Loss Of Voice, Sore Throat. Had Laryngitis. Not Better After Taking Antibiotics. Persisting Cough And Chest Congestion. Treatment?

Posted on Fri, 18 May 2012

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

Fri, 18 May 2012 Answered on

Thu, 4 Oct 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : hi, ive had laryngitis, very bad soar throat with loss of voice for 5 days. i was given a 7 day course of antibiotics, after which throat felt better but still inflammed, voice is back-ish, still rusty. doctor decided to give me a second round of antibiotics as the fight seemed to be on-going. after 3 days of the second course, i now have cough, congested chest and some chest pains. Any suggestion as to what it could be? will antiobiotcs get rid of it? any advice? thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (1 hour later)

Hi,

Thanks for your query.

The chest congestion and chest pains are due to lower laryngitis) you had.

It is clearly evident that the first course of antibiotics has not worked and that could be due to the presence of resistance to that particular antibiotic in the infecting organism.Changing to a better and broad spectrum antibiotic will help.

A culture sensitivity test of the sputum or throat swab will identify the organism involved and also the test identifies a list of antibiotics to which the organism is sensitive.Placing you on such antibiotic will resolve the condition completely.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (8 minutes later)

I was taking amoxillicin 625mg 3 days daily in the 1st course, and now taking ciprofloxacin 500mg 2 times a day in my second course (been 3 days). Any comments there?

Any recommendations to help me recover?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (9 minutes later)

Hi again,

Thanks for writing back.

Ciprofloxacin is a better antibiotic compared to Amoxicillin.You are on a right course you can continue on the same.It will help you.

Hope I answered all your questions. Please use any answer clarification before closing and rating this answer. I will be happy to explain or expand on any issue you may have.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (3 minutes later)

Thank you, however the doctor has prescribed me 5days of ciprofloxacin (not a full 7days course) - is the full 7 days recommended rather then just 5days? I feel this infection is holding on strong! I also have headache and beck associated tot he symptoms. I suppose this is normal?

Also, I have a birthday party this weekend, Can i still attend? 0 alcohol, or some is acceptable?

Thanks again

XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (20 minutes later)

Hi,

No , do not over dose.5 day course is formulated based on average weight and normal liver and kidney functioning.Hence do limit the dosage for 5 days only.

Yes, the headache may be associated with the infection you have.

Yes, you can attend birthday and have some/minimal alcohol but smoking is strictly contraindicated.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar