[27F] With persistent respiratory and systemic symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are a few potential conditions that could explain what you're experiencing:

• Chronic Bronchitis or a Persistent Respiratory Infection: Your symptoms of coughing up thick mucus, shortness of breath, and lung pain could be indicative of chronic bronchitis or a lingering respiratory infection. These conditions can cause inflammation in the airways, leading to the production of mucus and difficulty breathing. Chronic bronchitis is often associated with a persistent cough that lasts for several months.

  • Treatment typically involves bronchodilators to open the airways, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present. It's important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

• Pneumonia: This is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which can fill with fluid or pus, causing cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Given your symptoms, pneumonia could be a possibility.

  • Treatment usually involves antibiotics if it's bacterial, rest, and fluids. Severe cases may require hospitalization.

• Autoimmune or Inflammatory Conditions: Given your history of Crohn's disease, it's possible that an autoimmune or inflammatory condition could be contributing to your symptoms. These conditions can sometimes affect the lungs and cause systemic symptoms like joint pain and fever.

  • Treatment would depend on the specific condition but often involves medications to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation.

What you can do

1. Consult a Healthcare Provider: It's important to see a doctor to get a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment. They may recommend tests such as a chest X-ray, CT scan, or blood tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.

2. Rest and Hydration: Ensure you get plenty of rest and stay hydrated to help your body fight off any potential infection.

3. Symptom Tracking: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your progress, and share this information with your healthcare provider. This can help in identifying patterns or triggers.

4. Avoid Irritants: Try to avoid exposure to smoke, dust, and other environmental pollutants that could worsen your symptoms.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention promptly if you experience any of the following:

• Worsening shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• High fever that doesn't respond to over-the-counter medications
• Chest pain that becomes severe or persistent
• Confusion or difficulty staying awake

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.