Bacterial Respiratory Infection

For the past 6 or 7 weeks that infection, confirmed as bacterial through a lab culture, had had me on my back foot. Audible "rattle" in my chest/throat when breathing, easily winded by any simple/light physical exertion, constant productive cough.
The clinic had me on 500mg amoxicillin (antibiotic) and 200mg stacytine (expectorant) twice daily, for 10 days. Slight improvement, but a couple of days after completing the regimen, the symptoms quickly returned (with a vengeance!). I returned to the clinic after about a week, and the doctor was very concerned. Blood oxygen level was dangerously low.

Four days ago I finished the new prescription, and happy to report a big improvement, though not yet fully recovered. The new prescription was...
"Augmentin 1g twice daily, Stacytine 200mg twice daily, Tavanic 500mg twice daily".
I fed the prescription into Google's AI, and this was the response...

This medication list represents a highly intensive dual-antibiotic and mucolytic regimen typically prescribed for severe respiratory tract infections like advanced pneumonia or serious exacerbations of chronic lung disease. Combining Augmentin, Tavanic 500mg, and Stacytine 200mg twice daily requires strict adherence to safety guidelines to maximize effectiveness and reduce cumulative side effects. (emphasis, Google)

I believe I contracted the infection back in July while I was visiting Saigon. Being a stubborn arse, I put it off for a couple of weeks, allowing the infection to reach full bloom. Big mistake.

I had a similar issue almost exactly 1 year ago, but cleared it up by self-prescribing antibiotics. Because of the timing of both infections, I'm wondering whether monsoon season might play into the picture.

Have any other members experienced a similar respiratory issue? What was your recovery time?



This post is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, medical advice. If you are experiencing issues, consult a health care professional. Pronto! - @Aidan in HCMC

Unfortunately, Vietnamese physicians seem to be quite reluctant to prescribe rescue inhalers (bronchodilators such as Albuterol) because too many idiots have figured out ways to abuse them.

If you had been given a bronchodilator inhaler at the start of the treatment, It's a very good chance that your condition wouldn't have worsened.

I've been dealing with reactive airway syndrome (a form of asthma) since the early 80's, and I've learned to ALWAYS have an inhaler on hand, whenever any signs of bronchitis become apparent.

Unfortunately, Vietnamese physicians seem to be quite reluctant to prescribe rescue inhalers (bronchodilators such as Albuterol) because too many idiots have figured out ways to abuse them.If you had been given a bronchodilator inhaler at the start of the treatment, It's a very good chance that your condition wouldn't have worsened. I've been dealing with reactive airway syndrome (a form of asthma) since the early 80's, and I've learned to ALWAYS have an inhaler on hand, whenever any signs of bronchitis become apparent. - @OceanBeach92107

Thanks OB. Good info if this damn thing ever comes back.

I forgot to mention that upon my first visit to the clinic, the doctor did have me sit with a mask connected to a machine which was atomising (?) a medication I think was called Fluoroquinolone. I only remember it starting with the letters "fluor...", so I might be wrong on that. It helped, but only for about 2 or 3 hours. Is that a bronchodilator? It gave me heart palpitations, and when I off-handedly mentioned it, the doc pulled the mask from my face.

I'm on the mend, but still not 100%.

Do you think the bacteria is related to monsoon season?

I tried searching the forum for reports from other members, but no luck.

@Aidan in HCMC

The Australian government has been pushing a vaccine for RSV. Very serious for older people.  Please keep a close eye on things.

@MarkinNam

https://www.drugs.com/rsv-vaccine.html

@Aidan in HCMC The Australian government has been pushing a vaccine for RSV. Very serious for older people. Please keep a close eye on things. - @MarkinNam

Wouldn't have been of any help to me, but thank you for posting the info.

Due to having my trust in "The Science™" shaken to the core, I'll not be submitting to any "vaccines" (new definition)  in the foreseeable future.

