Weight loss from pneumonia

[Jeffthepainter1]

Can having pneumonia for 3 to 4 months make you lose an extreme amount of weight and loss of appetite or sleep

[Jomorphey]

Yes, I lost a lot of weight as it was in the lower left lobe and pressing on my stomach. Also couldn't sleep (still struggling as you might guess). Have you been for a chest x ray?

[Hidden]

Hello Jeff

Sorry you are going through a difficult recovery.

Such an illness can take a lot out of you but you should go to see you GP and have a good check up, blood work, chest xray I think to make sure. Do talk to him about your weight loss and lack of sleep.

Wishing you well.

Fran

[Weeannie]

In short, yes. Any illness which makes it difficult for us to breathe with coughing and pain will make us lose our appetite therefore make us lose weight. I hope you get better real soon x

[BSA-3]

Hi, another point regarding weight loss is that actually breathing uses a lot of calories, so if you're not eating your body will use its' reserves and if you're struggling to breathe it will use more calories faster.

[ClaraC in reply to BSA-3]

Good point😊

[Shancock]

I didn't sleep for about 6 weeks when I had pneumonia apart from the odd hour maybe, partly the infection and partly the abs I think too. I also lost weight and appetite.

Best thing is to try bulky food like soup an for casseroles, nice hot food and lots of drinks. Also yogurt.

I would also so your doctor and discuss with them as I think an X-ray to make sure it's left the Lung would be appropriate. Also a full blood test, you probably need to take some supplements.

[watergazer]

YES! I lost a lot of weight and didn’t eat properly for a couple of months. On the positive I got better and started to eat better.

[anng1814]

Yes, I lost a horrendous amount of weight (20lbs) and was very slim to begin with. I also didn't sleep at night as I was having hot sweats and chills. After I was hospitalised for 3 days and given iv antibiotics and two packs to take home, I managed to recover from the illness, but it took me another 3-4 months to gain back some strength and 6 months to gain back the weight. I was 53 when I had pneumonia, but haven't had a chest infection since then, although I think I have become maybe a bit overprotective of myself.

Take care - grapes/oatcakes are good

[hallentine47]

2 years ago I was taken into Hospital with Viral Pneumonia and suffered respiratory failure followed by 3 weeks intensive care. I lost over a stone 18 lbs in weight which took about a year and a half to build back up after wards. Have patience and give it time and look after yourself well.

[ClaraC]

Mucus forming foods are dairy & milk products ; such as cheese yogurt & cottage cheese, refined sugar; (not honey) such as those in white flour & bread, chocolate, soy, salty foods, yeast products. Foods that help clear mucus; cucumbers, broccoli, carrots, apples, berries, lemons, root ginger, green veg, pumpkin seeds, onions, fresh pineapple, agar. There is also good advice on an anti mucus diet on LIvestrong.com of course plenty of water & most herbal teas. All the best Clara😊

[Jneverlands]

It seems to be a side effect. My husband gets pneumonia quite often and always loses weight. Although all he wants to do is sleep. He doesn't want to eat much either. I usually make soup for him.

[Suzannejames]

Most definitely. I had it 3times in less than 2yrs. And it's drained me physically and emotionally. And I can't seem to be able to gain any weight.at 69 you don't want to lose weight. I have never been overweight but it's left my skin loose and horrid also wrinkly on my arms. But bear with it and you will settle down and get your life back. Thinking about you. Suzanne

[Beth1949]

I have the same problem, but when I got too thin (I'm a 5'6" tall woman and had gotten down to 115 lbs), I knew I needed to do something about it. I forced myself to eat protein bars and there are liquid supplements out there that help.

As soon as I felt better, my appetite improved.