After days of rest and a full course of antibiotics, you finally started to feel better.
But just when you thought you were completely fine, the same symptoms of pneumonia began to return.
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can cause symptoms like fever, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
However, in some cases, patients feel their symptoms returning even after completing the prescribed antibiotics.
The most concerning question for patients in this condition is whether pneumonia can return even after taking all prescribed antibiotics. The answer is yes.
In this blog, we will understand what causes pneumonia recurrence and how you can recover from this infection completely.
Signs of Pneumonia Relapse After Antibiotics
Most people expect their symptoms to improve after completing a course of antibiotics, but this does not always happen.
However, if pneumonia comes back, the patient often feels symptoms, such as:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Chest Pain
- Loss of Appetite
These symptoms can become severe with time; therefore, it is better to consult your provider for proper medical guidance.
What Causes Pneumonia Relapse After Antibiotics?
A relapse can be frustrating and concerning, especially when it follows a full course of treatment. And it can occur for a couple of reasons.
The CDC suggests that people with chronic disease are at greater risk of pneumonia relapse.
The most common causes of pneumonia relapse even after taking antibiotics are:
- Incorrect use of antibiotics
- Antibiotic resistance
- Weak immune system
- Chronic lung diseases
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
People with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma may not be able to recover from the infection completely. However, with proper care and treatment, most patients recover completely from it.
Lung Infection Recovery Time: How Long Does It Take?
The duration of recovery time from lung infection, like pneumonia, varies from person to person, depending on factors such as the severity of the symptoms and age.
According to American Lung Association, most people with pneumonia return to their normal routines within a week.
Some cases of lung infection may take 2 to 3 weeks, and severe cases may take more than a month to regain their strength.
On the other hand, patients with weak immune systems or with conditions like asthma and COPD may take longer to get better.
Several factors influence recovery time, so it is important to follow certain steps to avoid this infection, such as staying hydrated, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and avoiding smoking.
How to Prevent Pneumonia Relapse?
Even if you feel better before the completion of the course, it’s crucial to finish the course of antibiotics to prevent the recurrence of infection effectively, says Dr. Asrar, board-certified consultant at Family Urgent Care.
Taking crucial steps at the right time can help prevent pneumonia relapse and strengthen your immune system.
Dr. Asrar recommends following these steps to prevent pneumonia relapse:
- Get vaccinated if your healthcare provider recommends it.
- Avoid smoking as it prevents your lungs from properly filtering out and defending your body against germs.
- Wash your hands frequently and practice good hygiene.
- Stay hydrated, especially in the summer season.
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals.
You must take steps such as changing your lifestyle and following up with a doctor for regular visits to reduce the risk of re-infection.
When to Seek Help for Pneumonia Relapse?
Mild symptoms can often be managed at home with your doctor’s guidance. However, if symptoms become severe or worsen suddenly, it may be a sign of complications and urgent medical attention could be necessary.
Seek immediate medical care if you or a loved one experiences:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- High fever
- Dizziness or confusion
- Bluish lips or fingertips
These symptoms may indicate a serious relapse or complications, such as low oxygen levels.
Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency care facility immediately if any of these warning signs appear. Acting quickly can be life-saving.
Urgent care helps you with non-life-threatening symptoms such as a severe cough, fatigue or mild chest pain.
How Urgent Care Helps Speed Up Pneumonia Recovery?
Our healthcare providers at Family Urgent Care analyze your symptoms and recommend tests, such as a chest X-ray or blood test, to determine the severity of your infection.
If you are unable to leave your house, we also provide telehealth services for our patients so that they can receive medical services from their homes.
Pneumonia symptoms can recur after initial treatment, so we provide follow-up visit services to our patients, allowing them to adjust their treatment according to their condition.
You can also visit Family Urgent Care today for proper testing and effective treatment.
Our team is here to help you recover quickly and safely. For more information or to book your appointment online from our website
Takeaway
All in all, pneumonia relapse can be a serious concern, especially if symptoms return after completing a course of antibiotics.
It is important to know that the warning signs, following your treatment plan fully, and making lifestyle adjustments are key to a full recovery.
If you suspect a pneumonia relapse, don’t ignore the symptoms; consult your healthcare provider promptly for the right care and support.
