
Should I Delay Treatment For Pneumonia When I Have No Fever But Only Heartburn, Headache And Slight Fatigue?

Posted on
Sat, 8 Sep 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team


Question : Hi I've had 2 cases of pneumonia in my house. About 3 weeks ago, my son started with cold like symptoms and low grade fever which we originally thought was a virus. It developed into deep cough and it took a few weeks before he received the diagnosis. He had been seen by urgent care and it was thought to be viral and then not going away and being concerning, I thought it was his asthma out of control. His pediatrician diagnosed him with chest xray and treated him with medicine. My husband was diagnosed last weekend after terrible body aches, headache/swollen glands, and a few days with off and on fever. His was also diagnosed with chest xray. He is getting better after finishing amoxicylin, is mostly now easily fatigued. My son's pediatrician said he was cleared after listening to lungs yesterday, but will take a month to get back to normal and should be cautious (use breather) for any exertion. I've disinfected home in between and wore masks during the first few days of their amoxycylin round once diagnosis known and tried to stay isolated as possible, but am caregiver in these circumstances. For last week, I am fighting a lingering head cold, w mild headache (sinus), sore throat (minor) and noticeably in morning, and mostly feel like I have a burning feeling in my chest- like heartburn constantly, but my diet has been ok. I am slightly fatigued with exertion but not obviously out of breath. I also have the autoimmune disease, CIPD and am on IVIG monthly. I tried to get into my regular MD who is an hour away due to a recent move and unfortunately mis-estimated my drive time and was late 15 minutes and thereby cancelled. Due to the effort, I am not anxious to just reschedule. I am wondering if this sound like a regular cold that I should just wait out to see how and if it develops. Perhaps the bug escaped me or if I should go to urgent care. I was awaiting larger signs like a fever or something. The heartburn feeling though is a bit noticeable/concerning. Would it be related given the lack of fever, etc.?
Brief Answer:
Yes, you can wait.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes, you can wait because you are not having fever or coughing. The only worrisome symptom is sore throat. So do warm water gargles and steam inhalation 4-5 times a day. Avoid cold things like soda and ice-cream. Avoid hard to chew food. Drink plenty of fluids orally.
Take Levocetirizine and paracetamol combination twice daily. It is available over the counter. Take pantoprazole tablet on empty stomach twice daily for heartburn. You will mostly improve with all these in 2-3 days. If not improving or worsening (started fever or coughing) then consult your doctor.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Regards
Yes, you can wait.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes, you can wait because you are not having fever or coughing. The only worrisome symptom is sore throat. So do warm water gargles and steam inhalation 4-5 times a day. Avoid cold things like soda and ice-cream. Avoid hard to chew food. Drink plenty of fluids orally.
Take Levocetirizine and paracetamol combination twice daily. It is available over the counter. Take pantoprazole tablet on empty stomach twice daily for heartburn. You will mostly improve with all these in 2-3 days. If not improving or worsening (started fever or coughing) then consult your doctor.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy

Answered by

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
