Persistent Cold Symptoms Intensified by Medication
At 24 years old, I initially experienced a mild sore throat a fortnight ago, but things took a turn for the worse on the Fourth of July. Presently, I'm grappling with a sore throat, congested nasal passages, a productive cough, a low-grade fever fluctuating between 99 to 101 degrees, widespread body aches, and I've completely lost my voice. It has been a week since I’ve managed to sleep through the night as my persistent cough consistently disrupts my rest. I visited urgent care last Friday, where I was informed that my strep test results were negative, and the doctor suggested it might be a case of bronchitis. As a result, I was prescribed Fluticasone Propionate at 50 mcg, Prednisone at 20 mg, Azithromycin at 250 mg, and advised to continue taking DayQuil. Unfortunately, my voice has now disappeared entirely, and my cough has worsened significantly. Should I consider returning to urgent care? I understand that medications may take some time to become effective, but I'm increasingly concerned that my condition is deteriorating since beginning this treatment.
Answers (1)
7/12/2025, 7:40:32 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with an ongoing respiratory illness that's significantly affecting your well-being. Given the symptoms you've described — persistent cough, loss of voice, low-grade fever, and body aches — it's understandable that you're feeling concerned, especially since your condition seems to be worsening despite treatment.
Explanation
Your initial evaluation suggested bronchitis, which can sometimes be caused by viruses or bacteria, and common medications aim to reduce inflammation and fight infection. The combination of fluticasone, prednisone, and azithromycin suggests that you are dealing with inflammation and possibly an infection, but it's concerning that your symptoms have not improved and may have worsened since starting these medications.
Next Steps
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Reassess Symptoms: Pay attention to any new or worsening symptoms. If you experience severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or if your fever rises above 101 degrees consistently, you should seek urgent care immediately.
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Hydration and Rest: Make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids and getting enough rest. This can help your body recover from the infection and reduce irritants that might be exacerbating your cough.
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Voice Care: Since you've lost your voice, try to rest your vocal cords. Speak as little as possible and avoid whispering, which can strain the voice more.
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Medications Review: Sometimes, side effects or lack of effectiveness might require a review of your treatment plan. Keep an eye on how you're responding to the Azithromycin and corticosteroids.
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Follow-Up Visit: Given the worsening of your cough and loss of voice after starting treatment, consider returning to urgent care or your healthcare provider sooner rather than later. They may want to reevaluate your condition and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.
Your concerns are valid, and it's quite reasonable to seek additional help if you feel your symptoms are deteriorating. Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself and get the care you need to ensure a path to recovery.
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