Bacterial and viral upper respiratory infections Posted: 07-08-08 10:24am
Is this something that will clear up on
its own or do I need antibiotics?
|
DoctorAnswer
Doctor Answer
Joined: 19 Dec 2005 Posts: 16777211
Thanks: 18
Thanked:0
Cold, Flu and Viral Infections Answer A4399 Posted: 07-10-08 22:42pm
Current medical status: Woke up with a
sore throat on Saturday morning, 7-5-08.
The next day it evolved into sneezing and
a runny nose. Monday it was severe cold
symptoms. Today, 7-8-08, I have both ears
hurting and my cheeks are sensitive to the
touch. My face is swollen and I am
coughing more and sneezing more.
Given your symptoms, you probably have an
upper respiratory infection. If the
infection is caused by a virus (which is
more likely) you don’t need antibiotics.
A viral upper respiratory infection will
pass spontaneously in a week. If the
infection is caused by bacterium (which is
less possible) you may need antibiotics
for faster recovery.
You need a medical examination to
determine if the infection is viral or
bacterial.
DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" Questions are answered by Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov, General Practitioner. Dr. Gjuzelov practices medicine for the general public and is affiliated with the Republic of Macedonia Public Health Institution. For more information about Dr. Gjuzelov or other eHealthForum.com medical experts, please visit our About Us page. You may also visit our Cold, Flu and Viral Infections Forum, for moderated patient to patient support and information.
The material presented in the eHealth Forum Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified licensed medical professional. eHealth Forum and eHealth Forum's Ask A Doctor advises all users with health problems and concerns to consult their personal doctors. Furthermore, if you have any questions or concerns about your condition, you must consult your qualified licenseced medical professional before starting any treatment.
The materials in the eHealth Forum Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. To the fullest extent possible, eHealth Forum and eHealth Forum's Ask A Doctor expressly excludes all liability in respect of the information and opinions contained in the Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor, this Web site, or any sites linked to this Web site.
