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Hi.... Little Concerned.. Just Finished A 10 Day Antibiotic For
Question: Hi.... little concerned.. just finished a 10 day antibiotic for swollen glands sore throat head cold.. went away after finishing disease... 3 weeks later it’s back again... same thing.... this has been going back and forth for months.. don’t want to live in antibiotics but have no choice.... o am also going through menopause have severe hot flashes night sweats.... wondering if it is possible this is lowering my immune system therefore allowing me to keep getting sick??? HELP ... frustrated!!
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Menopause doesn't necessarily impair the immune system, but if you aren't getting sleep, sleep deprivation can make us more likely to get infections.
Has it been determined that your infections are bacterial? Because, as you probably know, antibiotics can cause problems if overused, so it's important to make sure these aren't viral infections. A cold should not be treated with antibiotics unless it has persisted for 10-14 days, at which time there is increased chance there is a bacterial sinus infection. And sore throats shouldn't be treated with antibiotics unless a rapid strep test or a culture show there to be strep.
So what to do about your having recurrent infections, whether they are viral or bacterial:
-optimize your rest (such as adding a short nap)
-increase vitamin C on a daily basis (not just when "coming down" with an infection)
-do not touch your hands or nose with your hands. This is the main way that viruses and bacteria enter our respiratory system. Frequent hand washing doesn't cut it, because even if you washed your hands 10 minutes ago, if you touched anything after that and then touch your eyes or nose, you have just inoculated yourself.
- after you are well, get a complete blood count with differential done (CBD with diff) to make sure your immune system is functioning as it should.
- if there is any chance you could be allergic to something in your environment, try to address that, as allergies, with frequent increased secretions, can increase a person's chance of getting an infection too.
I hope this information helps.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Menopause doesn't necessarily impair the immune system, but if you aren't getting sleep, sleep deprivation can make us more likely to get infections.
Has it been determined that your infections are bacterial? Because, as you probably know, antibiotics can cause problems if overused, so it's important to make sure these aren't viral infections. A cold should not be treated with antibiotics unless it has persisted for 10-14 days, at which time there is increased chance there is a bacterial sinus infection. And sore throats shouldn't be treated with antibiotics unless a rapid strep test or a culture show there to be strep.
So what to do about your having recurrent infections, whether they are viral or bacterial:
-optimize your rest (such as adding a short nap)
-increase vitamin C on a daily basis (not just when "coming down" with an infection)
-do not touch your hands or nose with your hands. This is the main way that viruses and bacteria enter our respiratory system. Frequent hand washing doesn't cut it, because even if you washed your hands 10 minutes ago, if you touched anything after that and then touch your eyes or nose, you have just inoculated yourself.
- after you are well, get a complete blood count with differential done (CBD with diff) to make sure your immune system is functioning as it should.
- if there is any chance you could be allergic to something in your environment, try to address that, as allergies, with frequent increased secretions, can increase a person's chance of getting an infection too.
I hope this information helps.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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