Q. What could be the reason for the recurrent fever and breathing trouble in 70-year-old patient with COPD?

Hi doctor,

My father is 70 years old and he has COPD, diabetes and high blood pressure. His blood pressure and diabetes are under control. Last year, he was affected by COVID-19 and recovered with no signs of lung damage in a chest CT scan. He had a mild fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit) two months back. Subsequently, he developed a breathing problem, and his SpO2 level measured by pulse oximeter was 90 to 92 %. His chest X-ray was normal. He was prescribed steroids and antibiotics, with which he recovered. Again, two to three days after stopping the medicine, he had a mild fever with breathing trouble. Again, he was prescribed steroids and antibiotics by the pulmonologist, and he improved. Again after stopping medicines, he has developed a fever since yesterday. All the reports are attached here. Can you please suggest what should be done?

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your valuable advice.

Please find the HRCT thorax, sputum culture and sensitivity test reports attached.

My father was feeling uncomfortable and had high fever (102 degrees F) for three weeks. From the next day, he is in a hospital. He is being given steroids and antibiotics. Now his SpO2 level is in the range of 90 to 93% (without oxygen support). However, his blood sugar level is shooting up (fasting - 236 mg/dL and random - 411 mg/dL). He has tremors in his hands and legs and is feeling weak. Please suggest.

Hi doctor,

Thank you very much for your valuable response.

Yes, he is being given nebulization. His fasting blood sugar level today is 236 mg/dL. His prescription is attached herewith.

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

My father was discharged from the hospital one week back. He was prescribed steroids, antibiotics, and nebulization. The prescription given during discharge from the hospital is attached herewith. Meanwhile, his blood sugar level was shooting up for which he was taking Insulin (two times) on the advice of an endocrinologist. He again consulted the endocrinologist five days back. His prescription is attached herewith. The dose of the steroids was gradually tapered down and stopped two days back. Since today morning, my father again has fever (around 100 degrees Fahrenheit). This phenomenon of developing fever after stopping steroids was observed earlier also, as mentioned in my previous messages. He consulted the same pulmonologist today, who prescribed him some tests. The reports are attached herewith. Unfortunately, the pulmonologist whom we consulted in the morning can not be contacted now since he has gone out of the station. I am afraid that my father will gain breathlessness and a high fever. Please suggest what to do. Thank you.