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When Should I go to the ER for a Staph Infection?
Aesir23
Registered User new member
Registered User new member
I've been dealing with a staph infection on and off for roughly 6 months. It never goes away completely or it will appear to be gone for a period of time until I get a cut or even scratch an itch in the location (behind my ear) and it will come back. I'm on my third round of antibiotics since November.
What has me concerned is that the infection is reacting more slowly to the antibiotics than the last two times. I've also been having intermittent tightness in my throat and chest that feel as if my airway is a bit constricted but I'm not wheezing, only coughing every now and then. Is it time to pay a visit to the ER, should I just go back to my doctor to report this, or am I just worrying over nothing?
What has me concerned is that the infection is reacting more slowly to the antibiotics than the last two times. I've also been having intermittent tightness in my throat and chest that feel as if my airway is a bit constricted but I'm not wheezing, only coughing every now and then. Is it time to pay a visit to the ER, should I just go back to my doctor to report this, or am I just worrying over nothing?
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He could do one of those $50 video chat with an MD apps and ask them what to do!
Not sure where you live or what your health coverage is like, but this is definitely something to talk to your doctor about.
You said you've been on antibiotics, I'm assuming those were prescribed by someone. You should probably bring it up with them at an appointment you schedule ASAP. Maybe they'll be able to get you a different course of medication, or try something else.
As for an ER visit, I don't think a staph infection is worth an ER visit, particularly if it's been ongoing for 6 months, maybe an urgent care visit if you're unable to get an appointment with your normal doctor on short notice. But then, I live in the States, where an ER visit could prove a significant financial burden to me even with health insurance, so that may be shading my perception a bit,
I'm in Canada, so the financial aspect isn't really an issue. I had tried using online resources but they didn't really cover circumstances where someone was already on antibiotics so I wasn't sure if I should skip the GP's office entirely.
Thank you for the help. I'll call to set up an appointment with my GP right away.
Since it's behind my ear I can't really get a sense of what it looks like aside from some redness extending below my ear, but it's a skin infection with discharge that eventually hardens. There's an intense itching sensation that occurs on and off as well and my earlobe has become fairly swollen. It's been exactly the same symptoms every time.
Steam: https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198004484595
Also make sure you're carefully taking those antibiotics on a strict schedule and never stop before finishing out the course. That's how staph infections become MRSA and then TRSA and onward. If they give you a cream, use it religiously. Make sure you're washing your hands whenever you touch it.