Chest infections

[_joolz354]

Hi, I'm having problems at work with short term sick leave. I have Antiphospholipid Syndrome and suffer from frequent chest infections. As Antiphospholipid Syndrome is an auto-immune disease, does this mean that my immune system is lowered? Does this condition mean I am more prone to infections?

[Lure2]

Hi and welcome to our site where we all have APS.

Three things are important:

1. Get a diagnose (which you obviously have got)

2. Get an APS-Specialist as this illness is a rare one and so very very few doctors know about APS (Hughes Syndrome).

3. Try to learn as much as possible about it.

I prefer a book which is called "Sticky Blood Explained" by Kay Thackray. She has got APS herself and she tells about all the different symptoms we have. You can buy it on Hughes Syndrome Foundation Charity website. I have it in a pocket version.

I am not medical trained but I know we have a very active immun systeme. Too Active.

You must talk to an APS-Specialist about your other symptoms, which I guess you have. The chest infections must not (but it can) have to do with APS.

From which country are you and who has diagnosed you? It is easier to help you if we know these things.

Best wishes from Kerstin in Stockholm

[GinaD]

It's my observation that people with autoimmune disease is are more likely to suffer from allergies. Nasal allergies can easily more into infections. But no, you're immune system is not underperforming. It's actually over performing. But have you seen a doctor about your chest infections? APS patients who have chest pain need to rule out PE.

[MrsBL]

I have PAPS and have had some PE's over the years which I was not aware of at the time, these only show on an MRI Scan. My Respiratory Consultant could see the evidence of old PE's yet I had only been diagnosed with one across the years, the rest of the times I was told I had a chest infection. The lasting damage from PE's leaves the lung with less capacity. I found that once I got to see a good Respiratory Consultant was the answer to a lot of problems. I suffered with chest problems for over a year and was told by one Doctor that I had a Chest Infection only to be told by Rheumatologist that my chest was clear. I was at the end of my tether by the time I saw Respiratory Consultant, who admitted me with Pneumonia, putting me on Antibiotics, Steroids and Nebulisers. He then prescribed nebulisers and inhalers to have at home and diagnosed Bronchial Asthma. My life is so much better, I recognise when my lung is causing me grief and go back on the steroids for a short time.

Please see or ask to be referred to a Respiratory Consultant, preferably one who understands APS, is my advice. It changed everything for me.

[_joolz354]

I find it all really confusing, all I do know is that I do genuinely get very ill when it happens and it is painful. I live in the UK. I've made an appointment to see my GP and ask for help from him next week, my employer wants to involve Occupational Health. I have googled common symptoms of autoimmune diseases and lots of sites come up with different answers! I'll keep you all posted, thank you ever so much for your time - it's interesting that my immune system is over-active!

[Chef_Spartacus in reply to _joolz354]

Hi Jool,

Pls read my post it may help you, look into krill oil and ionic silver, drink only tap water and cut bread and pasta out of yr diet!

All the above have improved my working life by 80%!

If I can help just ask,

Keep smiling it could be worse :))) good luck and TC

[MaryF Administrator]

Hi, I think any autoimmune condition can put you more into the zone of having more infections, allergies etc. It is very important alongside your diagnosis to check levels of your vitamin D, B and iron, it is best to keep your levels good in order to give your body the best chance to fend off infection, these are not difficult or expensive for your GP to do. MaryF

[Lure2]

Was it your GP that diagnosed you? Did he diagnose you on antibodies or symptoms?

Kerstin

[_joolz354]

My iron and vitamin D levels are frequently low, and I'm on warfarin. I was diagnosed over 15 years ago and have had 2 DVTs when I was pregnant with my 2 children, so I'm on warfarin for life now. I was diagnosed on antibodies. I also have low blood pressure and my fingers go blue when I'm cold, and I have a terrible stomach when I eat sugar.

[Lure2]

As we said earlier it it important to have a doctor who really understands this illness, an APS-Specialist. As you live in the UK you could ask your GP to be refered to a specialist in your area via this website.

As I am not Medical trained you should not rely on my telling you that our immunsysteme is overacting. I have read that the immunesystem attacks not only infections but some antibodies also turn against the body´s own tissues.

I have had less infections since I got APS, but we are all different so it is diffucult to tell how it affects you. I have all the antibodies and in high levels since 13 years ago.

What is your therapeutic range of Warfarin? Mine is an INR of 3.2 - 3.8 and I selftest.

I hope you will have an answer to your questions and help with all your different symptoms from an APS-doctor. There are so very few doctors who understand .

Kerstin