how soon after having pneumonia can you start back on chemo maintenance treatment

If you're generally healthy and have only a mild case of pneumonia, your symptoms should begin to improve one to two days after starting treatment. "Most people with mild pneumonia are able to return to their everyday activities in a week, although fatigue and cough can linger for an entire month," says Dr. Lee.

Full Answer

When can you leave the hospital after a pneumonia diagnosis?

"A person with pneumonia isn't discharged from the hospital until his or her infection is under control and vitals are stable, of course, but there's still a lot of work his or her body needs to do while recovering at home," says Dr. Lee. While recovering from mild pneumonia, be sure to:

How long does it take to recover from pneumonia?

When coming down with a “normal” cough or cold, we tend to feel better in a week or two. However, pneumonia is more intense, and symptoms can still be noticeable for up to three months from when you first felt sick.

When can I go to work if I have pneumonia?

Do not go to work or other activities. Wait until your symptoms are gone or your healthcare provider says it is okay to return. Ask about vaccines you may need. You may need a vaccine to help prevent pneumonia. Get an influenza (flu) vaccine every year as soon as recommended, usually in September or October.

How long do antibiotics take to work for pneumonia?

Most people start to feel better about two days after starting antibiotics, but it’s key to continue taking your medication until the prescription is complete, unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise. While everyone’s recovery from pneumonia varies, you’ll likely be feeling better within a few days of starting treatment with antibiotics.

Does chemotherapy affect pneumonia?

Infectious pneumonitis is when an infection caused your lungs to be inflamed. This is commonly known as pneumonia. Treatment related pneumonitis is an inflammation of your lungs following chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Treatment related pneumonitis can cause you to have long-term side effects.

What happens if a cancer patient gets pneumonia?

Bacterial pneumonias in cancer patients cause significant morbidity and mortality, particularly among those with treatment-induced cytopenias. Cancer- and cancer treatment-related derangements of lung architecture, mucositis and impaired airway protection/swallow function all contribute to pneumonia risks.

Can you have chemo if you are on antibiotics?

Of patients who received antibiotics during chemotherapy, 86.4% had a recurrence of their cancer compared with 73.6% in patients who did not receive antibiotics. Outcomes are worse for those who had antibiotic treatment specifically targeting a type of bacteria, namely gram-positive bacteria: 93.8% had a recurrence.

What happens when you have lung cancer and get pneumonia?

Pneumonia and lung cancer both occur in the lungs and share several overlapping symptoms. Lung cancer can also increase the risk of pneumonia by weakening the immune system. Pneumonia is a lung infection that leads to breathing difficulties and fluid in the lungs.

What happens if you get an infection during chemotherapy?

Cancer and chemotherapy can damage this system by reducing the number of infection-fighting white blood cells. This condition is called neutropenia. An infection can lead to sepsis, the body's extreme response to an infection. It is a life-threatening medical emergency.

Should chemo patients get pneumonia vaccine?

Pneumococcal vaccine: Talk to your doctor But generally, patients with cancer should receive two types of pneumococcal vaccine. These vaccines should be given 2 weeks prior to chemotherapy. Only stem cell transplant recipients are recommended to retake the vaccines after five years.

Will Chemo be delayed if I have a cold?

If you develop a cold or the flu during chemotherapy, your treatment might be delayed while your doctors focus on treating the infection. Patient safety is important during chemotherapy, and doctors do not want to risk making the infection worse by continuing a treatment that further weakens your immune system.

Can you have chemo if you have Covid?

Follow the advice from your hospital. You might have a COVID-19 swab test 48 to 72 hours (up to 3 days) before going for your treatment in the chemotherapy unit. This means you might have the swab test on the same day that you visit the hospital for blood tests and your doctor's clinic appointment.

How long are you considered immunocompromised after chemo?

How long after chemotherapy is a person's immune system recovering or compromised? Patients experience a wide spectrum of immunosuppression with cancer treatment. Some patients have very little if any immunosuppression, while others can have a compromised immune system for weeks or even longer.

Can pneumonia be cured completely?

With proper recognition and treatment, many cases of pneumonia can be cleared without complications. For bacterial infections, stopping your antibiotics early can cause the infection to not clear completely. This means your pneumonia could come back.

Can pneumonia turn into lung cancer?

Pneumococcal pneumonia, a type of bacterial pneumonia, is significantly associated with risk for lung cancer, according to new findings. Pneumococcal pneumonia, a type of bacterial pneumonia, is significantly associated with risk for lung cancer, according to new findings.

Can you get pneumonia twice?

Can you catch pneumonia more than once? Yes. Pneumonia is caused by many different microbes, and so getting it once does not protect you from getting it again. If you get pneumonia more than once you may need to have more investigations to understand why this has happened.

What is the treatment for pneumonia in cancer patients?

