Cold Symptoms and Medication Side Effects: A Patient's Concerns

Side effects and issues related to taking medication for the common cold?

Hello Dr.
Hong: I woke up yesterday with pain on one side of my tonsil or throat, along with nasal congestion and phlegm.
I visited an ENT specialist who examined my tongue to check for any lesions.
During the examination, they used a small mirror that looked like a spoon, and I wasn't sure if it was being blown or heated for disinfection.
I was a bit worried about the risk of contracting COVID-19 during the visit.
Is it safe to have medical examinations like this now? At that time, it was just me, the doctor, and the nurse at the front desk, and there were no other patients since it was close to closing time.

After the examination, the doctor said there didn't appear to be any lesions, and it didn't look too severe, but prescribed the antibiotic Moxifloxacin and some medication for me.
They also mentioned that I shouldn't worry about pneumonia and should rest more.
However, after taking four doses of the medication, I still feel some pain on the left side of my throat, although my nasal congestion has improved.
Additionally, my bowel movements seem to be softer...
could this be related to the medication?
I also saw in the news that symptoms include sore throat, cough, fever, and diarrhea, but my pain is only on one side.
Is it possible for the symptoms to be unilateral? 😢 I measured my temperature at noon, and it was 37.7°C on the left ear and 36.9°C on the right ear.
Should I consider this a fever, or could it just be due to the hot weather since I didn't turn on the air conditioning?
I'm really concerned and decided to ask the doctor online.
Is it common to have unilateral pain with a cold, and how long might it take to recover? The doctor advised me to take more vitamin C and B because I had been staying up late recently, which lowered my immunity and led to this cold.
I apologize for the many questions, and I hope you can help me with answers.
Thank you.

Helen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/07/31

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello,
1.
Currently, legitimate clinics have established disinfection procedures for their equipment, and there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through medical devices, so there should be no concern regarding COVID-19 infection.

2.
Based solely on your description, the soft stools may be caused by the underlying disease itself or could be a side effect of antibiotics.
These two factors are indeed difficult to distinguish; however, regardless of the cause, it should gradually improve.

3.
Respiratory infections, commonly known as colds, can indeed cause one side of the throat or respiratory tract to become more inflamed.
Typically, this condition improves within 1 to 2 weeks.

4.
Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a consistent daily routine can indeed aid in the recovery from illness.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2020/07/31

More Info

It sounds like you're going through a challenging time with your health, and it's completely understandable to have concerns about your symptoms and the medications you're taking. Let's break down your situation and address your questions.

Firstly, you mentioned experiencing pain on one side of your throat, along with nasal congestion and phlegm. This could be indicative of a localized infection, such as tonsillitis or pharyngitis, which can sometimes present with unilateral symptoms. It's not uncommon for infections to affect one side more than the other, especially if there's swelling or inflammation in the tonsils or throat.
Regarding your visit to the ENT specialist, it's good to hear that they didn't find any severe issues like a perforation. The use of instruments during examination, such as a tongue depressor or a small mirror, is standard practice. These tools are typically sterilized to prevent any risk of infection, so the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 or any other infection from the examination is quite low, especially if proper hygiene protocols were followed.

Now, concerning the antibiotics you were prescribed (Moxifloxacin), it's important to note that while they can be effective in treating bacterial infections, they may also come with side effects. Common side effects of antibiotics can include gastrointestinal disturbances, such as diarrhea or softer stools, which you mentioned experiencing. This is due to the antibiotic altering the normal flora in your gut, leading to changes in bowel habits. If this side effect becomes bothersome or persists, it's advisable to discuss it with your healthcare provider.

You also expressed concern about your temperature readings. A temperature of 37.7°C (99.9°F) can be considered a low-grade fever, especially if you're feeling unwell. It's important to monitor your symptoms and temperature regularly. If your fever persists or worsens, or if you develop additional symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a significant increase in throat pain, you should seek medical attention promptly.

As for your question about whether a cold can present with unilateral throat pain, the answer is yes. Colds can cause a variety of symptoms, and while they often present bilaterally, it's not unusual for one side to be more affected, particularly if there's localized inflammation or infection.

In terms of recovery, the duration can vary depending on the underlying cause of your symptoms. Viral infections, such as the common cold, typically resolve within 7 to 10 days, while bacterial infections may take longer, especially if antibiotics are involved. It's essential to follow your doctor's advice regarding rest and nutrition, including the recommendation to take Vitamin C and B vitamins to support your immune system.

Lastly, if you continue to feel unwell or if your symptoms worsen, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. They can reassess your condition and determine if further intervention is needed. It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

In summary, while your symptoms may be concerning, they can often be managed effectively with appropriate medical care. Keep monitoring your symptoms, maintain open communication with your healthcare provider, and prioritize your rest and recovery. Take care, and I hope you feel better soon!

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