HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Dizziness And Shortness Of Breath When Diagnosed With Pneumonia?

default
Posted on Tue, 14 Jul 2015
Question: I have pneumonia and been to the Emergency room twice I have been on medication ( amoxi ) and doctor said everything is getting better. But why do I feel sooooo dizzy and shortness of breath all the time..I told him that and it didn't seem to bother him I can't even really walk for 30 seconds and back I always get my fever back at night and chills come during the day cough is still bad. I almost died of pneumonia when I was younger so I'm just a little paranoid with it.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Heera Lal Poonia (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
it takes two to three weeks for complete recovery from pneumonia

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX welcome to HCM and thanks for choosing us.

I understand your concerns about your illness and slow recovery.

Pneumonia is a serious illness which affects lungs. With the right treatment it takes about 2 - 3 weeks for complete recovery. Breathing difficulty is common with pneumonia. This breathlessness is not allowing you to walk for even short duration. But since the X-ray is clear, I don't think there is a cause to be concerned.

As far as dizziness is concerned, it is one of the common post infection symptoms that I hear from patients. What other medicines are you on besides amoxicillin? Sometimes with certain drugs like antihistamines and decongestants cause dizziness. If you are on it, be rest assured the dizziness will be gone as they are stopped.
That being said, occasionally lower respiratory infection (pneumonia) might involve eustachian tube as well as ears leading to dizziness. Neverthess, this still is a benign condition.

In a nutshell, at this point of time dizziness and breathing issues seems to be a benign symptoms related to pneumonia +/- the medicines. I think you should wait until complete recovery which may be upto 3 weeks. If they persist beyond 3 weeks or if the worsen, seek medical attention. In the meanwhile, take good nutrition and plenty of fluids for smoother recovery.

Regarding your experience of childhood. In childhood, pneumonia can be life threatening (due to smaller airways which gets blocked easily)but not at this age, so don't worry about that.

I hope my reply will help you. Please write to us for more information and follow up queries. I wish you good health and rapid recovery.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Heera Lal Poonia

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 506 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Dizziness And Shortness Of Breath When Diagnosed With Pneumonia?

Brief Answer: it takes two to three weeks for complete recovery from pneumonia Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXXXX welcome to HCM and thanks for choosing us. I understand your concerns about your illness and slow recovery. Pneumonia is a serious illness which affects lungs. With the right treatment it takes about 2 - 3 weeks for complete recovery. Breathing difficulty is common with pneumonia. This breathlessness is not allowing you to walk for even short duration. But since the X-ray is clear, I don't think there is a cause to be concerned. As far as dizziness is concerned, it is one of the common post infection symptoms that I hear from patients. What other medicines are you on besides amoxicillin? Sometimes with certain drugs like antihistamines and decongestants cause dizziness. If you are on it, be rest assured the dizziness will be gone as they are stopped. That being said, occasionally lower respiratory infection (pneumonia) might involve eustachian tube as well as ears leading to dizziness. Neverthess, this still is a benign condition. In a nutshell, at this point of time dizziness and breathing issues seems to be a benign symptoms related to pneumonia +/- the medicines. I think you should wait until complete recovery which may be upto 3 weeks. If they persist beyond 3 weeks or if the worsen, seek medical attention. In the meanwhile, take good nutrition and plenty of fluids for smoother recovery. Regarding your experience of childhood. In childhood, pneumonia can be life threatening (due to smaller airways which gets blocked easily)but not at this age, so don't worry about that. I hope my reply will help you. Please write to us for more information and follow up queries. I wish you good health and rapid recovery.