Because of the previous idea that multiresistant pathogens have a big role in the development of pneumonia in cancer patients, the today's treatment for this population is an standardized antibiotic therapy . "We give to the patients two or three broad-spectrum antibiotic which acts against a wide range of multiresistant bacteria," says Salluh.

Why do cancer patients get pneumonia?

Until now, there was a consensus among the medical community that the majority of pneumonia cases in cancer patients were due to the immune system debility caused by the disease and to the exposure to multiresistant bacteria which can cause the pulmonary infection .

Why is broad spectrum antibiotic therapy the first choice of physicians?

The broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy is the first choice of physicians because the result from the tests that are routinely utilized for pathogen detection can take 72h. Without having this much time to wait before taking an action, doctors have to choose the broad-spectrum treatment.

Which type of infection is more likely to be found in cancer patients?

Cancer patients are more likely to get infections. Pneumonia is the most frequent type of infection in this group and a frequent cause of ICU admission and mortality. A study conducted by researchers from the D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR) in partnership with Brazilian hospitals and universities analyzed ...

How to recover from pneumonia?

Here are some recovery tips: Stay home: Be sure you stay home until your fever breaks and your coughing is at least minimal.

How long does it take to get antibiotics for pneumonia?

Not all forms of pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics, but those who can treat themselves from home with antibiotics can expect to take them for about five to seven days. 1 Some people may be given a shorter or longer medication regimen; it all depends on what your doctor thinks is suitable for your particular case.

How long does it take for a cough to go away?

One month : You’ll be producing less mucus, and your chest will feel better. Six weeks: It’s becoming easier to breathe, and your cough is resolving. Three months: While you may still feel tired, most of the other symptoms will be gone at this point. Six months: You should be back to normal.

How long does it take for a person to feel better after taking antibiotics?

Most people start to feel better about two days after starting antibiotics, but it’s key to continue taking your medication until the prescription is complete, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

How to recover from a syphilis?

Staying home and resting not only improves your recovery, it also protects anyone you come into contact with from getting sick. Get plenty of rest: Take naps when you need to, and hang low while recovering. Drink plenty of fluids: This will help keep your body hydrated as it works to flush out your illness.

Can pneumonia damage your lungs?

Pace yourself: Ease into your typical everyday life. Pneumonia is a serious infection capable of damaging your lungs. While many people seem to recover from pneumonia fully, it’s possible your lungs will not be able to return to the same level of activity as before.

Do antibiotics make you feel better?

Somewhere along the line, you start your antibiotics, and in a few days, you feel better . This improvement is because the bacteria has been dealt with. However, your body is now in cleanup mode, removing all the debris—like the mucus in your lungs.

How long does it take to feel better after pneumonia?

Some people feel better in about six weeks, but it can take several months for others to feel better after severe pneumonia," adds Dr. Lee. "Most importantly, be patient with your body.". If your recovery is prolonged, a specialized program focused on pulmonary rehabilitation may help get you back on track.

How to regain strength after pneumonia?

How to regain your strength after pneumonia. While recovering from mild pneumonia, be sure to: Get plenty of sleep. Eat a well-balanced diet. Slowly work back into your exercise routine. "Physical activity can help your lungs regain strength — but go slow. Start with light exercise and stop if your cough worsens or you have trouble breathing.

Can you see the damage of pneumonia?

You can't see the damage pneumonia causes, but you certainly feel it. The air sacs in your lungs become inflamed during pneumonia, leading to soreness and pain. If the infection and inflammation progress, your lungs may fill with fluid and dead lung tissue, leading to the green, yellow or even bloody mucus you cough up.

How long does it take to recover from pneumonia?

Some people feel better and are able to return to their normal routines within a week. For other people, it can take a month or more. Most people continue to feel tired for about a month. Adequate rest is important to maintain progress toward full recovery and to avoid relapse.

What to do if you have pneumonia in the hospital?

If your pneumonia is so severe that you are treated in the hospital, you may be given intravenous fluids and antibiotics, as well as oxygen therapy, and possibly other breathing treatments.

What to do if you are a smoker and have trouble staying smokefree?

This includes smoking, secondhand smoke and wood smoke. Talk to your doctor if you are a smoker and are having trouble staying smokefree while you recover. This would be a good time to think about quitting for good. Get lots of rest.

How to get rid of pneumonia?

Drink liquids as directed. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. Liquids help thin your mucus, which may make it easier for you to cough it up. Do not smoke. Avoid secondhand smoke. Smoking increases your risk for pneumonia.

How to prevent pneumonia in hands?

Prevent pneumonia: Wash your hands often. Use soap and water every time you wash your hands. Rub your soapy hands together, lacing your fingers. Use the fingers of one hand to scrub under the nails of the other hand. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with warm, running water for several seconds.

How long after antibiotics do you have fever?

