OpenHealth Q&A

Dealing with Pneumonia and Suspected Kidney Issues

At 21 years old and weighing 130 pounds, I’ve recently faced some serious health challenges. My medication list includes Concerta and Wellbutrin, but that's the least of my concerns right now. For over a week, I was experiencing symptoms indicative of a urinary tract infection. Reluctant to resort to antibiotics, I had hoped the situation would resolve on its own. However, things escalated when I woke up Friday with significant back discomfort and an overwhelming sense of illness. Given my history with kidney infections, I recognized that this was likely not good news. I also began having severe shortness of breath (SOB) episodes; it was so intense at one point that I resorted to using a blow dryer to force air into my mouth because inhalation felt impossible. Ultimately, I had another severe episode of shortness of breath on Friday, which led me to leave work early and seek urgent care. I believed my anxiety related to back pain was causing panic attacks. In an effort to alleviate the symptoms, I consumed several bottles of water during my shift, aiming to flush out the infection. Unfortunately, diluting my urine made it difficult to detect any issues during testing. Although the test revealed trace amounts of red blood cells and bacteria, the urine was so clear that the doctor suspected it was too diluted to be conclusive. Given my previous experiences with kidney infections, they conducted a CT scan to rule out kidney stones. The results showed no stones but indicated “trace pelvic free fluid likely of a physiological nature” and also raised suspicion for pneumonia with “mild right lower lobar pulmonary opacities suspicious for pneumonic infiltrates.” So, it turns out my condition wasn't just anxiety; I am dealing with pneumonia. My fever, which peaked at 100 degrees on Friday, has since dropped to about 99.5 at home. The doctor has prescribed Azithromycin and Cefpodoxime to ensure comprehensive coverage in case a urinary infection was present but simply too diluted to detect (I’m almost certain that a UTI exists since my urine had a distinct smell and the other symptoms of a UTI persist). It's been two days into the antibiotic treatment, and I continue to experience shortness of breath and lingering flank pain. Furthermore, I’m struggling to retain any food; nausea has set in, leading to vomiting, which I wasn't experiencing previously. The doctor advised that I should be on the mend quickly, yet I feel worse instead. My resting pulse is currently at 100 beats per minute, despite not being elevated last Friday during my visit. Additionally, I've been contending with abdominal discomfort for quite some time. While I’m not overly worried about the pelvic fluid, considering my age and its common occurrence in young women, I do wonder if it could in any way contribute to my stomach pains. If you look through my post history, you’ll see that I previously made the poor decision of inducing vomiting after accidentally overdosing on Pyrantel about a week and a half ago due to similar abdominal pain. I pray I didn’t aspirate any contents during that episode. Could that be part of the current problem? While someone mentioned I should feel distinctly unwell if that were the case, at the time, I felt perfectly fine. Now, I feel utterly dreadful and am scheduled to work tomorrow. However, I’m hesitant since I work with children and infants and don’t want to risk spreading illness. I find myself uncertain about what steps to take next. Will I eventually see progress? Why am I worsening instead of improving?

Answers (1)

7/27/2025, 9:40:46 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's clear you're facing a challenging set of health issues right now, including pneumonia, potential urinary symptoms, and nausea. I want to ensure you get the necessary support and direction during this difficult time.

Main Points:

1. Current Health Challenges: Pneumonia, urinary symptoms suggestive of a UTI, nausea, and shortness of breath.
2. Concerns and Symptoms: Worsening condition despite antibiotic treatment, difficulty retaining food, and significant discomfort.
3. Next Steps: Focus on monitoring your symptoms, ensuring hydration, and prioritizing rest while addressing nausea.

Explanation:

Your symptoms indicate a significant health context that requires attentive management. Pneumonia can cause severe shortness of breath, especially when accompanied by other complications. The antibiotics prescribed should help your body fight off both the pneumonia and any potential urinary infection. However, feeling worse instead of better can happen due to ongoing inflammation, infection, or side effects from medication.

Next Steps:

1. Manage Nausea: Focus on small, bland meals or clear liquids. Consider drinking ginger tea or using ginger candies, as ginger can help with nausea. If vomiting continues, it could hinder recovery, so try to sip fluids slowly throughout the day.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, especially shortness of breath and the intensity of your flank pain. Note any changes in body temperature, as a persistent fever might indicate worsening infection.

3. Rest and Hydration: Prioritize rest to support your immune system. If you're struggling with significant symptoms, working with infants and children might pose risks to both you and them. It may be wise to inform your employer about your current health status and possibly take time off if your symptoms don't improve.

4. Consult with Your Healthcare Provider: Given the persistence of your symptoms and the recent onset of nausea and vomiting, reach out to your healthcare provider sooner rather than later. Let them know about your worsening condition and discuss the potential need for further assessment or adjustment in treatment.

5. Consider Emotional Well-Being: Anxiety can compound physical symptoms, especially if you’re feeling unwell. If possible, engage in gentle breathing exercises or relaxation techniques to help soothe your mind and body.

Reassurance:

You're doing your best to manage a complex health situation, and it's understandable to feel overwhelmed. It's important to seek help when things aren't improving or if new symptoms arise. Prioritize your health; take the necessary time to recover. If you need to adjust your work commitments, it's acceptable to do so for your well-being.

Please continue to monitor your symptoms closely, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. If you have further questions or require more details, feel free to ask.