Gpa chest infection

[Vqueen]

Hi all, I've been battling a chest infection on day 4 of antibiotics. Already on prednisolone, azathioprine and rituximab. Just doesn't seem to be shifting. Any advice on what to do to help fight the infection? Thanks in advance XX

[piglette]

perhaps it is a virus you have, so antibiotics are no good. Have you tested for Covid?

[Vqueen in reply to piglette]

Yes tested for covid and it's negative. I feel as though I'm getting worse not better. I'm wheezing lots and have a very productive cough. I suffer from high fevers anyway so not sure whether it's my "regular fever" or if its down to being poorly.

[piglette in reply to Vqueen]

Perhaps you should contact your doctor.

[PMRpro]

The medications you are on are suppressing your immune system - they won't help get rid of the infection. That also means it is likely to take longer to get rid of it. What did your doctors tell you?

Have you tried the old-fashioned remedies of inhaling steam to loosen the gunk on your chest? But chest infections can be slow to clear. Patience.

[Vqueen in reply to PMRpro]

Yes I've always been told to stop my azathioprine whilst feeling poorly but not sure that makes any difference as I'm on rituximab too. I have to carry a card just incase I ever get taken ill and end up in hospital I'm supposed to tell them immediately I'm on rituximab.

[PMRpro in reply to Vqueen]

Not much you can do about the rituximab - it is there after the infusion, How long is it since the last one? Is the pred for the vasculitis or for the chest infection? What dose?

[Vqueen in reply to PMRpro]

End of August was my last infusion and my pred is for the vasculitis as every time they try and taper it down I flare.

[PMRpro in reply to Vqueen]

The effect of the rituximab will be waning by now so that should help your immune system a bit.

How much pred are you on? It is usual these days for them to use high dose pred along with abx for chest infections to take the inflammation down to help recovery, Maybe speak to your doctor as soon as you can if you are still worried - are they open tomorrow? It isn't a holiday in England and Wales but it is in Scotland!

[Vqueen in reply to PMRpro]

I will ring them tomorrow my rheumatology nurses are always available to talk and my consultant is usually really good with getting back to me to. I'll speak to them before altering my pred as its already causing other problems such arthritis and problems with my eyes. Not the best start to 2024 but fingers crossed things look up. Hope everyone had a good Christmas and you're all keeping well. Xx

[PMRpro in reply to Vqueen]

Glad your rheumatology helpline is good - so many aren't

[Mooka]

It could still be a viral infection and antibiotics won’t help that. It could also be that you’re on the wrong antibiotic for the bug you have. If you are still producing take a sputum sample to your GP and ask them to test it so they can give you the right antibiotic. If your temperature rises it’s an A & E job. Also mention it at your next vasculitis appointment. I have Bronchiectasis caused by vasculitis and frequent chest infections so it’s really important to get on top of it. Good luck I hope you feel better soon.

[Hidden]

Levofloxacin or Levaquin best for pneumonia.

[eh66]

This isn't a short term fix, but look take a look at your diet.

Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, and avoid the ultra-processed foods.

health.harvard.edu/blog/an-...

health.harvard.edu/nutritio...

health.harvard.edu/nutritio...

[Clay6852]

I too am on the same medication. I had Rituximab infusion 8th December and on the 13th had a chest infection and crackles in lungs.. 7 days on antibiotics, steroids and inhaler. within 3 days of being off them a throat infection with remnants of the cough. Still low grade fever. Another 7 days of antibiotics . I’m now still a bit wheezy but using inhaler and only just building energy back. Not yet restarted Azathioprine as wanted to be 100% first. I hope you are seeing some improvement by now .