What Is The Treatment For High Tempratuere Due To Bi-lateral Bronchitis?

Posted on Fri, 27 Dec 2013

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

Fri, 27 Dec 2013 Answered on

Thu, 16 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm XXXX and it seems I have I have bi-lateral bronchitis and also lupus. I am 70 yrs. old and don't have asthma. I take Ariva (Luflunomide) for the lupus which I stopped in order to give the anti-biotic time to work. The anti-biotic is Clarithromycin and I take 2 twice daily 250mg. I have now taken this for over 4 days and still have a temp. over 100 and don't feel too good. I hope you get this because I'm emailing from Toronto and a lot of Walk-ins and my Dr's office are still closed for Christmas/no power. Thanks for your help. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Rule out influenza Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXXXX Greetings from MN. You do seem to have an active respiratory infection, and you are more susceptible to these given your immunesupressant drugs. You have been on a good antibiotic for bacterial respiratory infections for a few days without a response, thus I think that you should be seen and examined by a provider, since it may be a different type of respiratory infection; I would be particularly worried about Influenza, as you know, it is clearly starting to increase exponentially now for the season, we have had 100 hospitalized documented cases so far in MN. Even if you had the flu shot, you may still be at risk. Given your clear explanation and medical history, you should get some priority in triage to be seen Hope that is helpful, wish you the best, Dr Brenes-Salazar MD Mayo Clinic MN

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

Follow up: Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (1 hour later)

Thanks for a clear answer. Is it reasonable to expect to feel better after 4 days on the anti-biotic? I will get another influenza shot once this is over. I had the first shot in October. Should I be worried about the fever? My husband tells me I have been sick since 9th Dec. which I have no trouble believing. Thanks for your advice. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Probably by then Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXXXX Thanks for the follow up. Usually, most antibiotic courses will last 7 days, so by half of it (3-4 days) most patients have noticed improvement, if indeed it is bacterial infection or if indeed it is the right medication. The fever by itself is an indicator of active infection, so again has to be taken into that context. High fevers over 39 C are more worrisome however. Wish you a speedy recovery and a happy new year, Dr Brenes-Salazar MD Mayo Clinic MN

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