As a general concideration, disorders of the upper respiratory tract (nose, nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, and larynx) are among the most common forms of human illness. in most instances, they result in discomfort which is more annoying and distracting than disabling, and while they may interfere with the indivisual's function sufficiently to prevent participation in normal activities, they are not life-threatening nor do they usually signal or lead to serious chronic disability. Less commonly, more serious disorders may present with symptoms referable to the upper respiratory tract.
A secondary infection is an infection that occurs during or after treatment of another, already existing infection. It may result from the treatment itself or from alterations in the immune system.
For example, the development of bacterial pneumonia following a viral upper respiratory infection. Futher treatments may cause your symptoms to get worse, rather than help.
Therefore, your Doctors partner may have done a good things by not prescribing additional antibiotics. Antibiotics may be the cause of your problem.
However, there are other recommendations that I suggest you discuss with your Doctor. First, request that he give you one of the newer tests in biotechnology that has greatly facilitated the diagnosis of viral pneumonias.
Clinicians are able to obtain a virologic diagnosis with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity, often within a few hours of the diagnostic procedure. Among these procedures are Cytologic evaluation, viral culture, Rapid antigen detection, and Gene amplifacation.
(More information on these is available by registering on eMedicine Medical Library.)
Also, a newly identified virus that causes a spectrum of respiratory illness, ranging from mild upper respiratory tract infections to severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia called Human Metapnemovirus (HMPV) has been recently discovered according to The American Lung Association. This is the virus suspected when the cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia cases cannot be determined.
Antiviral therapy is available for treatment of influenza virus infection. All viral pneumonia patients must receive supportive care with oxygen, rest, antipyretics, analgesics, nutrition, and close observation so if you feel the need to go to the Emergency Room and admitted into the Hospital for futher testing, don't be afraid to do so.
Truly, I belive that you should stick with your current specialist. Ask them for a referral to an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) which may serve you better since you condition is unlikely due to a disorder of the lungs.
Hope this answers your question!
REFERENCE(S)
1. 2006.
eMedicine - Pneumonia, Viral : Article by Sat Sharma, MD, FRCPC, FACP, FCCP, DABSM
Linear Mode
