Cough and Fever Go Away with Antibiotics Return After?

Updated on March 04, 2018
C.M. asks from Belmar, NJ
4 answers

Upper respiratory infection/ear infection/sinusitis/fever which responded to antibiotics but each time after course was taken cough and congestion creeps back the next day followed by low grade fever the next day. Was told sometimes your body has a higher temperature but that didn't seem to be the case at all when I was on the antibiotic which btw also got rid of the cough.

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D.B.

answers from Boston on

A low grade fever, by itself, is not something you need to treat. It's the sign of the body's immune system working.

It sounds like the antibiotic isn't strong enough to knock out the infection entirely, or it's the wrong antibiotic for your particular infection, assuming you have taken the full course as directed. With the overuse of antibiotics nationwide, as well as the overuse of antibacterial soaps and things like Clorox, the weaker bacterial are killed off and there's a perfect environment for the growth of antibiotic-resistent "super bugs." So you may have one of those.

If your cough is deep in your chest (bronchial) vs. in your throat, you may need an expectorant to get rid of excess secretions, as well as a cough suppressant (especially at night). A combination of the two makes you cough less but makes each cough more productive by increasing the amount of secretions that are loosened with each cough.

You could also have something else on top of it, such as an allergy to either the dust in your home or something like mold, which a lot of people have in their attics and bathrooms and occasionally when they over-humidify. We've had some mild days, so if you get one that's in the high 50s or above, I'd suggest opening your windows, even for just 15 minutes, to get an air exchange.

And of course, discuss again with your doctor.

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M.G.

answers from Portland on

1 - may need to take them longer than first prescribed
2 - may need to try a different type of antibiotic
3 - may not be just bacterial infection

Someone below mentions allergies - this was the case for one of our children and also my husband. They never really seem to be 'well' after being sick because they get worn down and their allergies flare up.

1 mom found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

If you have allergies - you can get the sniffles which make for a great environment for bacteria to breed and turn into an infection.
Antibiotic will clear up an infection - but does nothing for the allergy.
It might be worth seeing an allergist and getting tested.
See if Claritin helps with keeping the congestion under control.
And using a neti pot doesn't hurt to keep your sinuses flushed out.

1 mom found this helpful

W.W.

answers from Washington DC on

C.,

Welcome to mamapedia.

Possibly the infection you have is VIRAL instead of BACTERIAL. So no amount of antibiotic is going to work on it.

Follow the directions of the medication and the doctor. Drink a LOT of water. Wash your hands with soap and hot water.

Wash all the sheets and pillows in your house.
Use Clorox on all door handles, drawers, etc. EVERYTHING you have touched? CLEAN IT.
Phones - cell and land? alcohol wipe them down.
Steering wheel, shifter, etc. WASH IT ALL DOWN

You are only going to keep getting sick if you keep on touching things and touching yourself.

Wash your hands AFTER you blow your nose.
Put the used tissues in the trash and don't leave them out on a desk, etc.
Use common sense. Get plenty of sleep

1 mom found this helpful
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