My wife was diagnosed with Pneumonia last Sunday and was given strong antibiotics and cough meds. She has been having some spells with coughing still and occasional low grade fever. She has RA, Fibromyalgia, and weakened immune system. Her primary doctor misdiagnosed her two days prior to me taking her to a Doc in the Box and her receiving xrays and blood work. Does she need to go to the ER or wait another day? What are the chances of her being admitted?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. In my opinion, you should immediately consult to emergency room and get done repeat chest x-ray. She is still having cough and fever spikes despite higher antibiotics. This suggests worsening of pneumonia. And hence chest x-ray is needed. If x-ray is suggestive of worsening than she needs broncos copy with BAD (bronchoalveolar lavage) analysis like culture and sensitivity. Culture report will isolate the causative organism and sensitivity report will guide about appropriate effective antibiotic treatment. By this, we can fasten the recovery and improvement. So consult emergency room and discuss all these. Hope I have solved your query. Wishing good health to your wife. Thanks.