Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Cold, Severe Lethargy And Fever?
Question: I would like to know, with a cold or sinus infection, just what it is that leaves me completely exhausted with no energy to do anything (in an otherwise busy, productive teaching life) - absolutely flattened out like I've been run over by a truck. Is that my body trying to fight infection? Or just what? Thank you!
Brief Answer:
Yes symptoms are inresponse to infection
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank You for contacting HCM. My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.
I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. Whenever there is an ongoing infection in the body then certain type of chemical mediators are released. Few of them are released from body's immune system which limits the infection. All these mediators yield certain specific response including weakness, lethargy & fever. It usually takes 5-7 days to see improvement (and also depends upon the severity of infection) with medication.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!
Yes symptoms are inresponse to infection
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank You for contacting HCM. My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.
I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. Whenever there is an ongoing infection in the body then certain type of chemical mediators are released. Few of them are released from body's immune system which limits the infection. All these mediators yield certain specific response including weakness, lethargy & fever. It usually takes 5-7 days to see improvement (and also depends upon the severity of infection) with medication.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you, Dr. Rauf, for your response. I would like to follow up by asking if I should be concerned about my immune system as I have had several rounds of this infection already this winter. And, what can i do to stay healthier? I am quite healthy for the most part; the only chronic illness I ever have are these sinus infections. They are beginning to interfere with my life and work when I don't feel well enough to do much for several days. Thank you!
Brief Answer:
Please see details for smooth recovery
Detailed Answer:
Hello
You are most welcome to ask as many questions as you want. I'm available 24/7 for your assistance. Body has a unique immune response and tackles with most of the diseases. Certain diseases effect more on immune system and sinus/cold infection is NOT one of them so hopefully your immune system will counter the infection soon. If i were your treating doctor then i would have advised following measures for smooth recovery:
- Cetirizine one at night for 3 days
- Take hot water in a cup, add 1 table spoon salt in it. Perform gargles (mouth wash) with it three times a day for at least 3 days. It will give soothing effect.
- Take boiling water in a pot, put your head over the steam and cover whole with a sheet. Take deep breaths in it.(Avoid getting closer else it might cause burn). Do this twice a day.
- Take adequate fluids including water and fresh juices.
I would also suggest you to under go allergy testing at allergy clinic as you have chronic allergy problem. It will tell that you are allergic to what specific thing. The results will help an allergist to prescribe you immunotherapy to that specific allergen and it will improve the problem.
AVOID:
> Chilled water
> Drinks(alcohol)
> Spicy food
Hopefully condition will improve with these measures BUT incase condition does not improves then we can go on amoxicilin/clavulanic acid 625mg. It is a prescription medication so for this you need to visit your local doctor. You can also discuss with your doctor about prescription for "montelukast". I usually prescribe it to my patients with chronic allergy problem. Results have shown that its use improves allergic response considerably.
Thank You
Please see details for smooth recovery
Detailed Answer:
Hello
You are most welcome to ask as many questions as you want. I'm available 24/7 for your assistance. Body has a unique immune response and tackles with most of the diseases. Certain diseases effect more on immune system and sinus/cold infection is NOT one of them so hopefully your immune system will counter the infection soon. If i were your treating doctor then i would have advised following measures for smooth recovery:
- Cetirizine one at night for 3 days
- Take hot water in a cup, add 1 table spoon salt in it. Perform gargles (mouth wash) with it three times a day for at least 3 days. It will give soothing effect.
- Take boiling water in a pot, put your head over the steam and cover whole with a sheet. Take deep breaths in it.(Avoid getting closer else it might cause burn). Do this twice a day.
- Take adequate fluids including water and fresh juices.
I would also suggest you to under go allergy testing at allergy clinic as you have chronic allergy problem. It will tell that you are allergic to what specific thing. The results will help an allergist to prescribe you immunotherapy to that specific allergen and it will improve the problem.
AVOID:
> Chilled water
> Drinks(alcohol)
> Spicy food
Hopefully condition will improve with these measures BUT incase condition does not improves then we can go on amoxicilin/clavulanic acid 625mg. It is a prescription medication so for this you need to visit your local doctor. You can also discuss with your doctor about prescription for "montelukast". I usually prescribe it to my patients with chronic allergy problem. Results have shown that its use improves allergic response considerably.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Deepak
Thank you again, Dr. Rauf. I will follow your good suggestions and appreciate your responses.
Brief Answer:
You are welcome
Detailed Answer:
Hello
You are most welcome. I'll be available 24/7 for your assistance. Don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health!
You are welcome
Detailed Answer:
Hello
You are most welcome. I'll be available 24/7 for your assistance. Don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health!
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. Deepak
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
