Should I Consider Antibiotics?
I’m a 16-year-old female, standing at 5’3” and weighing 117 pounds. For the past four days, I have been unwell, with my temperature fluctuating between 98 and 101 degrees Fahrenheit, as measured on my forehead. **Day 1:** I woke up feeling ill and immediately headed to the bathroom, where I ended up vomiting. The vomit consisted only of phlegm, which appeared green and contained some dark green specks. I had a fever and took a nap later in the day, which was restful. **Day 2:** The phlegm changed to a dark yellow hue, and I spent most of the day asleep. The fever persisted. **Day 3:** I was plagued with a persistent cough and found it impossible to nap. The phlegm now looked bubbly and clear. Eating grapefruit was quite painful due to what felt like fissures in my throat. The constant coughing also led to abdominal discomfort. Sleep was elusive because of the coughing, and I still had a fever. **Day 4:** My symptoms remained consistent with those on Day 3, and I continued to experience significant pain from the relentless coughing. Throughout this period, I have maintained a normal appetite and bowel habits.
Answers (1)
2/11/2026, 4:31:05 PM
OpenHealth AI
Based on your symptoms, it sounds like you may be dealing with a respiratory infection, which could be viral or bacterial. The presence of fluctuating fever, persistent cough, and changes in phlegm color are important indicators, but these details alone don’t directly suggest the need for antibiotics.
Explanation
- Viral vs. Bacterial Infections: The majority of respiratory infections, especially in younger individuals, are caused by viruses, which do not respond to antibiotics. Symptoms such as colored phlegm can occur in both viral and bacterial infections, but color alone is not a reliable indicator for the need for antibiotics.
- Cough and Throat Pain: The pain in your throat and persistent coughing can indicate irritation or inflammation, which is common in respiratory infections. The fact you have been experiencing pain while eating suggests possible throat irritation, but this can often resolve with self-care.
Actionable Next Steps
-
Symptom Monitoring: Keep track of your symptoms over the next few days, particularly noting if the fever rises above 101°F consistently, or if you start experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain, or significant worsening of symptoms.
-
Hydration and Rest: Drink plenty of fluids (water, herbal teas, broths) to stay hydrated, and focus on getting adequate rest to help your body recover. This can ease throat discomfort and help thin mucus.
-
Cough Relief: Consider using throat lozenges or honey (if you're over one year old) to soothe your throat. Over-the-counter cough suppressants or expectorants may help manage coughing, but consult a pharmacist for appropriate options based on your age and current medications.
-
Warm Salt Water Gargle: Gargling with warm salt water several times a day can help relieve throat soreness.
-
Consult a Healthcare Professional: If your symptoms do not improve within the next 3-5 days, or if you experience acute symptoms such as increased fever, severe pain, or difficulty breathing, it's crucial to seek medical advice.
Take care of yourself, and listen to your body as you recover. If you have further questions or need support, feel free to reach out.
Related Questions
Sudden Discomfort in a Tumor
At 18 years old and assigned female at birth, I received a diagnosis of a non-cancerous breast tumor approximately a year ago. While I can't recall the precise details about the diagnosis, the recommendation was to leave it alone and return for regular follow-ups. Unfortunately, I missed my last appointment, and the soonest available date for a reschedule is several months away. Since first discovering the tumor in late 2024, I have experienced no discomfort related to it. However, last night was different; I found it quite painful to lie on my sides, and the sensation intensified as the night wore on. This morning, I woke up to a feeling of heaviness and persistent ache. It seems to me that the tumor might be enlarging, and I am unsure if such symptoms are typical for benign tumors. Previously, any pain I experienced was sharp but fleeting, making this ongoing discomfort particularly concerning.
Unexpected Discovery of a Liver Lesion
Today, I underwent an abdominal ultrasound, initially seeking a solution for what I believed to be gallbladder discomfort. As it turns out, I was right; I do have gallstones. However, the ultrasound also revealed a liver lesion, which has understandably caused me considerable anxiety. I’m sharing this experience to see if anyone else has encountered a similar situation that ultimately turned out to be benign. **Findings Overview:** 1. An indeterminate lesion on the right side of the liver has been noted. It is suggested to have a non-urgent MRI of the liver, with and without contrast, for further evaluation. 2. The presence of gallstones was confirmed, but there are no signs of obstruction in the biliary ducts or acute cholecystitis as indicated by the ultrasound results. Clinical correlation is advised. **Reason for Examination:** Right upper quadrant pain (R10.11). **Comparison Date:** August 28, 2021. **Method:** Transabdominal ultrasound performed on the right upper quadrant. **Analysis:** The pancreas could not be adequately assessed due to obscuration. The aorta and inferior vena cava appeared normal in caliber upon imaging. The liver is within normal size limits with a generally smooth outline. A lesion located in the posterior right lobe of the liver shows mixed echogenicity measuring 3.3 x 3.1 x 2.9 cm, which is indeterminate based on ultrasound findings. The common bile duct is of normal size, measuring 3 mm. There is noticeable hepatopetal flow in the main portal vein. Gallstones are present in moderate amounts, yet there is no evidence of fluid around the gallbladder or sonographic Murphy's sign. The gallbladder wall thickness measures 2 mm. The right kidney dimensions are 10.2 x 4.1 x 4.8 cm, showing no focal lesions or signs of hydronephrosis, and no free fluid is detected.
