Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Family Medicine (Expert Forum)
Chronic Infection ?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
Questions in the Family Medicine forum are answered by Dr. J.M. Keyes. Topics covered include general health issues, adolescence, babies, child health, eating disorders, fitness, immunizations and vaccines, infectious diseases, medical tests and procedures, and senior health.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Dec 24, 2003 12:00AM
, Dec 24, 2003 12:00AM
Yes, it is possible to have an infection that is undetected. CBC, liver enzymes tests or urinalysis are just a few of the tests that are used to look for possible infection.
The most common culprit for occult infection are abscesses. They would require imaging studies such as CT scans.
As for further tests look for infection, it would depend on clinical clues (i.e. headache --> meningitis, abdominal pain --> GI source, skin infection --> osteomyelitis).
Some imaging tests to consider would be CT scans, bone scans, a tagged WBC scan, MRI. Serum markers for inflammation would also be elevated in the case of infection - they would include a sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
***I will be away and have limited internet access from December 26th to January 4th. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.***
Take care,
Kevin, M.D.
The most common culprit for occult infection are abscesses. They would require imaging studies such as CT scans.
As for further tests look for infection, it would depend on clinical clues (i.e. headache --> meningitis, abdominal pain --> GI source, skin infection --> osteomyelitis).
Some imaging tests to consider would be CT scans, bone scans, a tagged WBC scan, MRI. Serum markers for inflammation would also be elevated in the case of infection - they would include a sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
***I will be away and have limited internet access from December 26th to January 4th. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.***
Take care,
Kevin, M.D.
