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What Are The Symptoms Of Pneumonia?
Question: Hi, you were very kind to answer my question yesterday about a respiratory infection (see below).I did see the doctor and was prescribed elevation for bronchitis. I've taken 2 doses of the medication. This afternoon have developed a sharp, stabbing pain in my right back, just under my shoulder blade. Should I be concerned about pneumonia? Thanks for your help.Sorry, I just realized that auto correct changed my medication. It is levaquin, 500 mg
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The congestion and thick green mucus with chest pain is suggestive of an infection in your airways. It is not due to asthma only.
It needs systemic antibiotics to deal with the infection you are having in your airways. You will have to consult your physician to get the best antibiotic and brochodilators prescribed for you. Steroids- both oral and inhalers might be needed for symptomatic relief.
However the best treatment for impacted mucus is steam inhalation. Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot (but not boiling water) may help to soften, and loosen, the buildup of mucus in your nose. You may also find that adding some menthol crystals, or eucalyptus oil, to the water helps a lot. Other than that, avoid eating indigestible, spicy, foods and meats and eat simple wholesome foods. Out-of-door exercise, sunbaths also help a lot.
If you have fever or the cough is worsening then it is advisable to get a X-ray chest done to rule out pneumonia as well.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. XXXXXXX Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The congestion and thick green mucus with chest pain is suggestive of an infection in your airways. It is not due to asthma only.
It needs systemic antibiotics to deal with the infection you are having in your airways. You will have to consult your physician to get the best antibiotic and brochodilators prescribed for you. Steroids- both oral and inhalers might be needed for symptomatic relief.
However the best treatment for impacted mucus is steam inhalation. Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot (but not boiling water) may help to soften, and loosen, the buildup of mucus in your nose. You may also find that adding some menthol crystals, or eucalyptus oil, to the water helps a lot. Other than that, avoid eating indigestible, spicy, foods and meats and eat simple wholesome foods. Out-of-door exercise, sunbaths also help a lot.
If you have fever or the cough is worsening then it is advisable to get a X-ray chest done to rule out pneumonia as well.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. XXXXXXX Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Brief Answer:
Not due to pneumonia.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Levaquin is also good for upper respiratory infections. The pain under the shoulder blade can be due to an inflammation of the pleura due to bronchitis- causing a pleuritis. It can be a musculoskeletal pain also that usually worsens with a change in the posture or lifting heavy weights. This is not likely to be due to pneumonia as in that case it should be associated with a shortening of breath.
You can do a hot fomentation in the painful area. Apply a local analgesic gel after a hot fomentation. In case the pain is persistent then do take a mild pain killer. In case the pain is acute and unbearable with shortness of breath or sweating then do consult your physician for a physical examination and investigations.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Not due to pneumonia.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Levaquin is also good for upper respiratory infections. The pain under the shoulder blade can be due to an inflammation of the pleura due to bronchitis- causing a pleuritis. It can be a musculoskeletal pain also that usually worsens with a change in the posture or lifting heavy weights. This is not likely to be due to pneumonia as in that case it should be associated with a shortening of breath.
You can do a hot fomentation in the painful area. Apply a local analgesic gel after a hot fomentation. In case the pain is persistent then do take a mild pain killer. In case the pain is acute and unbearable with shortness of breath or sweating then do consult your physician for a physical examination and investigations.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello - here I am with another question. I've continued to get worse, or at least not any better, through the weekend. I saw my doctor again this morning. She heard wheezing and crackles in my lungs and sent me for an chest Xray which confirmed pneumonia, well contained (concentrated) in the lower left lobe. I also have pleurisy on the right side. Since the pneumonia is concentrated in one spot, she decided to send me home to continue the Levaquin and Prednisone, inhalers and rest. She thought about admitting me to hospital but I'm a single mom and she knew that would be difficult. Tonight the cough has continued and when I cough, I get very light headed. I also feel like my heart is "fluttering" in my chest. It's a very uncomfortable feeling. I'm afraid if I call the doctor she is going to tell me to go ahead to the hospital but I'm beginning to think that I really do need to be admitted. Do you think I should go ahead and call her And plan to be admitted or is this just my imagination and anxiety getting the best of me? Thanks
Brief Answer:
Have steam inhalation and ginger ale.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The lightheadedness can be associated with the severe cough. Associated fever and anxiety can cause fluttering of the heart. You can try steam inhalation and cough lozenges to decrease the cough episodes.
Have a few drops of ginger ale with honey. If all these do not help and the bouts of cough are frequent enough then do get yourself admitted for proper care.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Have steam inhalation and ginger ale.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The lightheadedness can be associated with the severe cough. Associated fever and anxiety can cause fluttering of the heart. You can try steam inhalation and cough lozenges to decrease the cough episodes.
Have a few drops of ginger ale with honey. If all these do not help and the bouts of cough are frequent enough then do get yourself admitted for proper care.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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