If your grandmother went into a coma and then died because of an infection, such as pneumonia, then it is most likely because she advanced from just having an infection to developing the infection in her blood, called sepsis, and then progressing to a severe sepsis and then on to septic shock. I wouldn't worry about this for your grandfather unless blood tests called blood cultures are positive for the same infection he has in his lungs. Even then, IV antibiotics often do well in taking care of the infection. If it was my grandfather, truthfully, I guess I'd worry a little bit if he also had diabetes. Diabetes tends to make it harder for people to clear their infections.

In any case, try to relax and trust that his doctors are doing everything for him. Be Well ---Dr. Sarge www.mimpc.com www.facebook.com/monroviahealth

This could be several issues. He could be having trouble breathing if the stroke affected his respiratory center in his brain or brain stem, it could be cardiac, or yes, it could be a primary pulmonary issue. I think you should reach out to the attending physician taking care of your grandfather and ask these questions.

That's a difficult question to assess and answer. However, I'm very sorry for what you must be going through: I completely understand what it's like to see a family member in the hospital with a serious medical illness.

My answer is this:

1. The main problem is the stroke. The prognosis depends on the severity. A stroke can cause residual neurological deficits or even permanent paralysis. If his effort of breathing is restored, that's a good sign and means that he may be able to tolerate physical therapy and rehab once he's more stable and out of bed. The hospital course will require follow-up CT scans of the brain, mental status checks, and neurological exams.

2. Pneumonia is also a serious illness in elderly patients. Again, it depends on the type: can vary from a viral infection, atypical pneumonia, affect an entire lobe of the lung with total infection, aspiration pneumonia where stomach contents are inhaled and get into the lungs, or even lung collapse. Sputum cultures, blood cultures, and antibiotics targeted to the type of bacteria that is causing the infection is probably being organized. If the bacteria is sensitive to a drug, the drug should kill off the infection and allow the body to recover from the illness.

I would recommend having a discussion with the primary doctor responsible for his care. I hope that there's already a Neurologist and Infectious Disease specialist following your grand-dad while he's in the hospital. Write down the questions and concerns that you have, and bring these questions to the attention of the doctor.

Best of luck to your grand-dad, and I wish you both the best.

Navi Ramdeen, DO

naviramdeen@yahoo.com

people may have aspiration pneumonia if the swallow got affected by stroke and you may request to have a swallow test to make sure he is not chalking, also ask for OT to do breathing exercises to prevent pneumonia and compression stockings to prevent blood clots. If he is already having pneumonia then it is a concern but it would be to any patient.