Assessing My Son’s Knee Infection Progress
My young son, aged 2 and measuring about 3 feet in height, is dealing with a knee infection. The challenge we face is that he absolutely despises taking his antibiotics and has been refusing to swallow them, resulting in a lot of frustration on our part as we try to manage this situation. I would greatly appreciate some guidance on whether his condition is improving. Based on the photographs from before treatment and the current state, do you think there’s been any positive change? Although the redness appears to have diminished, the area seems to be more swollen and there is a noticeable increase in pus. Keep in mind that we’re only two days into the antibiotic course, so I’m unsure what to expect in terms of healing.
Answers (1)
8/27/2025, 6:53:32 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your son's knee infection, especially when he is resistant to taking his antibiotics. Here are the main points regarding his condition and what you can do next:
Main Points
- Initial Response to Antibiotics: Antibiotics typically take a few days to show noticeable improvement in infections.
- Symptoms Monitoring: Swelling and pus can indicate that the infection is still active, even if redness is decreasing.
Explanation
After just two days of antibiotic treatment, it's common for initial symptoms to fluctuate. Redness diminishing is a positive sign, but increased swelling and pus suggest the infection might not yet be resolving. While some infections can start to improve within a few days, others may take longer, especially if there’s significant pus or if the body is fighting off a stronger infection.
Next Steps
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Continue the Antibiotics: Try to ensure your son takes the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if he is resisting. You might experiment with different forms (like liquid) or ask a pharmacist about flavoring additives designed to make medications more palatable. Administering medications with a small amount of his favorite food might help.
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Monitor Symptoms Closely: Over the next few days, keep a close watch on his symptoms. Note any changes in swelling, pus, or discomfort. If you see improvement, that’s a good sign, but if symptoms worsen—like increased swelling, fever, or spreading redness—this would be more concerning.
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Hydration and Comfort: Ensure your son stays well-hydrated and comfortable. Cool compresses might help reduce swelling and discomfort around the knee.
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Follow-Up and Decisions: If he does not show signs of improvement within a few more days or if symptoms worsen, it would be important to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and potentially different treatment options.
Remember, infections can be unpredictable, especially in young children. Your careful observation and commitment to his treatment play a crucial role in his healing process. Stay hopeful and reach out if modifications to his care are needed!
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