Age and status of sexual function prior to treatment affected these outcomes. Few men in either group were bothered by bowel problems. Overall, this study showed that men who opt for surgery can expect to have more urinary and sexual problems, while men who choose radiation are more likely to suffer from bowel disturbances. A man's age and initial health are also important factors in the development and duration of long-term side effects from either treatment. Physicians and their patients should use this information, as well as a discussion of the patient's priorities, preferences, and concerns, to help decide which treatment method is appropriate.
Pneumonia is a serious infection or inflammation of the lungs.
Uncomplicated pneumonia may be successfully treated with antibiotics in one or two weeks, but many patients continue to experience the symptoms of pneumonia, including cough, chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, and fever, for some time after that. A team of Canadian researchers set out to determine how long after treatment it should take for pneumonia patients to be symptom-free. The scientists asked a group of 535 adults who had undergone a course of antibiotic treatment for pneumonia to complete questionnaires about persisting symptoms at two and six weeks after the completion of their treatment. The average age of these patients was 62 years. Older patients, those who were sickest at onset of treatment, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and patients with asthma suffered the most persistent symptoms.