Had Splenectomy For Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia. Have Fever. Taking Nyquil For Cough. What Should I Do?

Posted on Thu, 15 Nov 2012

Question: My 30 year old son has had a splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenia 5 years ago. For two days now,has been running a fever of 102 degrees (orally). He states he only has a cough and is taking Nyquil for it. He never calls our sick from work, but has been bedridden for 2 days. He states it's nothing, but my gut instincts are telling me: he needs to go to the emergency room. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Kulbir Singh (2 hours later)

Hello XXXXXXX and thanks for posting the query
In my opinion you must take your son to the emergency room and get investigated for the cause of fever. I think he needs a course of effective antibiotic to get rid from it.

You are already taking medication for common cold and not getting any relief. Even in this condition if fever persists for more than 2 days we need to take a course of antibiotic.

So consult your doctor at emergency and go for certain blood investigation like Complete blood count, Widal, Liver function test. Depending upon the investigation reports treatment can be planned.
You can give Paracetamol orally to reduce fever and steam inhalation if your son has chest congestion.

Hope I have answered your query. Write back if you have another query.
Best Wishes
Dr. Kulbir Singh

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