Patient's question:
Feverish, swollen eyes, widespread redness, slight coughOnset time: Three days
Medical examination results: Scarlet fever
Previous treatment and effectiveness: Took cephalexin and Qingkailing, along with fever reducers. Still had a temperature of 38-39°C, with daytime fever around 37°C.
What kind of assistance is needed: What medication to use, is it possible to develop nephritis? What should be done?
Doctor's answer:
Has scarlet fever been diagnosed? Has a throat swab or secretion culture been performed to identify Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus? If the diagnosis is scarlet fever, penicillin should be used. Penicillin is the essential medication for treating scarlet fever and all streptococcal infections. Early use can prolong the course of the disease and increase the risk of complications. 40,000–80,000 U/(kg·d), divided into 2 doses, with a minimum treatment duration of 10 days. Could the patient be allergic to penicillin? If so, erythromycin 20–40 mg/(kg·d) should be administered orally in 3 divided doses. In severe cases, intravenous administration may also be used, with a treatment duration of 7–10 days.