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What Does This Sputum Test Report Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 16 May 2016

Question: hi doctor
I am having cough since 2 months.
I went for sputum tests.
sputum for AFB = not seen
Gram stain = smear shows gram positive cocci.
can you tell me what this result mean for gram stain.
are there any concerns for me.

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Upper respiratory tract infection possibly

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX, Wellcome to HCM.

Please take a moment and go through the following queries and try to answer them so that I Can guide you further :

Did you try any medicines for the last two months?
How is the Cough? Is it Dry or there's mucus expectorant also ?
Is it continuous ? What Relieves it ?
Have you done any chest X-ray also ? If yes then please Upload the film..

I've gone through the reports.. You're most likely having an upper air way infection with most common bacteria called Streptococcus. It can be easily treated with Tab AMOXICILLIN 500mg taken thrice a day for a minimum of 5 days. Since this is prescription only drug you can consult your local doctor and request the prescription and purchase the medicines at any pharmacy.

You can take anti spasmodic mucolytics like Syrup KOFAREST 15ml thrice a day for 5 days.

This is treatable even now and is common.
I suggest a regular steam inhalation four times a day for 3 days.

You should not be worried.

Let me know if you have any doubts.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (5 days later)

hi doctor
I took zifi Az and Montreal LC
I completed 5 days course
I took chest test which was normal
how long I can take antibiotics. .
are not these harmful
please suggest

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
STOP ANTIBIOTICS IF OVER 5 DAYA

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

The regular course of antibiotics like Zifi Az is 5 to 7 days. The infection clears up by then. You should stop them if you do not have any cough or fever.

A short course like 7 day to 14 days not harmful.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (17 minutes later)

I took 5 days of course.

Can I took medicines for 5 more days. It gave me relief earlier.
Now it has again started, I am having now. Can you tell me which medicine should I take. Can I take homeopathic medicine - Bakson #B 33?

Is there any side effects of taking homeopathic medicine. Will this medicine be effective in my case.???

Thanks !!

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
STOP

Detailed Answer:
Since it gave complete relief I suggest you stop the course. Do not take further. It is not recommended.
If the cough and fever started again you can continue the same medicine ZIFI, MONTEK LC along with PANTAPRAZOLE 40mg, once a day before breakfast.

I have no idea about Homeopathic medicine and how it works. I do not believe in it.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar