Coughing for several months, ineffective after six days of intravenous therapy, back pain and difficulty breathing, could it be pneumonia or asthma?

Coughing for several months, ineffective intravenous treatment, and accompanying back pain and shortness of breath may indicate pneumonia or asthma. Pneumonia can be caused by infections such as bacteria or viruses. Inflammation affecting the lungs and pleura can lead to coughing, chest pain, or back pain; severe cases may impair gas exchange and cause difficulty breathing. Asthma is often caused by chronic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. Exposure to allergens can trigger wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing, and long-term episodes can also cause chest discomfort. However, other diseases such as tuberculosis or pulmonary embolism are also possible.

Seek immediate medical attention for comprehensive examinations, including chest X-ray, CT scan, pulmonary function tests, complete blood count, and sputum culture, to determine the exact cause.

If diagnosed with pneumonia, targeted medication should be administered according to the causative pathogen, along with adequate rest and nutritional support.

If diagnosed with asthma, avoid exposure to allergens, use bronchodilators and corticosteroids regularly to control symptoms, and carry emergency medication at all times to manage acute attacks.