Duration of Pneumonia: What to Expect
As a 47-year-old woman, my health journey recently took a challenging turn. I contracted Covid in October, which was confirmed through a clinic test. Just a week after my diagnosis, I found myself in the emergency room due to worsening symptoms. The doctor performed a chest x-ray that led to a pneumonia diagnosis. Following that, I underwent a treatment plan with Azithromycin antibiotics, and I felt a significant improvement within about two weeks. However, by the end of March, I returned to my physician for persistent chest tightness and shortness of breath during physical activities. After conducting another x-ray, it turned out that pneumonia was still affecting me—or had resurfaced. In May and again on June 19, follow-up x-rays confirmed that pneumonia remained detectable. Consequently, I had to take two additional courses of antibiotics. The fatigue I’m experiencing is overwhelming to the point where it hampers my daily functioning. I’ve noticed that while I don't have a persistent cough, my ability to breathe is compromised when I'm active. Simple tasks like climbing stairs have become quite laborious. Fortunately, my office job allows for some adaptability, yet I've had to take sick leave this week due to extreme tiredness. I am also scheduled for a CT scan to provide a more detailed evaluation, but my appointment date is still pending. Is it normal for pneumonia to linger this long? I’m beginning to feel worried and suspect that there might be other underlying issues. Is it common for illnesses similar to pneumonia to be misdiagnosed? For context, I am about 50 pounds overweight, had a stent inserted in my left anterior descending artery in 2022, and deal with diverticulosis along with recurrent flare-ups. Otherwise, my medical history is not significant.
Answers (1)

7/11/2025, 3:40:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about your health after experiencing a prolonged illness like pneumonia, particularly with your current symptoms of chest tightness and fatigue. Persistent pneumonia, especially following COVID-19, can impact recovery times and lead to lingering symptoms. It’s essential to remain proactive in managing your health.
Explanation
Pneumonia can sometimes take longer to resolve, particularly in individuals who have experienced complications or have pre-existing health conditions. Your history of heart disease and current weight can also play a role in your respiratory function, possibly exacerbating symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue. Returning pneumonia on x-rays, as you've mentioned, may indicate that your lungs are still healing or that further investigation of possible underlying conditions is needed.
It's not uncommon for pneumonia to linger, especially following a viral infection such as COVID-19. However, persistent symptoms like those you’re experiencing should be taken seriously, and it’s good to hear that a CT scan is on the schedule for better insights.
Next Steps
-
Prioritize Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Focus on rest and ensure you are getting enough sleep, as fatigue is a common element of recovery.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet with nutrient-rich foods to support your immune system.
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a record of your symptoms—note any changes in breathlessness, fatigue, or any new symptoms that develop. This will help you and your doctor understand your condition better.
-
Gradually Increase Activity:
- If possible, incorporate gentle activities into your routine, such as walking for short periods, listening to your body, and stopping if you feel overly fatigued. This will help improve your endurance over time.
-
Prepare for the CT Scan:
- Make a list of your symptoms, questions, and any concerns to discuss with your healthcare provider after the CT scan. This will help clarify your diagnosis and treatment plan.
-
Seek Support:
- Don’t hesitate to connect with friends, family, or support groups for emotional support, which can significantly help during recovery.
If your symptoms worsen or you experience new severe symptoms (like high fever, increased shortness of breath, or chest pain), it's important to seek immediate medical attention. Your health is paramount, and addressing these concerns proactively is crucial.
Related Questions
Changes in a Puncture Hematoma: From Injury to New Concerns
Summary: An injury caused by a tack remover resulted in a large internal bruise that has since left a hard lump in my leg. Recently, after bumping it, the lump shifted position and became smaller. Last year, while trying to clear out screw holes on my metal roof in a rushed manner, I improperly wielded a tack remover. The tool slipped, resulting in a painful stab just below my knee. I quickly removed it and descended from the roof, reassured to find the bleeding ceased almost instantly. After carefully cleaning and bandaging the wound, I went about my day. However, after about two hours of activity, I noticed that the bandage was feeling unusually tight. Upon inspection, I discovered that the wound had been bleeding internally, causing a sizeable hematoma which began to grow significantly. I sought help from an EMT, concerned it might lead to compartment syndrome, and was advised to head to the emergency room. An X-ray confirmed extensive internal bleeding, with the hematoma nearly reaching the size of my knee. Fortunately, the wound eventually healed, albeit leaving a hard, immobile lump that felt like bone. Some months later, I accidentally fell on that area. To my surprise, the lump appeared to be smaller than before. A couple of weeks later, two identical lumps emerged overnight on every distal joint of my fingers. Just two weeks after that, the same phenomenon occurred on all ten toes. X-rays of my hands showed no abnormalities, leading me to consider the possibility of reactive arthritis, for which I have an appointment scheduled with a rheumatologist in September. Each time I discuss my knee lump with different doctors, they examine it briefly before expressing mild concern. This morning, I accidentally hit my leg against a drawer. An hour later, I squatted down and experienced familiar pain, noticing that the lump had shifted again—it was now smaller and seemed to have moved closer to my kneecap, rather than being located an inch below as it used to be. I am filled with questions regarding this unusual development. What exactly is this lump? Could it consist of metal fragments my body has surrounded? Is there a possibility of having it surgically removed? Moreover, could this lump be linked to the recent appearances of similar lumps on my fingers and toes? How can I seek further assistance if my primary care physicians dismiss these concerns?
Is This Epilepsy?
**Age Group:** 20s **Concerned Area:** Brain **Duration of Issues:** Over the past few years During the last four years, I’ve experienced multiple concerning incidents related to my head. It all began after an unfortunate encounter on a train where a homeless individual coughed directly on me. Subsequently, I developed pneumonia, and eventually, meningitis. I owe my recovery to the use of a steroid inhaler and antibiotics; without them, I genuinely believe I wouldn’t have survived. One morning, I woke up with a painfully stiff neck, icy hands, sensitivity to light, and an overwhelming sense of fatigue. At first, I assumed I must have slept awkwardly, so I decided to use my cold hands to ease the discomfort in my neck. In a surprising turn, my body tensed up suddenly, and I lost consciousness, falling off the bed—an event that I suspect was a seizure. The aftermath left me feeling quite disoriented. On another occasion, I was randomly assaulted when someone struck me in the back of my head. Following that, I found myself under significant stress during which my right eye experienced a strange malfunction, leading to a stroke-like episode that doctors later identified as a hemiplegic migraine. Shortly after visiting the emergency room, I caught COVID-19 while waiting, and post-recovery, I noticed that every cough caused my head to spin to an alarming degree, almost causing me to lose my balance. Coupled with this, I had clear fluid incessantly leaking from my nose, which was identified as cerebrospinal fluid. I've undergone an MRI and various other medical tests. Lately, I've been plagued by feelings of confusion and occasional déjà vu. It often feels like I’m disconnected from my own body. Just today, I felt particularly out of touch. In moments of high stress, I often feel dazed and unable to grasp what’s happening around me. Despite consulting several doctors, their responses have left me feeling frustrated and without clarity on the situation.
Concerns About Colon Cancer at 19
Hello, I'm a 19-year-old female, weighing 46 kg, and I have no known family history of colon cancer. Recently, I've observed bright red blood in my stool on two occasions. While the initial amount was small, the second time, it appeared to be more significant. Although I struggle with constipation, I didn’t experience any pain during bowel movements, aside from a brief burning feeling, perhaps due to a slight push. Lately, I’ve been having discomfort in my hips, which seems to worsen after using the restroom and persists throughout the day. It feels as if gas is building up or that I'm being jabbed with something sharp. It also resembles a muscle cramp. My stool’s shape isn’t excessively thin, but one end is thicker and round while the other tapers to a point. Upon researching, I came across information suggesting a connection to colon cancer, and there were mentions of bowel obstructions, which frightened me. I feel a sense of incompleteness when I try to empty my bowels; after using the bathroom, although there’s some relief, the urge quickly returns, which is bothersome. Up until 2-3 months ago, I didn’t have any of these issues, but everything escalated within the last month. I attributed these changes to heightened stress levels, but now that I’ve seen blood, my perspective has shifted. I haven’t experienced any weight loss, yet I haven't been able to gain any either. I’ve always had a slight frame and a poor appetite since I was young, but recently, I’ve been eating more frequently, including high-fiber snacks. I thought I had gained some weight since the scale indicated the same reading, but I find myself waking up every day still at 46 kg. I can’t help but worry whether this points to a serious issue. Despite not having symptoms like bloating or abdominal pain, I was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) last year. My doctor indicated that my iron stores were low, and even though I don’t consume much fish or many vegetables, I do include red meat in my diet. While I initially thought my deficiency was due to my menstrual cycle or erratic eating patterns, the current symptoms are making me question whether they may signal a problem like cancer. It feels as though I’m displaying nearly all the warning signs of colon cancer, which is terrifying. I recognize that self-diagnosis isn’t advisable, yet my anxiety is overwhelming. Reading stories on Reddit about young individuals without familial predispositions being diagnosed with colon cancer has heightened my concern, especially since many shared similar symptoms to mine. I have an appointment with my doctor next week, but I felt compelled to share my experiences here in hopes of connecting with others who might have faced similar issues but ultimately did not have cancer, just to bring some comfort before my visit.
Concerns About Neck Swelling
Greetings, While taking a selfie, I noticed that one side of my neck appears to be more pronounced than the other. At night, I occasionally experience a sharp sensation, akin to having a pencil swirling around in the neck area; it’s uncomfortable but not unbearable. This has raised some worries for me. Should I consult a healthcare professional? If so, how urgently should I do this? Thank you for your guidance. Demographics: Age: 19 Gender: Female Medication: Citalopram
Insights on Hip Pain Diagnosis and Management
A 27-year-old woman has been suffering from left hip discomfort for the past 1.5 years. The pain originated after she slipped while entering a vehicle. Recently, following a rafting trip about a month ago, the pain has significantly intensified. Consistent examinations have pointed towards labral issues in her hip. Although she has undergone physical therapy intermittently, other life situations, including a shoulder labrum procedure, caused this condition to be deprioritized by healthcare providers. During her latest stint with physical therapy, even the slightest movement has proven to be extremely painful. Any weight-bearing activity or even sitting causes discomfort, making sleep nearly impossible. Currently, she is tapering off prednisone, which has provided slight relief but not enough to alleviate the discomfort. Her current medication regimen includes birth control, a tapering course of prednisone, Zyrtec, and Singulair. She shares MRI images in the comments, expressing her enthusiasm about finally obtaining the scans and seeking feedback on the findings. Additionally, she is curious about when surgical intervention should be considered in cases like hers versus sticking with conservative treatment options.