Recurring Pneumonia-Spots on CT

[babysmaid2]

For the past three years I've had a chronic cough. I went to an allergy doctor, and was tested for allergies, and nothing.

For the last year and a half I've had pneumonia four times, the last two were double pneumonia. I had a CT scan done in October and they found vague cloudy patches on both of my lungs (scary). My pulmonologist doesn't think it's cancer, though they can't rule it our yet. I took Zithromax for three weeks in November when I had the double pneumonia, and the pre-existing cough went away, 100%. Now, four months later I am recovering again from double pneumonia (three more weeks of Zithromax), and it's getting a little scary.

The pulmonologist thinks I have a drug resistant bacterial infection, and I have to go for another CT, and bronchoscopy after I recover from this current bout.

Anyone experience anything like this? It's really unnerving. I am in my 40's, and have small children. My mind can't help but wander out to the dark side...

Any input would be appreciated!!

[babysmaid2]

Thank you for responding! I have a follow up CT scheduled for this Monday, and afterwards my Pulmonologist will follow up with a bronchoscopy.

This process is frustrating, before I could finish my antibiotics for the double pneumonia I got a cold, and of course it went directly to my lungs. My body doesn't seem to be interested in being well for any length of time. It's a little scary.

I do battle a sinus issue on the right side. I just asked my pulmonologist if maybe this could be the problem, and she is going to do a sinus scan.

By the way, I'm curious, can digestive disorders cause similar issues?

Thank you for your input.

[babysmaid2]

Thank you for your post. Interesting feedback. This is my second three-week course of azithromycin in four months, and after two weeks I still don't feel 100%. The last time I took it I felt significantly better, so it's a disappointment to still feel a bit under the weather at this point.

I will keep your post in mind for the future, and honestly I hope I don't need it! ;)

Thank you again.

[starion]

You might consider going to a good teaching hospital with a great respiratory program, like National Jewish.  They are good at helping folks who puzzle local docs and have had a lot of success in treating patients with recurring pneumonia.  Sometimes (as in a friend's case), the original treatments for the pneumonia aren't quite enough to fully eliminate the pneumonia but instead it reduces the symptoms enough so they aren't noticiable until the next time your resistance goes down of the bacteria mutates to come back stronger than ever.
You can find out more at their website, www.nationaljewish.org.  Of course, there are other regional hospitals who have experience in these more complicated cases as well, one of which may be closer to your home.
Good luck!
Starion

[National Jewish]

There are some different reasons for having the history you have described.  One is that your immune system, either locally in your lungs or in general, is not functioning normally and preventing you from getting infections.  Another reason is that you have a chronic source of infection in your body that is not being identified or treated effectively.  This can be an abscess or a walled off sinus infection.  Another possible reason is that you did not have pneumonia on these occasions, but have had asthma attacks where the airways have closed down.  When this happens, it is very difficult sometimes to tell this from pneumonia and the symptoms are the same. I would highly recommend you continue to see your pulmonologist and perhaps discuss the possibility of coming to National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver, Colorado where they see patients with similar problems every day.