Has being Asthmatic and suffering from pneumonia affected my immune system?

[blogsey]

I suffered from pneumonia in March 2006 and following recovery I contracted a nasty chest infection in July 2006.  My Doctor at the time stated that because I have asthma and had suffered from pneumonia earlier that year I would be prone to respiratory illnesses.  Since this date my asthma has worsened (but is managable with inhalers), I have had a few chest infections and I am currently suffering from sinusitis that I have suffered from for 6 weeks and my asthma has got worse because of this (I am currently on anti-biotics that appear to be assisting my sinuses but my asthma doesn't seem to be improving). I have also suffered from diaorreah and sickness on at least 6 occasions since March 2006.  I am a 36 year old female with two small kids that bring all manner of bugs from school - I also have a blocked left bundle of my heart (that was discovered in 2006 also)(I don't know if this has anything to do with things but may assist any response!)
Could my illness with pneumonia in 2006 have affected my immune system so that I pick up all manner of bugs?  And
because I have asthma could I be more prone to respiratory illnesses (like sinusitis/chest infections/flu) and find them more difficult to  get rid of?   thanks in advance!

[National Jewish Health]

Sub-optimally controlled asthma may predispose one to recurrent infection, but to a limited degree.  Most individuals with asthma do not have pneumonia or any other recurrent chest infection, including bacterial bronchitis.  It works both ways and the more likely scenario is for asthma to make asthma more difficult to control and cause flare ups.  As you report, chronic recurrent sinus infections can also make one's asthma more difficult to control.

You astutely raise the question of an immune system problem.  There are a number of acquired immunodeficiency states including common variable immunodeficiency disorder (CVID) that can present with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, including chronic and/or recurrent diarrhea.  There are reports of this type of diarrhea responding to therapy with a medicine called budesonide.  Chronic diarrhea due to Giardia has also been reported in people with CVID.

The point is that your recurrent respiratory infections and the diarrhea may be related.  You should ask your doctor to check you for an immunodeficiency state and you may want to see a GI specialist to carefully evaluate the diarrhea, should it occur again.

Good luck.