Menu

STD Concern



1156;120;16a117a551fd72e0381ac86bca91b2cd5241059e

Pneumonia

Home > Viral

X-ray of Chest and Lungs

What Causes a Persistent Pneumonia?

By Dr. Kristie

Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lungs that’s usually caused by a bacteria or virus, although fungi and protozoa can cause pneumonia too – particularly in people who have a poorly functioning immune system.

Pneumonias are most commonly caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus or Mycoplasma (sometimes called walking pneumonia) and the symptoms will usually resolve with appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Pneumonia usually shows up clearly on a chest x-ray as a patchy area called an infiltrate - and the x-ray will return to normal once the infection has been treated. However, in some cases, the chest x-ray continues to be abnormal even after treatment – giving rise to signs of a persistent pneumonia. What causes persistent, unresolved pneumonia?

Pneumonia Symptoms

  • Cough
  • Fever, sweating and shaking
  • Shortness of breath
  • Rapid and shallow breathing
  • Sharp or stabbing pain in chest and gets worse with every deep breath or cough.
  • Loss of appetite, low energy and fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting, especially in children.
  • Confusion in older people.

American Lung Association



Note: Avoid Health Issues if your condition is Detected & Treated.


Persistent Pneumonia on Chest X-Ray: What Does It Mean?

When most pneumonias are treated, the infiltrate on chest x-ray usually disappears after four weeks. In some cases, particularly in older people, it may take up to eight weeks for the chest x-ray to return to normal.

Some types of pneumonia such as pneumonia caused by Streptococcus bacteria or Staph bacteria may take a little longer than four weeks to resolve. On the other hand, any time a chest x-ray doesn’t clear within two months after pneumonia treatment, further evaluation is needed

Unresolved Pneumonia: If the Chest X-Ray Doesn’t Clear

In some cases, a persistent pneumonia will fail to resolve because there’s an obstruction in the lung that’s keeping the infection from being successfully cleared. This is of particular concern for people who smoke since lung cancer can cause a persistent lung infiltrate that doesn’t go away after treatment.

Another, not infrequent, cause is undiagnosed tuberculosis or a lung abscess from a more deep-rooted infection.



Persistent Pneumonia: What Happens Next?

To look for the cause of an unresolved pneumonia, doctors usually take sputum cultures to check for unusual organisms such as fungi that may not have responded to treatment. A tuberculin skin test may also be done to rule out T.B.

If these fail to show the cause, a doctor will usually order a CT scan of the chest to look for masses or tumors in the lungs that could keep the pneumonia from clearing up. Depending upon the results of the CT scan, further studies such as a bronchoscopy to look directly into the bronchial tubes may be needed.

Dealing with a Persistent Pneumonia: The Bottom Line?

Any time a pneumonia doesn’t resolve on chest x-ray after two months, it needs further work-up, particularly in an older person or a smoker. An unresolved pneumonia can be a sign of a more serious lung problem. Don’t ignore it.

About the Author

She is a Medical Doctor with a concentration in Family Practice. She also has an undergraduate degree in both Biology and Psychology and masters in Clinical Pathology.

References:

Merck Manual. Eighteenth Edition.


Note: To receive the Right Treatment, testing is required.


About STD Symptoms

Some people can be Symptomless (No Symptoms) of infection for days, months & even years. Making it difficult to know if you have an STD without getting tested.

Also, STDs do have Similar Symptoms so it might be difficult to tell which Individual STD you have contracted without taking a Panel Test.

Why Get Tested?

  • To Positively Know if you have an STI.
  • To Get Access to proper STD Treatment
  • Avoid Health Problems associated with Untreated STIs.
  • Avoid Serious Issues connected with Spreading STDs.

Read More >>


Spotlight


Featured

Life Extension Immune Senescence Protection Formula? (60 Tablets, Vegetarian)

Life Extension Immune Senescence Protection Formula™ (60 Tablets)

LE’s Best in Class Immune Senescence Protection Formula provides immune system support to rejuvenate the immune system & promote healthy response.

Order Now >>


Issues

Main

Education (STD)

• Infections (All)

Support

• About Testing

• Individual or Panel Test

Treatments

Genital Warts

Vaginal Yeast

See All >>



Disclaimer: Articles not intended to Diagnose, Treat, Cure or Prevent Diseases.

Infections | Education | Products | Testing