Unfortunately, Vietnamese physicians seem to be quite reluctant to prescribe rescue inhalers (bronchodilators such as Albuterol) because too many idiots have figured out ways to abuse them.If you had been given a bronchodilator inhaler at the start of the treatment, It's a very good chance that your condition wouldn't have worsened. I've been dealing with reactive airway syndrome (a form of asthma) since the early 80's, and I've learned to ALWAYS have an inhaler on hand, whenever any signs of bronchitis become apparent.  - @OceanBeach92107 Thanks OB. Good info if this damn thing ever comes back.I forgot to mention that upon my first visit to the clinic, the doctor did have me sit with a mask connected to a machine which was atomising (?) a medication I think was called Fluoroquinolone. I only remember it starting with the letters "fluor...", so I might be wrong on that. It helped, but only for about 2 or 3 hours. Is that a bronchodilator? It gave me heart palpitations, and when I off-handedly mentioned it, the doc pulled the mask from my face. I'm on the mend, but still not 100%.Do you think the bacteria is related to monsoon season? I tried searching the forum for reports from other members, but no luck. - @Aidan in HCMC

Yeah the doctor didn't want to take the chance of you developing serious cardiac (heart) side effects so that may be why they didn't even consider giving you a rescue inhaler to take with you. A very common side effect of bronchodilators is heart palpitations.

I'm pretty sure that medication is both a bronchodilator and steroidal (anti inflammatory) but don't take that as gospel as I'm not taking the time to double check that.

IF the problem is related to seasonal weather, I'd be more inclined to think that a fungus would be the problem, not usually a bacteria.

But it's also been summertime and children have been out of school and you may have come across someone who gave you a bacterial or viral infection that has been circulating among the children.

Good luck in continuing to get better but don't hesitate to go back to the doctor and see if there can't be modifications made to the treatment plan. It's probably been long enough so that your physician can assess the effectiveness of the prescriptions you've been taking.

I forgot to mention that upon my first visit to the clinic, the doctor did have me sit with a mask connected to a machine which was atomising (?) a medication I think was called Fluoroquinolone. I only remember it starting with the letters "fluor...", so I might be wrong on that. It helped, but only for about 2 or 3 hours. Is that a bronchodilator? It gave me heart palpitations, and when I off-handedly mentioned it, the doc pulled the mask from my face.

If that is the exact name of the medication that's an extremely strong antibiotic/antibacterial agent that is sometimes delivered directly into the lungs in a very serious pulmonary (lung) infection.

I had a chance to look it up with ai.

Not sure if it is delivered with saline or possibly given concurrently with a bronchodilator.

But I'm familiar with the underlying medication and have taken it before by mouth when I was dealing with pneumonia in Hanoi.

It really made me sick which is unusual for me taking meds.

So even if it wasn't given with a bronchodilator, it is strong enough to irritate the cardiopulmonary system including the vagus nerve that connects it all. That could definitely instigate heart palpations simply due to the extreme irritation

I had something similar, clinic also prescribed antibiotics, cough syrup and inhaler (i had to remind them about inhaler but no issues).  I also did the saline mask thing in the clinic.  This is in Indonesia as I currently live there.  Funny enough the inhaler is cheaper on Lazada, brand new, sealed in box with expiration 2027.  Inhaler is Salmeterol xinafoate Fluticasone propionate 50/250mcg.  I take as needed which has helped greatly.  Looks like I have something similar to @OceanBeach92107 where my childhood asthma has revived as I have not needed to use an inhaler since grade school.  Now I need to use 1-2 times a week.

I visited family recently in the US and did an annual physical exam.  The doctor ordered a pulmonary function test which is done in the hospital where they test how strong your lungs can breathe.  With my insurance and also due to annual deductible, cost was roughly $500 and the result?  "Dr. had a chance to review the pulmonary function testing and it does appear it's consistent with asthma. He'd recommend having you take 2 puffs of a new inhaler, Symbicort, twice daily with as needed puffs for when your symptoms worsen."

I will stick with taking as needed.  Good luck to all!