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

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Severe Cough And Fever While On Amoxicillin

default
Posted on Tue, 28 Mar 2017
Question: Hi Doctor. I just got back from a 7 day trip in Merida, Mexico. My wife and I both ate alot of "street food/cart foods", tacos, tamales, etc. from vendors that probably do not have the best sanitary conditions. We go often to Mexico, but Ive never been sick before. I do not have diarrhea, but also I have not had a bowel movement since this past Tuesday (5-6 days). My symptons are as follows: fever (currently 101), body aches, pains, headache only when I cough or move quickly, slight pain urinating, no discoloration, but constant urination (every 2 hours or so). All of these symptoms started about 4 days ago. Also, loss of appetite. My wife has none of these symptons, and she ate alot of the same foods. 3 days ago, I started taking Tylenol (1000/mg) every 6 hours or so to control the fever and also began drinking alot more water consistently through today. I just arrived back in the States this morning.

I have two types of antibiotics here at home: Amoxicillin 500/mg and Sulfameth &Tmp tabs 800/160. I dont want to self diagnose myself, but from the Information I have given above, will one of these antibiotics help me? Im not alergic to anything, Im 54 y/o male, 6'3", 250/lbs.

Also, should I go to an Urgent Care clinic, or will these symptons pass?

Any help is appreciated.
Gracias!
Mark
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I think it is time for you to go in to be seen.

Please go in to either the Urgent Care or ER. I am thinking you might get answers faster in the ER.

You have some type of infection, and in the Urgent Care or ER, they can get a CBC, a urinalysis, a urine culture with sensitivity (a test for most effective antibiotic), and do an examination. They may also want to get a blood culture.

I do not recommend starting your antibiotics without first having some blood and urine given. Because the antibiotic can partially treat your symptoms and make it harder to diagnose, without truly being the right medication.

I am also sending you a link about regions of Mexico that have malaria. If you were in a region that the CDC indicates has malaria, then make sure that you are also tested for that when your blood is drawn (p. vivax).

Here is the link:

You will probably need to copy and paste this link into your address bar. The map is at the bottom of the page.

If you have a lot of coughing, it's possible you picked up influenza, which is going around the US (and you may have picked it up on the plane). But still, go in and be checked.Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Only transmitted via the female anopheles mosquito - not food.

If you are willing, please let me know how you are doing after you have been evaluated.



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (34 minutes later)
Is malaria only carried by moskitos, or can it be transmitted through unclean food?

Slept through Sunday night after taking another 1000/mg Tylenol, woke up monday morning with still fever (100.2). Went to Dr. They did swabs for flu (negative) and I gave urine for anaylsis. She perscribed me 7 days of the antibiotic Nitrofurantoin Mono MCR 100mg for a possible UTI infection. Lab results should be available on Tues.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (29 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Ok, I'll believe that you may have a UTI, for which nitrofurantoin will help.

But unless the UTI has ascended to your kidneys, it would not cause you to have a fever.

Symptoms of a kidney infection are flank pain, fever, nausea. Nitrofurantoin, which is fine for a lower uncomplicated bladder infection would not be the best choice for a kidney infection.

I hope she sent your urine sample for a culture and sensitivity test.

Also, I hope she drew a CBC.

Have you seen your own doctor yet? This is more than just an uncomplicated UTI.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 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 Severe Cough And Fever While On Amoxicillin

Brief Answer: Information Detailed Answer: Hello, I think it is time for you to go in to be seen. Please go in to either the Urgent Care or ER. I am thinking you might get answers faster in the ER. You have some type of infection, and in the Urgent Care or ER, they can get a CBC, a urinalysis, a urine culture with sensitivity (a test for most effective antibiotic), and do an examination. They may also want to get a blood culture. I do not recommend starting your antibiotics without first having some blood and urine given. Because the antibiotic can partially treat your symptoms and make it harder to diagnose, without truly being the right medication. I am also sending you a link about regions of Mexico that have malaria. If you were in a region that the CDC indicates has malaria, then make sure that you are also tested for that when your blood is drawn (p. vivax). Here is the link: You will probably need to copy and paste this link into your address bar. The map is at the bottom of the page. If you have a lot of coughing, it's possible you picked up influenza, which is going around the US (and you may have picked it up on the plane). But still, go in and be checked.Brief Answer: Information Detailed Answer: Only transmitted via the female anopheles mosquito - not food. If you are willing, please let me know how you are doing after you have been evaluated.