Ds1 has had pneumonia three times now at age seven......

[Aero]

Is this a worry for future years? I'm concerned that he seems to be so susceptable to this kind of infection and my worry is that it could become more of a problem as he gets older. Does anyone have experience of this at all.

The pneumonia showed in the exact same place in his lung that it did last time he had it.

He has made a good recovery btw now thanks to a ten day course of the right ABs, but I'm just wondering if repeated infections like this can cause or leave damage to his chest iyswim.

how about getting him treated homeopathically as they treat the whole child and not he illnesss so they work out why he`s getting these bad chests rather than wait for it to happen ..it does make a difference but you would have to go toa trained homeopath..good luck

Don't have any answers, just wanted to say I'd seen this and was thinking of you. It's a worry.

How far apart were the infections aero?

First two were a year apart cm, then almost three years until this time. He had a flu jab last year (2004) and hadn't so much as a sniffle throughout 2005. This year he didn't get the jab until Jan (surgery hiccup) when the bugs were already flying around. He was off colour for four weeks (ill for three of those)

Thanks Cadbury.

Aero - poor thing. Can't help with your question but has he had the Pneumovax jab?

No he hasn't potty - I've never heard of it - what is it exactly?

I was worried about my DS this winter, he is 3.10 and has been ill every winter since he was born. The first year he had croup, then a chest infection and last year he had pneumonia. I was concerned he would pick something up again this year but so far (touch wood) he hasn't. Well apart from the throwing up he started doing yesterday.

I'm sure it causes a weakness in the child. I have no proof of this except that DD has never had any of those illnesses so it seems she isn't prone to them.

Same here kid - dd and ds2 just don't suffer in this way and ds1 hasn't had this for almost three years now, but the first time (age 4) it was weeks before he got the proper treatment and was given inhalers etc, but they made no difference. He lost a huge amount of weight (and believe me, he hasn't really got it to lose), his eyes were sunken and he was totally lethargic and looked terrible. Finally the locum gave us 'the benefit of the doubt' (his own words - clearly didn't believe me when I said the inhalers which he prescribed made little difference) and prescribed a course of ABs. Had to return for a second course as he was still coughing, but they were finally making the difference and he was recovering. I wonder if it left him weak though as it had really taken a hold before he was treated properly.

My Dr allowed me to give DS calpol for 2 weeks as he had a temperature. They couldn't work out what was wrong with him, I saw a Dr at least 5 times. On the 5th time they sent me to the hospital where they x-rayed him and one of his lungs were completely full with fluid. He also lost alot of weight, had dark rings around his eyes and was almost grey.

I'm sure it does take it out of them when they get ill. DS is now scared to eat anything incase he is sick anymore

Aero - I do wonder, was your ds born early or low birth weight? I was a very prem baby and had pneumonia and countless bouts of bronchitis as a small child. It was all put down to narrow airways and did improve with age. I think my last serious bout was when I was about 8. btw I have no lasting problems now

Poor wee chap kid. Sounds just like ds1's first episode. I assume he's on Abs now though?

When I had dd at the hospital when she first a urine infection (totally unrelated to this), they told me then that a temperature for two weeks is a clear sign that something is wrong.

That's good to know Tiggerish that you have now problems now. Ds was actually 5 days late and a healthy 8lbs10ozs, so no worries from that pov.

meant no problems now.

IMO illness tends to target the weakest part of the body.

Repeatitve infections of any part of the body can cause scarring. however the lungs do have regenetarive properties. for example when a smoker stops smoking the lungs can rebuild themselves and undo the damage that has been caused .
It is not unusual that the infection has occured in the same place. The part of the surface of the lung, if it has beeen very badly infected in the past with 'stick to' bacteria more readily than other parts, which would normally flush bacteria out through natural defense methods. (flem and coughing)

At this stage I think the best thing to do would be to build his immune system as much as you can consider probiotics and zinc in his diet. Encourage cariovascular exersice that will build his lung capacity ( when he is mended)

Also trust your instinct and dont be afraid to tell the dr what you think is right for your son. If they dont agree they have to help you understand why so you can come to a mutual descision about treatment.

I really hope he continues to get better and I hope this helps.

Aero - Info about Pneumovax . You may be able to make a case for your ds being high risk (especially as you got the flu jab for him). Or did you have to pay for that?

Costs for the Pneumovax is £10 to the NHS. You can get it privately - not sure how much, maybe around £40. It's a one off injection though so well worth it if you're pro-vax. My dd has annual flu jabs and had this this year with no problems.

ps a good GP really is worth their weight in gold, dont be afraid to change gp's, ask for another one.
find someone who you can discuss your fears with and talk to them about the best way to encourage exercise etc.

Thanks chapsmum. Our GP has been great this time - couldn't fault her at all. She referred him straight away as she could see he was clearly unwell. It was the locum that was the problem first time round.

I've been giving him pro-biotics over the time he was taking the clarythromycin, but haven't since it's finished and he's soooooo much better now, but I guess it would be a good idea to continue. He's a keen sportsman though and does karate, so gets plenty of exercise between that and various other things he takes part in and general running around.

Thanks for the link potty - will look at that now. His flu jab was free - offered to him because of his history I think.

Just thought I'd say Hi! Is your dh home now? Everyone well?

Yes - got in last night and is rather jet-lagged today - had to wake him at 12.30!! All well though.

good

I've got dodgy lungs. I have had pluerosy twice, pnumonia and ashtma. I agree about homeopathic treatment. For me it's partly genetic but I do believe there's a lot one can do. Take extra care to keep healthy in the winter. Build up a winter immunity with good organic veg and fruit in the lead up. Rhubarb and ginger in the autumn.

I'll consider the flu jab and I also need programme of excersise to keep my lungs healthy and worked out.

Ds has asthma too, but only when he has an infection.
He does eat a very varied and healthy diet - wish I had his total desire to raid the fruitbowl instead of the biscuit tin - and he has been healthy over the last two winters before this one. Wouldn't have thought about buying organic though. Wonder if anyone delivers organic produce locally - costs a fortune in the supermarket.

I don't know where you are but I love my Riverford veg delivery and I think they're reasonably priced. Organic veg really does help with immunity and general health.

As for his asthma, I'm sure they've told you there's a really good chnace he'll grow out of it if it's the type of asthma which only comes with colds and other bronchial illness.

Fingers crossed for him. It sounds like you're doing all you can so he's in the best hands.

Thanks sm. I'm in Medway, Kent. Will investigate.