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I've been having constant coughing all day and night for the past five days. My body temp was 99.9 and I've been taking overthecounter medicine(Robitussin cough) and cough drops containing pectin but nothing stops my cough.

Yesterday I started taking antibiotics and my temp went down to normal but I am still having this constant cough all day that hurts my head severely. My chest, stomach, head hurts so much from coughing all day&night. I haven't slept well at night, the most 2hours. My coughing keeps me up all night. I thought the antibiotics would help whatever I have within an hour, but it didnt. What do you think is wrong with me?

Greatly appreciated

Submitted: 982 days and 13 hours ago.

Category: Health

Value: $9

Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION

Assuming that you have a bacterial infection and that the anitbiotic is proper for the bug, it will take up to three days for enough of them to be killed so you can feel better.

However, only the most suceptable will be dead at that point. It will take longer for the resistant ones to be killed. Make certain that you use alll the prescribed medication or you risk generating antibiotic-resistant little creatures, which is not good for you or me.

From the fact that your highest temperature was (to your knowledge) 99.9, it is more probable that the infection is not bacterial but is viral. If so, the antibiotic will have no effect, but you still must take it ALL as prescribed.

Let me know if you want to "talk" about this. I teach medicine, so I am not available at all times. However, I do check this site throughout the day. Please be patient; I will reply.

Dr.Nash

Expert:	Doctor Nash
Pos. Feedback:	99.1 %
Accepts:	609
Answered:	7/11/2007

Professor of Medicine (MD)

I've been teaching and practicing medicine for more than 40 years.

980 days and 18 hours ago.

Reply

Reply to Doctor Nash's Post: Thank you Dr. Nash for your quick response. I wasnt expecting your response so fast. Yes, you are right. The antibiotics did kick in the 3rd day and I am feeling way better. I finally slept ok last night. I'm sure I'll be able to sleep the whole night tonight. What a relief! Thanks again for your reply.

Posted by Doctor Nash 980 days and 14 hours ago.

Answer

Thanks for your report.

In this day and age, we expect instant everything, but those bugs are older than we are, and they don't use the internet. So, they just take their time.

Continue to be well. That's most important to me.

Frank Nash

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