
Taking Antibiotic For Itchy Throat And Swollen Tongue. Found High ESR. Got Fever. Cause And Cure?

Thanks for your query. I understand your concern for your brother. It appears to be a bacterial pharnygeal (throat) infection. The associated process of inflammation will result in increase in ESR as well as WBC count. He was probably started on antibiotics and antihistaminergics which would address the infection and inflammatory process respectively. It is encouraging to note that he has responded well to treatment. The WBC count has come down which means infection is under control. ESR, which is an inflammatory marker will take a long time to settle down and hence there is nothing to worry on that count. CRP is not a mandatory test and has limited value. The infection was likely contracted through consumption of unclean water at some point of time. Hence drinking clean/boiled water is a good preventive strategy. Do clarify further if needed.
Regards
Dr Sundar


Thank you for your quick reply., I conveyed the message to him ( he stays in a different place). But he again had fever for last two days. His doctor explained him there is some throat infection still existing. He advised to continue with the antibiotics.
This is almost a month now. He is really week now, has fever . he feels bitterness in mouth for taking food. Only when he take fruit he does not feel bitterness. For rest all type of food he feels bitterness. Is this normal ? Does throat infection take this much time to cure ( that too with complications like increase in WBC count)? Do you suggest any other tests?
Regards
XXXXXXX
I agree with your concern. I would suggest doing a blood culture/sensitivity along with a throat swab culture/sensitivity for diagnosing with certainity. This long a period of unresolved throat infection is indeed a bit strange. However, antibiotics need to be discontinued atleast 48 hours before culture-sensitivity tests.
Regards
Dr Sundar

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