“My infection isn't settled after I've been on antibiotics. Why is this happening?”
I have been on antibiotics for five days, and my infection still hasn't settled. What could be wrong with me? What should I do?
6 Answers
You should follow up with your Primary Care Provider
It was likely a viral infection and antibiotics do not work on viruses.
I recommend return to the person that Rx'd the antibiotics. One possibility is the bacteria is resistant or not the right antibiotic for that particular bacteria. Maybe a virus. But, definitely, follow up is important.
There are many factors to consider - what was the reason you needed the antibiotic? What type of antibiotic were you prescribed? Do you have a clean diet or do you eat sugar and processed foods? Most antibiotics will continue to address bacteria for 10 days after completing the prescription. Another reason may be you didn't have a bacterial infection at all but a virus instead. Antibiotics will not kill viruses.
If you have been on antibiotics for five days and your infection hasn't improved, it's essential to follow up with your healthcare provider. There could be several reasons why the infection hasn't settled:
Inadequate treatment: The prescribed antibiotic may not be effective against the specific bacteria causing your infection. Certain bacteria may be resistant to certain antibiotics, requiring a different medication or a change in the treatment approach.
Insufficient duration of treatment: Some infections may require a longer duration of antibiotic therapy to completely clear the infection. Your healthcare provider can assess if an extended course of antibiotics is necessary.
In some cases, your healthcare provider may need to reassess your condition and consider alternative diagnoses.
Complications or underlying conditions: In some cases, infections can be complicated by factors such as abscess formation, weakened immune system, or underlying medical conditions that hinder the effectiveness of antibiotics. Further evaluation may be needed to identify any complicating factors.
When you follow up with your healthcare provider, they will evaluate your symptoms, assess your response to the antibiotics, and potentially order additional tests or cultures to determine the cause of the persistent infection. Based on their findings, they may adjust the treatment plan, prescribe a different antibiotic, extend the duration of treatment, or consider other interventions as needed.
In the meantime, it's important to continue taking the prescribed antibiotics as directed by your healthcare provider and follow any additional instructions they may have given you. Avoid self-diagnosis or self-medication, as it is crucial to have a professional evaluate your condition and guide you through appropriate treatment options.
Inadequate treatment: The prescribed antibiotic may not be effective against the specific bacteria causing your infection. Certain bacteria may be resistant to certain antibiotics, requiring a different medication or a change in the treatment approach.
Insufficient duration of treatment: Some infections may require a longer duration of antibiotic therapy to completely clear the infection. Your healthcare provider can assess if an extended course of antibiotics is necessary.
In some cases, your healthcare provider may need to reassess your condition and consider alternative diagnoses.
Complications or underlying conditions: In some cases, infections can be complicated by factors such as abscess formation, weakened immune system, or underlying medical conditions that hinder the effectiveness of antibiotics. Further evaluation may be needed to identify any complicating factors.
When you follow up with your healthcare provider, they will evaluate your symptoms, assess your response to the antibiotics, and potentially order additional tests or cultures to determine the cause of the persistent infection. Based on their findings, they may adjust the treatment plan, prescribe a different antibiotic, extend the duration of treatment, or consider other interventions as needed.
In the meantime, it's important to continue taking the prescribed antibiotics as directed by your healthcare provider and follow any additional instructions they may have given you. Avoid self-diagnosis or self-medication, as it is crucial to have a professional evaluate your condition and guide you through appropriate treatment options.
Depends on the type of infection and what you mean by "settled". If you are on a 10 day course of antibiotic, it just needs more time. Also, depending on what type of "infection" you are being treated for, i.e. a cold/cough, it could be viral and will have to run it's course. Antibiotics do not work on viral infections.
