Has anyone had this infection that can share their experience?
I have never had chest problems in my life then suddenly this summer I developed a horrible wheeze, it progressively got worse, coughing, tightness and feeling very unwell. I was initially given ventolin and told it’s probably hayfever. Then I had blood tests, a chest xray and a spirometry, nothing. Finally (7 weeks later) after I suggested doing a sputum test, I was diagnosed with strep pneumonia. Antibiotics & a course of steroids seemed to clear the infection but I have been struggling with a wheeze and tightness ever since!! I have tried large doses of QVAR however still needed Ventolin up to 3 times a day! I haven’t been diagnosed with Asthma but the wheeze is still there. i have just been changed over to Fostair so currently getting used to that.
Does anyone know how long it will take to recover from this infection? This has been going on over 6 months, I am scared my lungs will never recover and i’ll be taking inhalers forever 😞
Thank you
Written by
Lisalooo
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Hi Lisa loo. Yes I had double pneumonia Strep 6 years ago on a life support for 4 days.stayed in hospital for over 2 weeks they told me it would take along time to recover.
I'm now on oxegen I did improve but it took a long time.but I'm still here so that's a good result.
Strep pneumiae, whilst being a horrible bug which makes you feel very ill, is much easier to treat normally than many other respiratory bacteria as it is a gram positive bacteria (does not have a biofilm).
It should certainly not be causing you the prblems you are experiencing 6 moinths on. You do not say if you have an uderlying respiratory condition but I would advise you to go back to your GP and if this continues ask to be referrred to a respiratory consultant.
Thank you. No I do not have any underlying condition that I’m aware of, I’ve never had problems with my chest before this infection. I am currently under the asthma nurse, is this enough or should I ask to be referred on?
hello Lisaloo - poor you. My experience is that this sort of an infection seems to weaken my lungs, but that I can get back to normal through exercise. I start swimming once the meds are finished, very slowly and short distances to start with, but consistently build it up until I'm feeling completely normal again. Works for me - might be worth a try. I also use a salt pipe, which I think is a magical device for clearing,out the 'muck'. Good luck! Frances
This is so true! The fact that I had to mention the sputum to them says it all really. At the time I contracted it my daughter was only 8 months old, I can’t bear the thought that I could have passed it onto her 😞
This doesn't sound right at all. When I've had pneumonia it's always taken at least two weeks of antibiotic to clear. I'm wondering if they've done a sputum test since to check that the infection had completely gone. If not then suggest they do. Can't mess about with our precious lungs. Also I'd suggest a call to the BLF help line for guidance & advice 03000 030555 UK office hours.
All the best to you, be good to yourself and I really hope this is sorted soon. Peege
ps IMO Fostair is great. Do use it with a spacer if you can and gargle rinse your throat after each use. P
Thank you for your reply. I did have a further sputum test 2 weeks after and it was thankfully clear 😬 Hopefully the Fostair will finally get my symptoms under control and maybe one day, I could be weaned off it 🤞🏼 (unless of course I get diagnosed with asthma 😞)
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Don't know whether to be happy or angry :/
A eureka moment
1st Post on my lung condition,sorry if very long post.
Recovering from Pneumonia 
