I suspect that I have Legionnaires’ and I’m in Indonesia. I have been to the hospital for tests. They have done a lung X-ray and they have been testing for TB without luck because I’m not spitting anything to get a clean result. I started with an ear infection a few days after being exposed to water. I got a fever and flu-like symptoms and then bronchitis. I am having night sweats, lethargy, and chest pains. It has been almost 35 days now. The first three days I took Zithromax (one tablet a day) as my ears were sealed up. There is no test here for Legionnaires’ and I’m told my blood must be sent to America from here and take a month for results. I think it is time to self-prescribe because the system is not so good here. Should I use the mix of erythromycin and rifampin?
Legionnaires’ disease is a pneumonia that is diagnosable by chest x-ray. If the x-ray is negative, you do not have Legionnaires’ disease. Ear infection is not associated with Legionnaires’ disease. If you have symptoms for 35 days, it is unlikely that the infection is due to Legionella. TB must be excluded. Regardless, erythromycin and rifampin are no longer the drugs of choice for Legionnaires’ disease. Azithromycin or levofloxacin is effective.
Follow Up Question:
Thanks for your quick response. When you say TB must be excluded, what does that mean? In regards to the X-ray, how would they diagnose with out any experience? What do they look for? The X-ray had much web like texture in the lower area but said that the upper area did not show the normal signs of TB though they said it could be in the lower area already. From experience any diagnosis here is shoddy at best.
Follow Up Answer:
You need to consult a physician that you trust.