Call your doctor if: Your symptoms are the same or get worse 48 hours after you start antibiotics. Your fever is not below 99°F (37.2°C) 48 hours after you start antibiotics. You have a fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C). You cannot eat, or you have loss of appetite, nausea, or are vomiting.

Can you get pneumonia from eating food?

You can become infected if you come in contact with someone who is sick. You can get pneumonia if you recently had surgery or needed a ventilator to help you breathe. Pneumonia can also be caused by accidentally inhaling saliva or small pieces of food. Pneumonia may cause mild symptoms, or it can be severe and life-threatening.

Does acetaminophen help with pneumonia?

You may need any of the following: Antibiotics treat pneumonia caused by bacteria. Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions.

Why does pneumonia take so long to recover?

Why does it take so long to recover from pneumonia? One reason is that the detritus from an infection of the lung is hard to clear. Antibiotics kill the bacteria, but all the weaponry your body produced to fight the bacteria - mucus, essentially, or sputum, as it's called once you cough it up - is left behind.

What is pneumonia after a week of antibiotics?

After a week of antibiotics, the bacteria causing my illness - presumably Streptococcus pneu monia - should have been dead. Also called pneumococcus, this pathogen is the most common perpetrator of community-acquired pneumonia, which is pneumonia that people get outside hospitals and nursing homes.

What does it mean when your immune system is revved up?

A revved-up immune response requires a lot energy. "Your body goes into a mode where it's diverting energy to the immune system," Powers says. Simpson says the energy drain burns calories and proteins. When illness dampens appetite, that can exacerbate fatigue and weakness.

What is the primary way to clear gunk in the lungs?

"It literally takes a lot of energy to keep yourself going with all that stuff in your lungs," Simpson says. Cough is a primary way to clear the gunk.

What percentage of people with pneumonia end up in the hospital?

In Powers' study, about 40 percent of people with community-acquired pneumonia ended up in the hospital. Pneumonia and flu together are on the top 10 list of causes of death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Can you take cough suppressant for pneumonia?

Cough is a primary way to clear the gunk. That's why doctors advise pneumonia patients not to take cough suppressants. You want to get that stuff out. It's harder to explain the lingering of symptoms such as fatigue and weakness.

Stopping maintenance chemotherapy

I am 56 years old, and was diagnosed with stage 4 nsclc last year. I have been receiving chemotherapy treatment since January with chronic side effects. I changed to maintainence chemo in August which contains less of the chemotherapy drugs.

Stopping maintenance chemotherapy

Thanks for your reply and kind words. I am very lucky to have an extremely supportive partner, family and friends. We have been discussing the possibility of ceasing the chemotherapy for a few weeks now.

Stopping maintenance chemotherapy

I am glad to hear that you have an extremely supportive network behind you and one that will support you whatever you decide.

Stopping maintenance chemotherapy

Update on my decision. I spoke with all my family at length about this. Everyone of them agreed that I should stop the chemotherapy. Although they obviously don't want me to die anytime soon, they don't want to see me constantly suffering from the side effects of the chemo.

Stopping maintenance chemotherapy

Many thanks for your update. I am delighted to hear that you have finally reached a decision about chemo. It is really helpful that you have the full support from all of your family to stop if you want to. It sounds as if your oncologist is also happy with your choice and, it is good that he is still getting his team to monitor you.

Stopping maintenance chemotherapy

Thanks for your reply. Glad to hear you're enjoying life after 2 years of treatment, must be wonderful for you! Keep on smiling and savour every day!

Stopping maintenance chemotherapy

my husband has advanced pancreatic cancer with another bowel cancer. he only started palliative chemo 2 weeks ago . once a week for 3 weeks and then a week off. however he is in such a mess already. the first week was not bad but this week it has really hit him. he has spent most of the day in bed and can not cope with anything but water.

How long does it take for the immune system to recover from chemo?

It varies depending on the person and the type of chemotherapy, but for a typical patient who receives immunosuppressive chemotherapy, we see the immune system become more and more impaired over the next four to seven days. At that point it will “hit bottom” and then begin to recover, usually in time for the next cycle of chemotherapy. ...

Is physical therapy good for chemo patients?

I am a big believer in physical activity before and after chemotherapy. It helps patients recover faster from side effects. Even during treatment, exercise is beneficial if patients are able. For patients who need encouragement or assistance, physical therapy can be very helpful, especially after treatment is over.

Treatment

Timeline For Recovery

• While everyone’s recovery from pneumonia varies, you’ll likely be feeling better within a few days of starting treatment with antibiotics. Here is an example of a timeline for recovery from pneumonia: 1. Within seven days: Your temperature returns to normal. 2. One month: You’ll be producing less mucus, and your chest will feel better. 3. Six weeks...

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Returning to Everyday Activities

Complications and Relapse

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