What if pneumonia comes back

If the recurrent pneumonias are associated with significant infections outside the respiratory tract, the deficiency is usually T-cell or T- and B-cell deficiency or possibly neutrophil dysfunction. Intravenous immunoglobulin infusion may help minimize the pneumonias if hypogammaglobulinemia is present. Common cause of recurrent pneumonia 3: Aspiration. Aspiration while swallowing or after gastro-esophageal reflux often causes recurrent pneumonia, even in children who appear to be neurologically intact.

A careful history may indicate that aspiration is the underlying cause. If medical management is not successful, airway evaluation should be performed to exclude laryngeal cleft or occult H-type tracheo-esophageal fistula.

Lipid-laden macrophages obtained during bronchoscopy and lavage are a controversial marker of aspiration. Less common cause of recurrent pneumonia 1: Impaired mucociliary clearance and ineffective cough.

Cystic fibrosis CF and primary ciliary dyskinesia PCD are the most frequent causes of abnormal mucociliary clearance in children.

All states currently screen for CF in the newborn period; sweat testing or DNA analysis should be considered even if the newborn screen was negative, particularly if steatorrhea or growth failure are also present.

Bronchiectasis that may have developed as the result of repeated infections is another cause of abnormal mucociliary clearance that can lead to recurrent pneumonia. Less common cause of recurrent pneumonia 2: Systemic or immune-mediated diseases. The following systemic or immune-mediated diseases may cause recurrent pneumonia: hypersensitivity pneumonitis, collagen vascular disease, renal-pulmonary syndromes e.

These may be suspected by history and confirmed by specific laboratory tests or tissue biopsy. Neurologic deficits such as spastic quadriplegia or bulbar weakness increase the likelihood that the recurrent pneumonia is from either aspiration or impaired cough clearance. A personal or family history of atopy increases the likelihood that asthma may be the pre-disposing factor.

The environmental exposure history might indicate hypersensitivity pneumonitis e. The initial laboratory evaluation should be tailored to the specific underlying diagnosis that is most likely the explanation for the recurrent pneumonia.

Screening for immunodeficiency is usually indicated immunoglobulins G, A, M, E and WBC with differential ; more extensive studies are appropriate if T-cell deficiency or neutrophil dysfunction is suspected T- and B-cell numbers and function, response to immunizations, neutrophil function tests.

A sweat chloride test or DNA analysis should be considered, even if the newborn screen for CF was negative. If systemic or immune-mediated disease is suspected, then specific laboratory investigation can help confirm the diagnosis. If asthma is suspected and the child is capable of performing pulmonary function testing, pre- and post-bronchodilator flow volume loops may reveal reversible airflow obstruction or bronchial reactivity consistent with asthma.

The fraction of exhaled nitric oxide FeNO may be elevated, suggesting eosinophilic airway inflammation. Challenge testing methacholine or exercise may be positive but seldom needed for diagnosis. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage can help exclude airway malformation or damage as the underlying explanation and assess cell types, hemosiderin-laden macrophages a marker of alveolar hemorrhage , and lipid-laden macrophages a possible marker for aspiration.

Mucosal biopsy for electron microscopic evaluation of the ciliary ultrastructure may be indicated to diagnose PCD; the biopsy can be from the nasopharynx or the airways. They will also help determine if the abnormalities are usually in the same area or if they have occurred in different lung segments.

It may be challenging to have the opportunity to view all the radiographs at the same time and have them all reviewed by a pediatric radiologist, but this is highly recommended. Hauw L ie are dedicated to the care of infants, children and adolescents with acute or chronic respiratory disorders like recurrent pneumonia. For more information about pediatric respiratory disease please submit an online appointment request or contact the office of Dr. Peter N. Schochet and Dr.

Hauw Lie at About Pediatric Pulmonologists: Pediatric pulmonologists Dr. Hauw Lie, are dedicated to the care of infants, children and adolescents with acute or chronic respiratory disorders. Our highly knowledgeable staff provides evidence based medical care to patients from the Plano area and throughout North Texas. Our practice has a … About Us.

Pulmonary Tests and Procedures in Children: Pulmonary tests are an important aspect of diagnosing lung disorders in children. Hauw Lie are board certified pediatric pulmonologists that care for children with asthma and other lung disorders. They perform physical exams and provide or order pediatric pulmonary tests that. Schochet's interest in diving has led him to assisting young divers with asthma.

He understands that divers with asthma are more prone to diving mishaps. This is why it is important for asthmatics to have their medication regimen evaluated and have physical exams prior to going on diving trips. The dangers of teens vaping e-cigarettes is a serious issue being addressed by our pediatric pulmonologists in Plano, Dr. Lie, as the number of adolescents and teens using electronic. The prevalence of pediatric asthma has leveled off except amongst the poor children.

It's a hyper-responsiveness of the airways. I felt as if I had a good idea of the scope of this illness - both from my doctor and from a handful of friends with experience. My case was not severe by any measure - I was never considered for hospitalization - and I don't have preexisting conditions affecting my lung function, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

I can work from home and steal naps during the day. Yet I was still unprepared to deal with the worst bad days and sought medical care three times in that first 30 days. This, too, is not unusual, Edelman says. Third of breast cancer patients get unnecessary treatment, study finds. Are heartburn drugs during pregnancy linked to asthma in kids? Homeland Security warns that certain heart devices can be hacked.

Skip to content. Why does it take so long to recover from pneumonia? Latest Health. Most Read. Horoscopes Daily horoscope for November 12, Rex Huppke Column: Kyle Rittenhouse, found guilty or innocent, should disgust us all. How Is Pneumonia Treated? Most people can manage their symptoms such as fever and cough at home by following these steps: Control your fever with aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen , or acetaminophen.

DO NOT give aspirin to children. Drink plenty of fluids to help loosen secretions and bring up phlegm. Do not take cough medicines without first talking to your doctor. Coughing is one way your body works to get rid of an infection. If your cough is preventing you from getting the rest you need, ask your doctor about steps you can take to get relief.

Drink warm beverages, take steamy baths and use a humidifier to help open your airways and ease your breathing. Contact your doctor right away if your breathing gets worse instead of better over time. Stay away from smoke to let your lungs heal. This includes smoking, secondhand smoke and wood smoke. Talk to your doctor if you are a smoker and are having trouble staying smokefree while you recover. This would be a good time to think about quitting for good. Get lots of rest. You may need to stay in bed for a while.

Get as much help as you can with meal preparation and household chores until you are feeling stronger. It is important not to overdo daily activities until you are fully recovered.