Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
My brother is 28 years old and was diagnosed with scrub typhus three days ago. He has now developed severe abdominal pain, and the doctors found fluid in his lungs on an X-ray. His oxygen levels keep dropping below 90, and he is becoming drowsy. They have started some new antibiotics, but there has been no improvement. He had dengue last month.
Please help.
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have read your query and can understand your concern.
Your brother’s condition suggests severe scrub typhus with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or septic shock, both of which are life-threatening.
Scrub typhus can cause lung inflammation or secondary bacterial infections. His recent dengue infection may have worsened the situation by weakening his immune system.
Complications to watch for:
Abdominal pain may indicate acute hepatitis (as scrub typhus commonly affects the liver), peritonitis (fluid in the abdomen, a sign of infection), or in severe cases, pancreatitis.
Drowsiness could signify typhus encephalitis or septic shock, both of which are life-threatening.
Acute kidney injury is a common complication in severe scrub typhus.
Septic shock can lead to dangerously low blood pressure and may progress to heart failure.
Sometimes, initial antibiotics like doxycycline may not be effective. Doctors might consider switching to other antibiotics, such as chloramphenicol or azithromycin.
Your brother urgently requires ICU (intensive care unit) care, as his heart, kidneys, and multiple organs are at risk. He also needs high-flow oxygen, which is only available in an ICU, and round-the-clock monitoring.
Additionally, a USG (ultrasound) and CT (computed tomography) scan of the abdomen are essential to identify the cause of his abdominal pain.
I hope I have answered all your questions.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Nawrin Hossain
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
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