Part of Recovery?

[swataz]

I was diagnosed with pneumonia two weeks ago, and I have entered what I am terming a 'throat-clearing' phase of my pneumonia recovery (left lobe was affected), which I'll say began when I started a 10-day antibiotic course two weeks ago today.

I say 'throat-clearing' because while I am not having difficulty breathing, per se, I still feel a little tightness and slight irritation in what FEELS like my bronchial area, or where my epiglottis or windpipe area is, making me feel the need to clear my throat and occasionally cough.

I brought up just the tiniest amount of very light yellow mucous yesterday, but I have absolutely no fever, and feel generally OK, except when I try to go about my normal business, then I feel like I am going to drop from fatigue.

My asthmatic mother-in-law says my sensation is akin to mild asthma.

IS THIS NORMAL??? Should I still feel any of these types of symptoms two weeks after? Should I feel THIS MUCH malaise and weakness? Should I still have any symptoms like this? How DOES the extra sputum that built up in my lung dissipate anyway?!?

I am 35 and in generally good health, no blood abnormalities, etc.

I've been to my regular doc since diagnosis, and even a highly-regarded pulmonary specialist, and neither gave me any indication that I am not on the road to recovery.

I am scheduled for a follow-up x-ray in a little more than 4 more weeks from now to see how everything is going at that point.

Someone please tell me I am OK, and that others have experienced the same. I am beyond neurotic at this point.

[swataz]

Thank you for the feedback!

It's now almost a month later, and the malaise is gone, and I have had only occasional bouts of 'throat clearing'.

Unfortunately, I have had intermittent throat pain and now a dull pain or discomfort radiating from my left chest (where I had the bacterial pneumonia) sometimes when I swallow, sing, try to project my voice loudly, or even when I have to lay down or turn a certain way. It really doesn't happen when I breathe deeply though.

I don't believe it is muscle pain as it feels too 'deep', and it is starting to freak me out a little. I think I am going to demand my primary doctor give me a neck and chest CAT scan immediately, since my gastro discounted it as anything related to HIS area of expertise after I saw him for a GERD follow-up yesterday.

I could understand if it were part of the lung inflammation left over from my pneumonia, but the condition seems to be gradually getting more prominent, rather than going away.

[National Jewish]

What you are experiencing is very normal!

Pneumonia is inflammation of the lung.  This is most commonly due to an infection.  Antibiotics will help a bacterial infection, but will not help a viral infection.  Over time your body's natural defenses will clear a viral infection.  Pneumonia may begin with a fever.  Other symptoms may include chills, headache, a dry cough, a general feeling of discomfort and body aches.

It may take a month or two after finishing the course of antibiotics, until you feel completely back to normal.  It is possible for inflammation or irritation to remain in the lungs for 6 to 8 weeks after the actual infection is gone.  Cough, chest tightness, fatigue, malaise, and weakness may linger.  This is very similar to asthma, but your symptoms should gradually improve and eventually go away completely.  You should let your doctor know if your symptoms worsen or do not go away.  A follow-up chest x-ray is helpful to show that the pneumonia has completely gone away.

The extra sputum that built up in your lung dissipates by:
1. being absorbed;
2. being carried away by white blood cells;
3. being coughed up; and
4. Mucociliary clearance.  This is the cleaning mechanism of the lungs.  Cilia are small hairlike projections that cover the inner surface of the airways of the lungs.  They are constantly moving in a wave-like motion in an upward direction.  This moves the phlegm up and out of the lungs.  The phlegm is swallowed usually without us ever being aware of it.