Hi and thanks for the question,
The symptoms are very compatible with pneumonia.
Shortness of breath, raised ESR and chest X ray findings. Hope an appropriate antibiotherapy has been prescribed. How ever, the low
Hemoglobin levels have to be investigated. Low hemoglobin levels could be caused by the infection, but if very low, other causes should be considered.
Other tests could be quite helpful in doing this assessment. Serum IgG is an indication that the infection is chronic, But IgG measurements are however very non specific and we cannot be conclusive. Knowing exactly for how long she has been coughing is too important. A
chronic cough might warrant sputum exams and a tuberculin skin test to be be done to exclude
pulmonary tuberculosis.
The back pain might require a spinal x ray, ESR, alkaline phosphatse levels,
Complete blood count, serum electrolytes to exclude any bone malignancy.
I suggest visiting an internist with these ideas in mind could help min a proper reevaluation and management of your patient.
Thanks and hope this helps,
Luchuo, MD.