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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Frequent Chest Infection?

I have Crohn s disease and I am on infliximab and azathioprine. Last year I had a chest infection and it took 12 courses of antibiotics. This year I have another chest infection and I have already had 3 courses of antibiotics. Each time it gets better and when I stop it comes straight back. I am already over due my infliximab infusion and my bowels are starting to play up and arthritis in my hand has flared up. My doctor does not seem to know how to treat the infection do you have any suggestions
Tue, 25 Nov 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
HI
Thanks for posting your query to Healthcaremagic

First thing you need to know is infliximab and azathioprine are immuno suppressant medication, their use suppresses body's immunity and the body becomes susceptible for Infections .

The frequency of infections increases also the severity and it becomes difficult to treat even simple infections as Antibiotics needs body's immune system to work .

So as much as possible ask your doctor treating Crohn's to look for alternative medicines or at least reduce the dose of Azathioprine .

You should also maintain a healthy life style which prevents you from contracting infections . And once you get any infection however mild it may be kindly consult your doctor and get treated properly .

Hope this information was useful to you.
Any clarifications feel free to ask .
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What Causes Frequent Chest Infection?

HI Thanks for posting your query to Healthcaremagic First thing you need to know is infliximab and azathioprine are immuno suppressant medication, their use suppresses body s immunity and the body becomes susceptible for Infections . The frequency of infections increases also the severity and it becomes difficult to treat even simple infections as Antibiotics needs body s immune system to work . So as much as possible ask your doctor treating Crohn s to look for alternative medicines or at least reduce the dose of Azathioprine . You should also maintain a healthy life style which prevents you from contracting infections . And once you get any infection however mild it may be kindly consult your doctor and get treated properly . Hope this information was useful to you. Any clarifications feel free to ask .