iCliniq Logo
HomeAnswersPulmonology (Asthma Doctors)pneumococcal pneumonia

Can lung infection treatment worsen asthma symptoms?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 35 years old, and I was recently diagnosed with pneumococcal disease. I have started taking antibiotics now. I also have asthma, and I feel like my wheezing has gotten worse since starting the medicines.

  1. Is it possible that the treatment is affecting my lungs?
  2. Should I increase my inhaler dose or use it more frequently?
  3. I am also worried about having an asthma attack while recovering from this infection. Can you suggest any tips for managing both conditions at the same time?

Please help.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Many infections are known to exacerbate asthma. Keep asthma under control with proper reliever and controller medicines as per the individual plan. Please tell me the following:

  1. Have you done any tests like PFT (pulmonary function test), chest X-ray, PA (posterior-anterior) view, CBC (complete blood count), ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), RBS (random blood sugar), etc?

  2. Do you suffer from any comorbid conditions like diabetes, BP (blood pressure), thyroid, etc?

  3. The complete course for pneumococcal disease as advised by the physician.

You should seek medical attention if you develop severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, a severe headache, or intense abdominal pain. It is also important to consult a doctor if your fever rises above 101°F (38.3°C), lasts for several days, or occurs in repeated spikes. Additionally, if your symptoms worsen or do not improve despite treatment, a medical evaluation is recommended to ensure proper care and management.

To protect yourself and others, it is important to follow a few simple precautions. Try to wear a mask when interacting with others to reduce the risk of infection transmission. Maintain good hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap and water, and avoid touching your face unnecessarily.

Also, avoid sharing personal items such as utensils, towels, or drinking glasses. Supporting your body with good nutrition can also help recovery, so include antioxidant-rich foods in your diet, such as fruits like blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes, and vegetables like squash and bell peppers. At the same time, try to limit refined foods, including white bread, pasta, and especially foods high in sugar.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At March 7, 2025
Reviewed AtMarch 12, 2026

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Listen to related tracks in our music library

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.