How to manage pneumococcal disease in copd patients at 67?

Question

Hello doctor,

My dad had asthma as a child and now also has COPD. He is 67 and was recently diagnosed with pneumococcal disease. He has a severe cough and sometimes breathes heavily, even while sitting. The doctor prescribed antibiotics, but he has not improved much. Is this common with COPD? Does he need stronger treatment?

Also, he received the pneumonia vaccine last year, so how did he still get this infection? I am worried that this could worsen his COPD in the long run. Should we take him to the hospital, or should we wait longer for the medication to work? Does this mean he should get more frequent vaccines, or is one dose enough?

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am so sorry to hear about your father’s condition.

If he is still struggling to breathe even while sitting, that is a serious concern. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) makes infections like pneumonia much harder to recover from, so if he is not improving on antibiotics, it could mean the infection is more severe or that the medication is not working effectively. If his condition worsens such as breathing heavily, feeling confused, becoming extremely weak, or developing blue lips or fingertips, take him to the hospital immediately. Do not wait.

Regarding the vaccine, it provides protection but is not perfect. There are many strains of pneumococcus, and immunity can weaken over time. He may need both types of pneumonia vaccines like PCV20 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine 20) or PCV15 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine 15) along with PPSV23 (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine) and should also get his flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccines annually. This infection could worsen his COPD in the long run, so getting the right treatment quickly is crucial. If he does not improve soon, his doctor may need to adjust his antibiotics or explore other treatment options.

I hope he finds the care he needs.

Thank you.