<human>: I am 48 yrs, started coughing on Thursday morning went to a health care center the doctor prescribed diphenhydramine cough medicine and paracetamol for pain and fever to use if necessary.I am slightly asthmatic also......a fever has been going and coming and i am a bit worried as to what may be causing the fever can u help me.......do u think i needed an antibiotic to help clear my lungs
<bot>: Hello, Thank you for asking at Chat Doctor. I went through your history and would like to make suggestions for you as follows:1. I would like to know more about your fever to avoid unnecessary antibiotics. As most of the fevers are viral and do not need antibiotics. Unnecessary antibiotics cause no benefit and sometimes may cause harm.2. If your fever is more than 101 F (without paracetamol), then it is a significant fever. In that case, I would suggest you to follow-up with your doctor who will examine you again, may suggest investigations like complete blood counts, and may prescribe an antibiotic, if necessary.3. In asthmatic patients, simple viral throat infections can also last longer, as compared to other non-asthmatic individuals. 4. For my such patients, I do not prescribe antibiotics unless patients show signs of bacterial infections like toxic look, yellow, thick expectoration, yellow/pus-like spots over pharynx, possibility of bacterial sinusitis, etc. If in doubt, I usually suggest complete blood counts, which may suggest type of infection the patient could have. Hope above suggestions will be helpful to you. Should you have any further query, please feel free to ask at Chat Doctor. Wish you a very good recovery and the best of the health ahead. Thank you & Regards.