I was hospitalised with atypical pneumonia and given fluids and iv antibiotics. i have gilberts syndrome and was finding it difficult to eat and had lost weight. would that have been why i was hospitalised

Hi Anonymous and thanks for your question.

Gilbert's syndrome is caused by an inherited gene mutation. In other words, people are born with it, but it often goes undetected for many years. It's a common, mild liver condition in which the liver doesn't properly process bilirubin, a substance produced by the breakdown of red blood cells. Gilbert's syndrome doesn't require treatment, and doesn't lead to other conditions. It is highly unlikely that having Gilbert's syndrome led to your hospitalization.

Atypical pneumonia is a lung infection which is milder than typical pneumonia and caused by a bacteria or viruses. Usually, atypical pneumonia due to bacteria can be treated with oral antibiotics at home, but in more severe cases patients who require intravenous antibiotics are admitted to the hospital for treatment.

People who have Gilbert's syndrome often experience a lack of appetite, as well as fatigue and weakness, all of which can lead to weight loss. Now that you are out of the hospital it would be good to meet with your medical provider to get support to help you regain your appetite. A referral to a nutritional counselor could be very helpful and is usually covered by insurance plans.

Does that help? Are you feeling better now? Sure hope so!

Best,

Pat