Can pneumococcal disease worsen asthma and sinusitis?

Question

Hello doctor,

My younger brother is 29 years old, and he has a lot of health issues. He has had asthma since childhood, chronic sinusitis, and even bacteremia once a few years back. He got sick again last month, and his doctor suspects it might be pneumococcal disease. They did some tests and started him on treatment, but his recovery has been really slow. He still feels tired, his nose is stuffed, and his asthma seems worse than usual. Is it normal for people with so many underlying conditions to take longer to recover? Also, could this infection make his asthma or sinusitis permanently worse? He had blood tests done, and his WBC count is elevated, but they said it is expected. Do you think he needs stronger medicines or different tests to rule out complications?

Please suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Conditions like asthma and chronic sinusitis often make it longer to recover from infections like pneumococcal disease and weaken respiratory defenses.

Elevated WBC (white blood count) counts indicate the body is fighting infection, which is expected. If his symptoms persist or worsen, further tests like a chest CT (computed tomography) or sinus imaging could rule out complications like abscesses or structural damage.

An infectious disease specialist might help optimize treatment which includes antibiotics with immune boosters including vitamin supplements.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.

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