Suggest Treatment For Difficulty Breathing And Persistent Cough

Posted on Wed, 21 Oct 2015

Question: I had atypical pneumonia in February this year and was hospitalised for 14 days. I had 12 weeks off work - I am a primary school teacher. I seem to be unable to completely clear the mucus from my chest and every sniffle, cold or fever effects my chest and asthma and I have difficulty breathing again and cough continually. I have had monthly doses of antibiotics and prednisone, which helps somewhat. I am still struggling to regain my former health and would appreciate any advice as to time frame for recovery or additional supplements etc that would assist. Thanks - XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need to know the name of exact causative agent. ..

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am sorry for the health problems you went through.

Atypical pneumonia is also known as community acquired pneumonia. As you suffered of severe pneumonia, most probably it could have been caused by Legionella. However, I need to have a look at the tests results first. Can you please provide them?

Patients with weak immune system are suffering severe symptoms. This is what I see in your case.

The most important thing is to strengthen your immune system. Wear mask when teaching or when in contact with crowd.

Eat healthy and take supplements to strengthen immunity.

There is not much to say before knowing the right causative agent.

Looking forward to have the requested information in.
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (3 days later)

I have no idea what the causative agent was - neither did the hospital I had been to Hong Kong 3 weeks prior to this and had a long flight home - 12 hours, but the drs were not sure whether this was connected or not. I also developed pleurisy in the left side, as well as both lungs affected with the pneumonia which caused chronic pain and breathlessness. Would further blood tests be recommended to check for any residual infections left in the system. The pneumonia left me anaemic initially and I have taken liquid iron supplements to bring the levels up again. Thanks -XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (28 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Completely healed from atypical pneumonia;asthma to get correctly treated..

Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXX,

Thank you for providing the additional information.

From what you are describing, you've been completely healed from the atypical pneumonia. Your current problems are associated with asthma attacks.

Try to avoid those allergens that would cause precipitation of the attacks (fumes, flowers, pollens, etc).

Should discuss with your doctor about your medical treatment strategy. To my opinion, Aminophyllin orally can be added to your current therapy with Serotide and Ventolin until improvement of attacks.

Hope it was of help!
Dr.Albana

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar