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What Causes Fatigue Along With Poor Appetiet And Cold?
Question: my mother in law has been having symptoms of fatique ,wt loss, poor appetite, runny nose, cough,generalized weakness,etc.she has recently undergone 2 CAT scans, focus on chest -result possible empiemia(?spelling),needle biopsy,cytology, chest X-rays,Echocardiogram,PET scan has been on IV rocephin for 9 days, 14 days of cipro and now they just put her on more anti biotics telling her it might be pnuemonia, she has also recently started having light bloody noses.The doctors are dismissing her concern with possible sisus issue and have now scheduled her for a scope. Any ideas for us to get her better or where to go for treatment These symptoms started over 6 months ago. she does have a new furnace in her home , however, she also has a white powdery mold and black mold in her basement , which we are very concerned about. Is it possible she is suffering from type of mold toxicity they aren't checking for
Brief Answer:
Sputum microscopy, culture and sensitivity.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Empyema indicates collection of pus in pleural cavity. Pus aspirated can also be cultured and sensitivity test done to identify appropriate antibiotic.
2. Cefriaxone and cipro are potent antibiotics and would have been helpful.
3. Blood in nose, during episodes of runny nose, is usually attributed to use of medications like nasal decongestants and use of strength in clearing the secretions, which can damage the mucosa. Platelet count, if normal - it is due to secretions or sinus issue.
4. If she is producing any sputum, sputum microscopy and culture can confirm. If not, a broncho alveolar lavage will be helpful to identify the organism.
5. If it is mold toxicity or fungal infection, it could also present with similar symptoms. However, if cytology of fluids or lesions if done and not identified any mold, then low possibility.
6. Age, diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, etc will be compounding factors.
Sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage culture and sensitivity, will help in identifying appropriate antibiotic / organism.
Along with it nebulization and bronchodilator will be helpful.
Improved diet intake, particularly protein rich diet will improve her immunity.
More details necessary for further opinion.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Sputum microscopy, culture and sensitivity.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Empyema indicates collection of pus in pleural cavity. Pus aspirated can also be cultured and sensitivity test done to identify appropriate antibiotic.
2. Cefriaxone and cipro are potent antibiotics and would have been helpful.
3. Blood in nose, during episodes of runny nose, is usually attributed to use of medications like nasal decongestants and use of strength in clearing the secretions, which can damage the mucosa. Platelet count, if normal - it is due to secretions or sinus issue.
4. If she is producing any sputum, sputum microscopy and culture can confirm. If not, a broncho alveolar lavage will be helpful to identify the organism.
5. If it is mold toxicity or fungal infection, it could also present with similar symptoms. However, if cytology of fluids or lesions if done and not identified any mold, then low possibility.
6. Age, diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, etc will be compounding factors.
Sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage culture and sensitivity, will help in identifying appropriate antibiotic / organism.
Along with it nebulization and bronchodilator will be helpful.
Improved diet intake, particularly protein rich diet will improve her immunity.
More details necessary for further opinion.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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