I am an otherwise healhy male. Not HIV positive. Non-smoker, non-drinker. Positive PPD but negative exray and AFB cultures.
I developed a severe sinus infection last June. Following 14 days of treatment with augmentin, the infection appeard to have caused bronchial inflamation. After a week on a steroid inhaler, I developed bronchitis symptoms. I was treated with E. Mycin for 14 days. The problem persited. Two sputum cultures revealed 1+ E. Coli. I was treated with 14 days of trimox. A follow up culture still revealed a 1+ level of e. coli. I was referred to a pulmonary specialist who said my condition models that of someone who was on antibiotics too long. He theorizes that the bacteria colonized as a result and that further prophalyxis will not help. I was asked to wait 6 to 8 weeks, possible 3 months for the infection to clear on its own.
It has been 8 weeks and the infection is still present, but somewhat better. I am being asked to wait longer. My symptoms include irritation in the upper chest. I produce dark mucous plugs with infected material resembling what you would see with a sinus infection. The off colored mucous is less, but I have a tendancy to produce thick clear mucous continuously, similar to if I were having sinus drainage due to allergies, but it is from my chest instead. The mucous comes up into my throat and I must clear it. Some days I can go through a half box of Kleenex. Every several days I feel off, run down, and not clear. All possible blood work has been done and is normal. Two chest exrays over 2 months are negative and without change.
This is frightening. Has you even heard of e. coli in the lungs or upper respiratory area and am I doing the right thing by waiting for this to clear on its own?