Viral vs. Bacterial pneumonia

hcs_mom · #1 04-04-2009, 09:14 PM

OK...for anyone not on FB, Hannah was inpatient for a couple of days with pneumonia, presumably of viral origins, but developing bacterial activity. So, the fever is not so bothersome now, I'm assuming that is under control (the bacterial infection anyway).

We were in for 2 days. She had a great AM Friday before discharge, but the evening and overnight not so great. She had an OK day today. (It also didn't help that our concentrator malfunctioned and when we thought we were giving her 1/8L-1/4L she wasn't getting that at all yesterday, so we have completely drained her).

It just seems that the viral piece is really giving her a run for her money. They discharged us with the usual...call for increased work of breathing, fever not controlled with Tylenol/Motrin, etc., etc.

But I'm just worried about her. Hoping we didn't break out too soon.

She is on 1/2L of oxygen now. Is this one of those, like RSV, that you will see progress and regression before they truly get better?

TIA.
Jen

hannahysabelle · #2 04-05-2009, 12:31 AM

hi jen,
i cannot give an answer to your question. i just want you to know that we'll be praying for your hannah's quick full recovery.

take care,

JWorthington · #3 04-05-2009, 06:00 AM

When Sam had pneumonia he had periods of being completely flat and out of it and other times he was sitting up and playing happily. His worst time used to be late afternoon/early evening, when he would always spike a really high temperature which would really wipe him out. he was on between 2 and 4 litres of oxygen. I hope Hannah is better soon - just make sure you keep her hydrated and give her O2 as much as you can to keep her comfortable. thinking of you

Julie x

LKN · #4 04-05-2009, 09:13 AM

Nathan had bacterial pneumonia in December. No hospitalization, but he responded really well to the antibiotics. We went to Disney World the same day and he was fine.

Last week, he was diagnosed with viral pneumonia and this has been harder on him. We've been lucky to avoid a hospitalization, but he has been lethargic and crabby for a week. He has been back to school in the mornings, but he has napped for at least 2 to 3 hours every day and has slept 12 hours a night. It is just lingering...

I hope she is better soon.

scm · #5 04-06-2009, 03:40 PM

How is she today?
Sorry I'm late on the get well-wishes, but I hope Hannah is recovering. She's had a tough couple of months!

cbissell · #6 04-07-2009, 06:22 AM

Did they check her for RSV?

Regardless, yes, these viral things can linger and cause setbacks for kids with baseline respiratory problems. But as long as you can manage her at home, probably best to get away from the hospital where there are lots more germs.

hcs_mom · #7 04-07-2009, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbissell

Did they check her for RSV?

They did a nasal wash. She had RSV in January. She is positive for human metapneumovirus. I am going to scan in my printed copies of her x-rays. Scary!