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What Causes Persistent Chest Discomfort And Excessive Sweating Despite Taking Antibiotics?

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Posted on Mon, 11 Jan 2016
Question: Hi I have been unwell for 3 or so weeks I have just finished my second course of Clarithromycin and still feel unwell I seem to break out in sweats nothing to do with heat and still feel shortness of breath if I do anything.
I am so tired, should I wait and see if the antibiotics start to work or go back yet another time to my Dr. At the very start of all this I had a nasty UTI and was given Kefalex and amoxicillin duo forte then the chest started and I was given the first Clarithromycin plus another antibiotic that I can't remember what it was, then when I went back last week because I still wasn't well I was given the 2nd Clarithromycin.Am I on the right track ? Thx.
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Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Considerations

Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.

I am sorry to hear that you have not been feeling very well for the last several weeks. This could be a somewhat resistant type of infection that is causing this to be such a prolonged illness. It would be reasonable to complete the second chorus of clarithromycin as directed by your doctor.

If you still have persistent symptoms after the antibiotics are completed it might be reasonable for your doctor toevaluate you once again and consider some diagnostic testing including a chest x-ray or possibly some laboratory studies as well.

In the meantime it is very important that you continue to maintain a good well-balanced diet and achieve adequate amounts of sleep and rest during the day and at night. This will help your immune system function more optimally. Also please work on maintaining adequate hydration is well.

Thank you again for sending the question. I think you are on the right track now but if symptoms do not slowly improve as youcomplete the last course of antibiotics then I think you should be evaluated once again by your doctor.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (16 minutes later)
Is it a bacterial infection I have and is the shortness of breath as well as the sweats as well as pains in my Left Lung Does this seem to you as its not cleared up ????
As I have pneumonia at least 2 to 3 times a year does some bug just live in my lung? I had an X-ray and there was something abnormal in the bottom of this lung the Dr said and then he told me he thought it was an infection in my airways. So how many lots of Clarithromycin do people usually have before it clears. When I have pneumonia I am hospitalised and put on an intravenous antibiotic would that be the sort of treatment I am going to need if these oral antibiotics are not working ? I am tired and sleep for hours during the day and then go back to bed at night and sleep again is that normal if you have this sort of infection????

There has not been an answer to my last question.

Still waiting for an answer to my last question and really I'm sorry I wasted my money as I am really wondering if there really are qualified Drs answering these questions. I am ill and am asking for help as to where or what to do about my illness.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follo

Detailed Answer:
hello and thanks for the additional question.

It does seem like if this is an infection it has not completely resolved. Again I would finish the current prescribed course of antibiotics and if your symptoms persist you will likely need additional follow-up and possible imaging.

Imaging might include a CT scan as well if you continue to have respiratory symptoms and or chest discomfort. If your doctors are convinced that you still have a persistent infectionthen some type of alternative antibiotic may be necessary including intravenous treatment.

I appreciate your frustrated with your current persistent symptoms and I am hopeful that with the completion of your current course of antibiotics that your symptoms will gradually improve.

Again please follow up with your doctor as scheduled for further direct recommendations.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Dr. Robert Galamaga

Oncologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 2635 Questions

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What Causes Persistent Chest Discomfort And Excessive Sweating Despite Taking Antibiotics?

Brief Answer: Considerations Detailed Answer: hello and thank you for sending the question. I am sorry to hear that you have not been feeling very well for the last several weeks. This could be a somewhat resistant type of infection that is causing this to be such a prolonged illness. It would be reasonable to complete the second chorus of clarithromycin as directed by your doctor. If you still have persistent symptoms after the antibiotics are completed it might be reasonable for your doctor toevaluate you once again and consider some diagnostic testing including a chest x-ray or possibly some laboratory studies as well. In the meantime it is very important that you continue to maintain a good well-balanced diet and achieve adequate amounts of sleep and rest during the day and at night. This will help your immune system function more optimally. Also please work on maintaining adequate hydration is well. Thank you again for sending the question. I think you are on the right track now but if symptoms do not slowly improve as youcomplete the last course of antibiotics then I think you should be evaluated once again by your doctor. Sincerely, Dr. Galamaga