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Suggest Treatment For Respiratory Tract Infection While On Immunosuppressive Drugs

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Posted on Tue, 12 May 2015
Question: I have been sick for 3 days (URI) and I take immunosuppressive drugs (last dose was this past Tuesday). Today I have pain when swallowing, a heavy (non-productive) cough, and of course my chest hurts. If I take a deep breath, I can hear wheezing. I have only taken Tylenol for low grade fever, when it presents, Should I be concerned? Or should I just let it run its course. (I halve to return to work tomorrow, unless I am in the hospital.)
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Better to rule out LRTI and get done chest x ray.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your situation and problem.
Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is common in patients on immunosuppressive drugs.
Your symptoms like fever, heavy cough, chest pain (hurt), wheezing etc are seen in LRTI (pneumonia).
So better to consult pulmonologist and get done
1. Clinical examination of respiratory system
2. Chest x ray.
Chest x ray is needed to rule out pneumonia.
If chest x ray is normal then possibility of bronchitis is high.
Because bronchitis cause similar symptoms.
PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) is needed for the diagnosis of bronchitis.
So better to first diagnose yourself and then start appropriate treatment.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Drkaushal85

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 15005 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Respiratory Tract Infection While On Immunosuppressive Drugs

Brief Answer: Better to rule out LRTI and get done chest x ray. Detailed Answer: Thanks for your question on HCM. I can understand your situation and problem. Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is common in patients on immunosuppressive drugs. Your symptoms like fever, heavy cough, chest pain (hurt), wheezing etc are seen in LRTI (pneumonia). So better to consult pulmonologist and get done 1. Clinical examination of respiratory system 2. Chest x ray. Chest x ray is needed to rule out pneumonia. If chest x ray is normal then possibility of bronchitis is high. Because bronchitis cause similar symptoms. PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) is needed for the diagnosis of bronchitis. So better to first diagnose yourself and then start appropriate treatment. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.