Suggest Treatment For Low Grade Fever With Back Pain And Cough While On Advil

Posted on Sun, 24 Jul 2016

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

Sun, 24 Jul 2016 Answered on

Tue, 16 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am helping a friend 1 week ago he got cough with a back ach he took advil and it helped he had a low grade fever 100.6 the fever is gone now but he is very congested in his lungs he can!t lie down without coughing not much is comming up and he gets short of breath. I just gave him some robitusin and he is trying to sleep what else should I do what would be the best plan?

Answered by Dr. Rishi (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It could be upper or lower respiratory tract infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Dr Price,
Thanks for your question.
Please let me know a few details.
What is the age of your friend and does he suffer from any other diseases specially of the lung and heart? Is he on any prior medications? The symptoms you mention are of upper or lower respiratory tract infection.
You should get a Chest XRay done for ruling out Pneumonia and monitor his pulse rate which should remain less than 100 beats per min.
He should be given steam inhalations and continue the cough medicine. You should also add antibiotic like Capsule Amoxycillin 500mg thrice a day for 5 to 7 days. Continue Advil for the fever and pain upto three times a day.
He should be encouraged to have nutritious food even if he does not fell hungry.
He should be nursed in a propped up position about 30 degrees head raised.
When you go for Chest XRay please also get a CBC blood test done to know extent of infection.
If there is breathing difficulty at any time please take him to the ER.
He should be fine with this treatment.
Take care and I wish him speedy recovery.
Do let me know if there are any queries on this issue.
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad