
Have Chest Tightness And A Lot Of Mucus. Took Inhaler With Zithromax And Prednisone. Any Effect?

I also start with all this weighing 136 lbs. today at the urgent care center I weighed 116 lbs and that is from 12/1 to today. I am 5 ft 3 I had my thyroid checked as well one as slight high but ENT did not think it was a problem told me to et blood done again in 6 months and we will see.
Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thank you for writing to us.
Just to start with the throat culture report of growth of Serratia marcescens, it is very unusual for this rod-like gram negative bacteria to grow from throat culture, as it is usually seen in catheter associated bacteremia, and wound infection. Biofilms on teeth can have this bacteria but as you clean teeth daily, it should not be a problem. Also this bacteria can grow on throat swabs if you have been ill in hospital for a while. So, the point is, this bacterial report is something probably not worth pursuing too much unless you have been really unwell and required IV fluids, antibiotics etc.
The constant mucous and cough in your throat does not repeat check with a throat swab, culture studies, or sputum c/s if you are bringing up thick phlegm. A Chest X XXXXXXX is also a must.
However, if the mucous is white with no blood streaks, and a congested nose could mean (1) a viral infection that can affect airways in like having an asthma attack; or (2) allergic rhinitis/rhinosinusitis which can make you feel ill.
Allergy tests to exclude house dust mite, mould allergy will be important.
Also note that the serratia marcescens grows on bathroom tiles, shower corners so please get the areas cleaned with thick bleach using your home help. I would not recommend you do this at this time.
It is also best you use as less lorazepam as you can. Antihistamines such as cetirizine 10mg taken twice daily with a steroid nasal spray (like flixonase, or nasonex) will clear the nose and throat and are very safe medications. A blue inhaler (such as Asthalin, Salbair) for the lungs may prove useful.
I hope this helps.
Best Wishes.


Do I need to be coughing up mucus to really get rid of this or will the meds take care of it?
I go to family physician on the 10th just when I don't have anymore meds to take even though they still go on working. Another doctor my son's pediatric told me it sounded like walking pneumonia.
No one has done any Chet X-ray or throat cultures though. My husband has cleared with a bleach solution while I was gone. My parents gve us a clean air machine.I meant my husband cleaned the bathrooms with a diluted bleach solution while I was gone.
Thank you for the update.
No, you do not need to be cough and force secretions out from the chest. The steroids (tablets/sprays) with the inhalers for the lung will do that for you. Steam inhalation helps the process. Happy to note that things are settling down, and that the bathrooms have been cleaned out.
Sorry I am not sure what the children's doctor meant by the term 'walking pneumonia'. Throat cultures and Chest X XXXXXXX will be necessary if things do not settle in the next 2 weeks.
Best Wishes.


It is a good sign that you do not have a productive cough, fever, night sweats, rapid pulse rate that would be signs of a pneumonia.
You should get your lungs checked by the doctor or with a Chest X XXXXXXX if he feels it is required; allergy tests if possible; sputum c/s if required.
Best Wishes.


Please use the antihistamine (cetirizine or fexofenadine) and the nasal spray with throat gargles (give 2 hours for the spray and then the throat gargles) for good effect.
Also use the salbutamol inhaler (maximum 10 puffs at one time) upto three times a day, until you see your doctor.
If any worse, get to an ER today.
Best Wishes.


I did notice thy there were temperature changes in the room we were into today for my family thing that probably did not help. One room was really cold while the other room was warm with all the people in it.i am done with the sntiboditic and jut vh to take predinsone tomorrow I am going to continue the inhaler and Flonase tomorrow
Gastric acid reflux can cause a cough, that is made worse on lying down.
Zantac (Ranitidine 150mg twice daily) or Rabeprazole 20mg once daily are good medications to lower gastric acid levels. Antibiotics and steroids will cause a degree of stomach irritation, hence the need to take them after food.
It is good that you are noticing less of the scratchy throat, so do continue on the nasal sprays.
The anxiety medication will help with panic attacks, and hyperventilation lowers the CO2 levels that causes pins and needles in your fingers. So keep them handy.
Things are settling down, and will be happy to help if you have any further queries.
Best Wishes.


I would suggest staying on the Rantac twice daily for now until the gastritis resolves.
Bananas are good (2 a day) to get your potassium levels high.
Glad to note that the chest was clear, and there was no need for CXR or other investigations.
Best Wishes.


Continue your medications for 14 days and get a review done at the Doctors if possible.
Best Wishes.


You are doing the right thing in eating smaller amounts of foods but at more frequent intervals.
Try and get a good night's sleep and the anti-anxiety medication will help with that when you think you might need one.
High protein foods include cereals, nuts, dried fruits if you like these.
Best Wishes.

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