Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Pleurisy, Autoimmune Disorders, Rheumatoid Arthritis, No Effects Of Antibiotics. Advice?
Question: HI My mother has a very rare lung problem caused by rhumatoid arthritis and is on home oxygen. Yesterday she was admitted to hospital with back ache and was diagnosed with pleurisy and told she is being discharged today. My sisters and myself are very worried as antibiotics have no effect on Mum as her body is immune to them now. Do you have any advice?
Hi
Thanks for your query.
Autoimmune disorders can effect lungs leading to inflammatory symptoms. Such symptoms are controlled by use of anti-inflammatory drugs/steroid medications.
Antibiotics have limited role in the treatment of this condition. They can be used only if an associated infection is proved.
Having said, pleurisy (inflammation of lining of lung) is most often associated with autoimmune conditions including Rheumatoid arthritis. A course of above suggested medications (anti inflammatory and steroids) can reduce the swelling of the pleura and shall reduce the pain too. These also help to improve the oxygen saturation too. Discuss about this with her doctor.
From this far without a physical examination and analyzing your mother's health records, it is difficult to frame an opinion.
In the presence of infection (fever and cough), a sputum swab test/culture and sensitivity test can be used to confirm the sensitivity of the causative organisms and thereby reducing the chances of resistance.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Regards,
Dr. Prasad.
Thanks for your query.
Autoimmune disorders can effect lungs leading to inflammatory symptoms. Such symptoms are controlled by use of anti-inflammatory drugs/steroid medications.
Antibiotics have limited role in the treatment of this condition. They can be used only if an associated infection is proved.
Having said, pleurisy (inflammation of lining of lung) is most often associated with autoimmune conditions including Rheumatoid arthritis. A course of above suggested medications (anti inflammatory and steroids) can reduce the swelling of the pleura and shall reduce the pain too. These also help to improve the oxygen saturation too. Discuss about this with her doctor.
From this far without a physical examination and analyzing your mother's health records, it is difficult to frame an opinion.
In the presence of infection (fever and cough), a sputum swab test/culture and sensitivity test can be used to confirm the sensitivity of the causative organisms and thereby reducing the chances of resistance.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Regards,
Dr. Prasad.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
