Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Chest Pain When Diagnosed With Pneumococcal Pneumonia?
Question: My wife is being treated for Pneumococcal Pneumonia and is still experiencing chest pain. She was diagnosed with lower left lobe PP and now has pain throughout her chest. She has been on an Antibiotic for 6 days and still exhibits a low fever of 99+. Is there still reason for heightened concern?
Brief Answer:
probably not but reassessment is required
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
pneumococcal pneumonia is a serious infection which may progress unfavorably in some patients. Treatment with levofloxacin is usually enough for most cases particularly for antibiotic-naive patients without serious comorbidities. Having low-grade fever after some days is not always an ominous sign but it may indicate a resistant pathogen. The chest pain may get better soon after treatment initiation but sometimes it persists for a few days.
In such cases re-assessment of the patient is required. Lab tests may help to document the progress. A complete blood count and levels of C-reactive protein may be particularly useful. A progressively lower CRP indicates successful treatment. A persistent (or even rising) CRP may mean that the infection is uncontrolled.
Clinical assessment is also important. A patient with improving vital signs is probably safe. Normal heart rate, blood pressure, urine output and an improving temperature are in favor of a good outcome.
So in conclusion, the information you've provided is not enough to determine whether her condition is serious or not. The suggested tests and clinical assessment should be enough to decide that.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
Kind Regards!
probably not but reassessment is required
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
pneumococcal pneumonia is a serious infection which may progress unfavorably in some patients. Treatment with levofloxacin is usually enough for most cases particularly for antibiotic-naive patients without serious comorbidities. Having low-grade fever after some days is not always an ominous sign but it may indicate a resistant pathogen. The chest pain may get better soon after treatment initiation but sometimes it persists for a few days.
In such cases re-assessment of the patient is required. Lab tests may help to document the progress. A complete blood count and levels of C-reactive protein may be particularly useful. A progressively lower CRP indicates successful treatment. A persistent (or even rising) CRP may mean that the infection is uncontrolled.
Clinical assessment is also important. A patient with improving vital signs is probably safe. Normal heart rate, blood pressure, urine output and an improving temperature are in favor of a good outcome.
So in conclusion, the information you've provided is not enough to determine whether her condition is serious or not. The suggested tests and clinical assessment should be enough to decide that.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
Kind Regards!
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
