Question I'm writing on behalf of my father. He has emphyzema and uses oxygen as needed/nebulizer daily.
Recently he has a fever, no energy, faint-like symptoms, etc. The dr treated him with antibiotic Zithromax and Prednisone, dx was infection possibly in lungs. After taking the antibiotics he did feel better for a while, but started getting sick again.
To make a long story short, this is the 3rd time in 3 months dr has put him on same abx's and my question is... Could something in the air or perhaps my dog (that he only sees for 5 min daily) be triggering the infection to reoccur?
I understand people with COPD are allergic to pet dander, dust, etc, but we aren't sure if this minimal being around my dog is enough to cause a reaction such as this.
Any info or advice is greatly appreciated!
Thank you so much,
Worried about my dad in Rockford, IL
Answer Hi Christie,
Emphysema and allergies are different conditions. Some people with emphysema can have allergies others won't. Some people with allergies are allergic to dogs and/or dust, others are allergic to other things e.g. pollen! An allergist can test your father for allergies.
All people with COPD must be very careful not to inhale lung irritants e.g. cigarette smoke (including passive smoke).
Your father sounds like he has a stubborn infection which can happen when people have chronic lung disease. His treatment sounds appropriate. Perhaps he just needs a slightly longer course of antibiotics e.g. two or three boxes instead of one. But this will depend on your father's individual condition. It would be a good idea to discuss this option with your doctor.
