indeed treated, you could possibly just be suffering from dehydration so try staying well hydrated (at least 3 litres of water per day)

4. Avoid all edibles that can promote fluid loss from your body

5. If your symptoms do not subside in another 2-3 days, after you continue to stay well hydrated; then visit your doctor as your infection may have not been adequately treated

I hope I have explained things in a manner best understood by you. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help.

Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (7 minutes later)
the
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (15 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please type in your query, looking forward to assisting you sir

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again sir.

Please do type in the query as I did not receive the complete one. Looking forward to hearing from you in order to help you further.

Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (2 hours later)
hello. my mistake on that. i will answer your questions and ask a few new ones. i took the z pack for the correct amount of days and dosage and it didnt really seem to help. some questions: can i drink more than 3 liters of water? is there a limit on water? what foods are good to eat that wont dehydrate me? can i masturbate? since this is my last follow up question, thank you for all the help. best wishes
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Always here to help :)

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again sir.

I am glad to know that you did complete the z-pack as directed, but that still does not rule out the possibility of you being resistant to it.

There is no limit on water, but in medicine we say that if your urine has no colour, then you are well hydrated and need not consume more than you already are, or may be even cut back a little on your intake. Not because it is bad for you, but because you will unnecessarily have to visit the toilet several times to pass urine. But no, there is no limit of water intake. :)

Foods that will help with hydration:

+Watermelon
+Musk melon
+Cucumber
+Lettuce
+Celery
+Green peppers
+Tomatoes
+Radishes
+Star fruit
+Cauliflower
+Spinach
+Grapefruit
+Broccoli
+Baby carrots
+Strawberries
+Cantaloupe

Masturbation is not a problem, but I think once a day should suffice and not more.

You are always welcome, and please do not hesitate to write to me again. You can always just type out the question and mention my name in it so that it can be addressed to me and I shall be at your service.

Best wishes sir. :)
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Breathing Difficulty And Dehydration While Having Flu

Brief Answer: A couple of things to point out Detailed Answer: Hello sir and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. First of all, with any type of respiratory infection there will be some amount of dehydration due to the fluid loss. So the first thing to do is to make sure you are always well hydrated, and continue to remain that way for at least a week or two after the infection subsides. So the coffee you took could/would have aggravated the dehydration if at all it was present. The next thing I would like to speak about is the z-pakc (antibiotics); the specific pack of antibiotics that you took will only help specific type of infections (usually upper respiratory tract infections), but can be effective for others as well. But only if you are susceptible to it, which is also important. So, the important points we need to realise here are: 1. Was the z-pack effective for the type of infection you had? 2. Was the z-pack taken for the right duration of time? 3. Even if the infection was indeed treated, you could possibly just be suffering from dehydration so try staying well hydrated (at least 3 litres of water per day) 4. Avoid all edibles that can promote fluid loss from your body 5. If your symptoms do not subside in another 2-3 days, after you continue to stay well hydrated; then visit your doctor as your infection may have not been adequately treated I hope I have explained things in a manner best understood by you. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help. Best wishes.