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I Am 63, And Have Had Pneumonia 3 Times In

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Posted on Wed, 10 Oct 2018
Question: I am 63, and have had pneumonia 3 times in the last 12 months. Treated 2 times in hospital. The recent episode I caught early and was treated 10 days on Amoxicillin 875 and Clavulanate Potassium 125 b.i.d. I am "recovered" but my personal medical colleagues recommend finding an ENT doctor or Pulmonary doctor to chase down what bug I am carrying. Do you agree? I have appointment with an ENT doc I already know tomorrow morning. Will he think I'm crazy? I am a Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist and my general medical knowledge is good, I have a diplomate in Clinical Psychology, ABPP
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Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Better to evaluate during the active infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
As you have already recovered, it may be difficult to isolate the pathogen.
It is better to evaluate during the active phase of the disease. You can consult a pulmonologist and do sputum culture and sensitivity and blood culture to find out which pathogen is causing the illness.
We have to rule out any possible underlying disease like diabetes which might predispose you to recurrent pneumonia.
There is nothing wrong in evaluating the cause especially when you are having recurrent infection!
Wishing all the best.
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Shinas Hussain

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2015

Answered : 23661 Questions

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I Am 63, And Have Had Pneumonia 3 Times In

Brief Answer: Better to evaluate during the active infection. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for the query. As you have already recovered, it may be difficult to isolate the pathogen. It is better to evaluate during the active phase of the disease. You can consult a pulmonologist and do sputum culture and sensitivity and blood culture to find out which pathogen is causing the illness. We have to rule out any possible underlying disease like diabetes which might predispose you to recurrent pneumonia. There is nothing wrong in evaluating the cause especially when you are having recurrent infection! Wishing all the best. Thanks