Is It Normal to Still Feel Ill After Five Days on Antibiotics?
I’m a 30-year-old male, standing at 5'5" and weighing 230 lbs. A couple of weeks ago, I started experiencing a terrible cough. It’s not a constant issue, but when it flares up, it leaves me feeling like I'm gasping for air. After these intense coughing spells, I often find myself in tears and struggling to breathe. There have been moments when the force of the cough has caused headaches, and on other occasions, it has made me vomit. Currently, I lack a primary care physician since my last one left the practice, and my newly assigned doctor appears to have retired years ago. So, I opted to visit an urgent care facility where the staff diagnosed me with post-viral bronchial spasms. They prescribed me cough suppressant pills, advising I could take up to three daily. I finished those in about four days and moved to an over-the-counter remedy. On Sunday, I returned to urgent care, where the diagnosis shifted to pneumonia. They provided me with two different antibiotics; one of them, which I can't recall the name of, was prescribed for just four days, to be taken once daily. The other one, amoxicillin, was to be taken every 12 hours. Now, five days have passed since starting the medication, and I've run out, yet I still have this relentless cough. What should I do next? Should I return to urgent care or hold off for a bit longer? Is it typical for antibiotics to require such a lengthy time to show results? Just moments ago, I had another severe coughing episode that caused me to vomit on the sidewalk, so I doubt I'm improving any time soon.
Answers (1)
12/12/2025, 8:30:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious about your health after experiencing such severe symptoms and finding that antibiotics haven’t yet led to improvement. While some infections do take time to respond to treatment, your persistent cough and episodes of vomiting warrant prompt attention.
Key Points:
- Persistent symptoms after five days of antibiotics can indicate that the infection isn't fully resolved or that there may be another underlying issue.
- It's crucial to monitor the severity of your symptoms and know when to seek help.
Explanation: Antibiotics, like amoxicillin, can take a few days to show significant improvement for bacterial infections such as pneumonia. However, if you’re still experiencing severe coughing that triggers vomiting, difficulty breathing, and changes in your overall condition, it’s important to reassess your situation.
Coughing spells accompanied by gasping, vomiting, and headaches suggest that the bronchial spasms might still be intense, or there could be complications, such as a deeper infection or inflammation.
Next Steps:
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Seek Immediate Care: Given your coughing fits are causing vomiting and you feel you're not improving, it would be wise to return to urgent care or an emergency room rather than waiting any longer. This is particularly crucial if you feel short of breath or your overall condition worsens.
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Document Symptoms: Before your visit, note the frequency and duration of your coughing episodes, any triggers you’ve noticed, and any new symptoms. This information will help healthcare providers assess your condition more effectively.
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Hydration and Rest: While you arrange for care, ensure you're staying well-hydrated and getting adequate rest. Avoid irritants like smoke or strong smells that could worsen your cough.
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Follow-Up on Medications: If you are prescribed more antibiotics or any other treatment, ask your healthcare provider about the duration and what signs of improvement to expect.
Your health and comfort are the top priorities, so please seek medical attention promptly. Letting your symptoms go unchecked could prolong your recovery.
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