I Ve Had A Bizarre Respiratory Illness For Five Days

Posted on Tue, 24 Sep 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I've had a bizarre respiratory illness for five days now. So far I have had a low grade fever that comes and goes without medication intervention, stuffy throat, slight discomfort in my lungs, no appetite, and a dry cough only when I'm laying down. Tonight on day five, I began having bad back pain that I only get when I'm ill. Is it normal to get body aches later into an illness instead of the beginning? I haven't had any pain until tonight

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No, this is not normal.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
No, this is not normal.
By your history and description, we need to rule lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI).
So better to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and chest x ray.
You will need antibiotic, anti pyretic and other supportive treatment.
You have mentioned that you are taking albuterol inhaler.
May I know why you are taking this? Do you have asthma?
Also let me know if you smoke.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (24 minutes later)

I visited a physician yesterday who took xrays. Today they came back negative. Blood was also drawn and they didn't see anything to indicate pneumonia.

I use the inhaler for my allergy induced asthma. I do not suffer any asthmatic symptoms unless I'm exposed to an allergen or if I have bronchitis and my chest feels tight. I smoked cigars occasionally (2-4 small ones a month) but stopped two months ago (I don't always want them.)

I must apologise I forgot that I had been given prednisone (i took it yesterday around two pm) I took 40mg as prescribed. Felt sweaty all day. Wondering if it didn't trigger the pain as it is subsiding a bit. Pain level is down from a 7 to 4.5

Thank you for taking your time to help me out. I really appreciate it. And I will look for a pulmonologist nearby immediately.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get done PFT.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
It's good that your chest x ray is normal.
Another possibility is acute worsening of underlying asthma.
Albuterol is having Salbutamol. It is not appropriate for asthma control.
So better to consult pulmonologist and get done PFT (Pulmonary Function Test).
PFT will tell you about severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only.
You will need long acting inhaled bronchodilators (formoterol or salmeterol) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (budesonide or fluticasone).
Don't worry, you will be alright with all these.
Hope I have solved your query. If you don't have any other questions, then please close the conversation and rate my answer.
You can ask me directly on bit.ly/askdrkaushalbhavsar. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj