Persistent Cough Following Pneumonia Recovery
My partner, a 19-year-old woman standing at 5'2" and weighing 220 pounds, has been experiencing an unbearable cough that has persisted for the last two months ever since she contracted pneumonia. This relentless coughing disrupts her sleep, and I often hear a subtle wheezing sound when she breathes. Occasionally, when she exhales completely, there is a noticeable bubbling or crackling sound, though this is not a constant occurrence. However, the wheezing persists. She has undergone treatment with two different antibiotics: doxycycline and azithromycin. Initially, she was prescribed azithromycin, but her cough continued, prompting a return visit to urgent care where she received doxycycline. She completed this course towards the end of last month, yet it appears to have had little effect on her symptoms. The cough tends to intensify at night, making it difficult for her to find rest, and there are instances when the severity of her coughing leads to vomiting. I am curious to know whether this ongoing cough is a typical aspect of recovery from pneumonia or if there's an alternative approach we should consider. We've tried cough remedies and throat lozenges without success. We also own an air purifier, but her next doctor's appointment is scheduled for two months from now. Any advice or insight into this situation would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
7/18/2025, 2:40:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
A persistent cough following pneumonia can be distressing, especially as it disrupts sleep and leads to other uncomfortable symptoms like wheezing and vomiting. It's important to understand that while some coughing can be normal after an infection, the intensity and duration you're describing suggest that further action is necessary. Here’s a structured approach to address these concerns.
Explanation:
After recovering from pneumonia, some individuals may experience a protracted cough due to residual inflammation in the airways. However, given the severity of her symptoms—including the persistent wheezing and cough that leads to vomiting—this may indicate something more than just recovery. Conditions like asthma, bronchitis, or even post-infectious cough are possibilities. It's critical to monitor these symptoms closely.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of her symptoms, noting when the cough and wheezing are most severe (e.g., time of day, triggers, and associated symptoms like shortness of breath or chest discomfort).
-
Breathing Techniques: Encourage her to practice breathing exercises. Diaphragmatic breathing or pursed-lip breathing can help manage wheezing and enhance airflow.
-
Hydration: Ensure she drinks plenty of fluids to keep her throat moist and thin mucus, which can alleviate some coughing.
-
Environmental Adjustments: Since you already have an air purifier, ensure that she avoids any known allergens (like smoke, strong odors, or dust) that could be exacerbating her cough.
-
Over-the-Counter Options: Consider tryin antihistamines to see if allergies are contributing to her symptoms, as they can help reduce mucus production. Always follow dosage instructions.
-
Sleep Positioning: Encourage her to sleep propped up with extra pillows to help minimize coughing at night.
-
Emergency Awareness: If she experiences increasingly severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, changes in her color (especially bluish lips or face), or high fever, it is vital to seek immediate medical attention.
Overall Impression:
While it’s understandable to wait for the upcoming doctor’s appointment, if her symptoms continue to worsen or stay the same, consider advocating for an earlier consultation, even just to reassess her treatment plan. Your partner's comfort and health are paramount, and persistent symptoms like these warrant a timely evaluation.
Related Questions
Did My Appendectomy Resolve My Digestive Issues?
I’m a 27-year-old non-binary person who had their appendix surgically removed due to appendicitis early last October. Since that procedure, I’m experiencing something I never thought possible: regular bowel movements. Remarkably, this newfound routine hasn’t faded away, contrary to what my doctors predicted. Historically, I have struggled with constipation throughout my life. As a child, I often felt compelled to mislead healthcare professionals about my bowel habits, claiming I had daily movements out of fear that something was amiss. In reality, I would only have a bowel movement every three to five days. I also live with autism, ADHD, dysthymia, and PTSD. Given my history of burnout, it would be logical to attribute my digestive struggles to stress. However, these issues persisted even during holidays and rarely intensified during particularly stressful times. Most of the medications I tried, including SSRIs and various birth control options, had no impact, except for Ritalin, which occasionally provided some relief when not taken consistently. Prior to the appendectomy, I underwent two surgeries: one for a fractured arm and the other a double procedure to remove my uterus and breasts. Unfortunately, neither operation had any effect on my bowel function. Since my surgery, my dietary, hydration, exercise, and substance use habits have remained unchanged. A bit of additional context: My thyroid hormone levels are normal, although I occasionally have low Vitamin D, for which I take supplements. I receive B12 injections to address low levels since dietary sources aren’t effective for me. Additionally, I deal with a persistent mystery of chronic fatigue that shows no signs of improvement post-surgery. This leads to my question: Could my appendix have been the source of my gastrointestinal issues? Alternatively, did the surgery trigger some other change that resolved my long-standing problem? I’m curious if anyone else has encountered similar experiences. What are the chances that I’ll revert back to my past issues with constipation? Any insights on this would be greatly appreciated, mostly out of interest.
Interpreting My Gastrointestinal Discomfort
A 26-year-old female, weighing 155 pounds, has a background of experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and anxiety. She has been using marijuana for several years and is currently taking venlafaxine at a dosage of 150 mg each day. Residing in the Midwest USA, she identifies as white. On January 20th, she experienced what she initially believed to be a low blood sugar episode. Due to being preoccupied and busy, she had not consumed much food throughout the day. Consequently, she felt lightheaded, nauseated, pale, and was sweating. To alleviate these symptoms, she consumed around 60 to 80 grams of carbohydrates once they began, but it took roughly 2.5 hours for her to start feeling better. The following day, she faced additional discomforts including nausea, heartburn, body aches, trembling with chills and sweats, along with diarrhea. These symptoms persisted for a few days. By January 23rd, she consulted urgent care, where the medical team suspected a stomach virus and advised her to let it run its course. Regrettably, her stomach has not returned to its normal state since that incident. She has been experiencing occasional heartburn and indigestion reminiscent of her previous severe GERD episodes. Additionally, she is suffering from lower abdominal cramps, particularly triggered by consuming items like popcorn or spicy foods, which feels akin to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. During the height of her symptoms on January 20th, she ceased smoking. She partook in smoking a few times between January 24th and 28th, without noticing any changes in her symptoms – positive or negative – and has refrained from smoking since then. It is worth noting that she has not experienced any vomiting or severe abdominal pain typically associated with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). Are her symptoms indicative of CHS? She intends to abstain from smoking yet seeks clarity on the underlying cause of her discomfort. She has read about post-viral IBS and is curious if the suspected stomach virus has reignited her GERD, which had been stable for several years.
Exploring Probiotic Effects and Antibiotic Strategies in Gut Health
Greetings, M30. Is it possible that consuming an excess of probiotics could lead to SIBO or a similar condition? Earlier this summer, I suffered from a campylobacter infection, and in an attempt to remedy that without realizing its full extent, I resorted to high doses of probiotics. This approach, however, only aggravated my situation. I experienced severe bloating, intensified brain fog—especially after consuming carbohydrates—and following a comprehensive examination of possible causes, including an initially misleading negative test for c. jejuni that later revealed IgG antibodies in my blood, I was prescribed rifaximin (200mg four times a day). Unfortunately, after five days of rifaximin treatment, my symptoms escalated dramatically, resulting in excruciating lower abdominal pain and a marked intolerance to carbohydrates. Through my research, I discovered that the probiotic strains I had been using were sensitive to antibiotics, so I requested that my physician switch my medication to amoxicillin, which promptly resolved the issues I was facing. Complicating matters, I later learned that I had been contending with an acute bartonella infection, which likely contributed to my motility problems. As the year progressed, I indulged in kimchi after having been on antibiotics for bartonella treatment for about a month. However, I had to stop the antibiotics over the Christmas holidays when I developed rashes from herpes on my face and required alternative treatment. Following my kimchi overindulgence, I began to experience bloating again, cognitive fog intensified, and I felt a toxin-like sensation after consuming larger amounts of carbohydrates, alongside a newfound intolerance to wheat products. My doctor once again prescribed rifaximin as the primary treatment, but I am starting to notice that familiar acidic sensation in my abdomen returning. Is this reaction indicative of die-off symptoms, or could it mean that rifaximin is targeting competitors of the kimchi bacteria in my gut, resulting in their proliferation and creating a cycle where lactic acid bacteria alter the colon's pH, promoting further growth of lactic acid producers? I suspect this situation mirrors what transpired during the summer months. Would switching back to amoxicillin be advisable, or might I need to consider amoxiclav instead, given that the kimchi contained fish sauce which might be a source of beta-lactamase? Best wishes,
Eight Years of Persistent ‘Hunger’—Is It a Functional Gut Disorder?
Greetings everyone, I’m a 28-year-old woman standing at 5 feet 4 inches, and for nearly eight years, I have struggled with a constant, hollow sensation in my upper abdomen that resembles hunger. Here are some key points about my experience: - This sensation arises between meals or soon after I have eaten. - It gets momentarily better after eating but eventually returns. - Though it feels like hunger, I know it's not genuine hunger. - Mornings are especially tough as the sensation intensifies. I maintain a regular meal schedule and consume enough calories without any restrictions. Currently, I find it difficult to trust my hunger cues, so I'm tracking my calorie intake. I do not take any medications and have previously used proton pump inhibitors without any noticeable improvement. Additionally, I neither smoke nor consume alcohol. Visits to my general practitioner have yielded no definitive diagnosis, with much of the feedback being centered on dietary adjustments. I am currently facing a waiting period of approximately eight months for a gastroscopy. Strangely, I also notice that I feel particularly weak during my workouts, despite my calorie intake being sufficient. Has anyone else faced a similar long-term issue? Did you find it to be functional dyspepsia, gastritis, visceral hypersensitivity, or something entirely different? Were you able to obtain assistance through a gastroenterologist, a dietitian, or therapy? Thanks for your insights!
Understanding My Lack of Appetite
I’m a 14-year-old girl about to turn 15, standing at 155 cm (5' 1'') and weighing around 53-54 kg. My exact weight remains unclear since I am battling anorexia and have been advised against using the scale. I am currently on a regimen of antidepressants (150mg of semonic daily) and antipsychotics (15mg of olanzapine). Along with my eating disorder, I've struggled with self-harm and have been diagnosed with a conduct disorder (though I'm unsure if that is the correct term in English as I'm receiving treatment in Spain). In September, coinciding with the start of the school year, I experienced a relapse regarding my eating disorder. This phase lasted a few weeks until I transitioned to homeschooling. Initially, recovery felt manageable; I experienced satiety quickly, and I was relieved to allow myself to eat once more. However, I’ve noticed a significant decrease in my appetite. I rarely feel hungry, and even when I do, it doesn't seem to bother me. I’ve lost the desire for typical meals, though I still find myself yearning for snacks, particularly sweets or salty options, which are much more appealing and easier to consume. Foods like rice are particularly challenging; I have to push myself to continue eating them because they don't excite me at all. I’m uncertain if this change is due to some underlying issue or merely stress, although I don't currently feel stressed. Perhaps my lack of physical activity contributes to my diminished appetite, as I haven't been particularly active and might not need as much food as others. It’s also worth noting that I haven’t grown taller for about a year or two, remaining at 5' 1''. This situation wouldn’t be as concerning if I weren’t dealing with anorexia, allowing me to simply eat less. Yet, given my background, I require supervision at mealtimes, which complicates my relationship with food. Whenever I lack the desire to eat, those around me jump to the conclusion that I am relapsing, which I am not. I enjoy food tremendously, especially sweets, and I snack throughout the day. It’s just the full meals that elude my cravings completely.