Concerns About Abdominal Pulsation
Hello everyone, I'm reaching out for some comfort from those who might have faced something similar to my situation. **Age:** 23 **Gender:** Male **Height:** 186 cm **Weight:** 90 kg **Medications:** None **Smoking Status:** Non-smoker **Medical History:** Asthma **Symptoms Overview:** For approximately two years, I’ve noticed a visible pulsation in my abdominal area, particularly just beneath my stomach. I've got a bit of extra fat around my midsection, yet the pulsation remains apparent. Fortunately, there’s no associated pain or other symptoms. Occasionally, it seems to diminish slightly, but it’s persistent regardless of my body position. Two years ago, I underwent an ultrasound, and the physician indicated that everything appeared normal. Nevertheless, I still have concerns that it may be connected to an aortic aneurysm. Has anyone else experienced this phenomenon over a lengthy period, and it turned out to be benign?
Navigating an Uncertainty: Seeking Clarity on Health Struggles
I have a lot of information to share, and I want to ensure you grasp every detail! **A bit about myself**: I’m a 29-year-old female, carrying around 10 extra pounds. This situation began unexpectedly around February 2024. I rarely drink—perhaps once a year—and I do not smoke. Occasionally, I consume a low-dose edible, but there can be months where I don’t partake at all. **Medical background**: I have been diagnosed with several conditions including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypothyroidism, type 2 diabetes (which is managed), mixed hyperlipidemia, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), tachycardia, anxiety, bipolar disorder type II, and autism. **Current medications**: My medication regime consists of *Rybelsus* 3mg, *Nikki*, *Rosuvastatin Calcium* 5mg, *Levothyroxine* 50mg, *Voquezna* 20mg, *Spironolactone* 25mg in the morning and evening, *Lamictal* 150mg twice a day, *Propranolol* 20mg taken day and night, *Trintellix* 20mg, along with *Hydroxyzine* and *Zofran* as needed. I have just recently begun taking Rybelsus. **Gastrointestinal concerns**: - I experience persistent nausea and rely on medication daily to manage it. - I have episodes of vomiting, often occurring at night. I can predict the onset, as I shake, my nose runs, I get goosebumps, feel the urge to use the restroom (though I never actually do), and then I vomit repeatedly until all that’s left is bile. This can happen almost daily, or as infrequently as a few times per month. - Nearly everything I consume causes discomfort in my stomach. - I infrequently have regular bowel movements. **Dermatological issues**: - I suffer from intense itching that seems to spike 1-2 times a month, typically lasting around five days. During these episodes, I scratch to the point of pain. - My tattoos and scars often appear raised and bumpy. - Symptoms tend to escalate when I’m unwell or after a hot shower or bath. - Such reactions can also occur without clear triggers. **Other health challenges**: - I am continually fatigued, and my energy diminishes even further when I go out. Engaging in activities for a single day can leave me bedridden for a week. Simple tasks feel overwhelmingly taxing. - I struggle with generalized body pain; sitting at my desk for extended periods is painful. - I frequently feel weak. - Most of my days are spent feeling dizzy, with many instances of stumbling due to lightheadedness. - The pain is particularly acute in my legs. - I find it difficult to stay warm. - Daily heart palpitations are a common occurrence. - My nails, especially my toenails, are extremely fragile and tend to break easily. **Medical evaluations undertaken**: I’ve undergone multiple endoscopies, cortisol tests, MRIs of my brain, CT scans with and without contrast, regular blood tests, celiac disease screenings, a gastric emptying study, and a swallow test. I consult a primary care physician who appears perplexed and somewhat unmotivated, along with a gastroenterologist who has referred me to a prominent hospital as she feels uncertain about how to proceed. **Additional notes**: I have experimented with medication adjustments—trying to cease, reduce, or switch them—as well as different diets. My weight has fluctuated between a little overweight and a healthy range; the onset of my symptoms wasn’t triggered by any medication or lifestyle change. I have used a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) with no notable link to my blood sugar levels, and I receive annual ultrasounds for my thyroid. This situation has profoundly affected my daily life, often confining me to bed due to fatigue or illness. I’ve faced several emergency room visits owing to dehydration, and I have previously tried three other GLP-1 medications that exacerbated my issues. Additionally, I had my gallbladder removed in 2019.
Query Regarding a Lump Near My Ear
I’m a 28-year-old female, a non-smoker, and I have no significant past health issues or ongoing medications. I am seeking some input about a lump located beneath my ear. Though I have an appointment with my doctor scheduled for next week, I thought I would reach out to see if anyone here has any thoughts on what this might be. I first detected it approximately two months ago, and I don’t believe it has changed in size since then, at least based on my observations. It’s possible that it's been there for a longer duration, but that period is when I actually became aware of it. I tried to highlight it by shifting my jaw to the opposite side to reveal it more clearly, as it’s not very noticeable when my jaw is at rest. The lump feels firm, but I think I can shift it slightly from side to side. It isn’t painful at all, and honestly, if I weren’t so focused on it, I could easily forget about it. For some context, around four months ago, I fractured a tooth on that same side and had it removed about six weeks back, so I’m curious if there’s any connection. Additionally, I should clarify that the title should indicate a lump under the ear (singular); there is nothing apparent on the other side. However, if I press quite deeply, I might sense something similar, but it feels smaller and deeper. Thank you for any insights you can provide!