Question
QUESTION: My Dad is 66 and has been a quad c4 c5 for 18 years now. He was found unresponsive this morning and they are testing him for a uti. He didn't have a fever and seems to be able to answer questions now(3 hours later) but is it normal for him to pass right out like that from a uti?

ANSWER: Dear Melinda,

Was your father sitting up or lying down? I need more info. And does your father ever have any episodes of Autonomic dysreflexia? Please get back to me so I give you an educated answer.   

Sincerely, Ken

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Ken,
Yes he was sitting in his wheelchair. He is in the hospital now and is being treated for pneumonia and a uti. I'm guessing his oxygen levels were so low that it caused him to pass out??? I realize with quads, the respiratory system weakens overtime. He is being treated with antibiotics and will be getting chest physio. How do we know when he should be treated. He seems to have a cough always.
Thank you,
Melinda R.

Answer
Dear Melinda,

I'm glad he was sitting, because if he wasn't I'd be worried. If his oxygen levels were low enough that could cause someone to blackout. Having a bladder infection by itself, if bad enough could cause someone to become weak enough to pass out. Add pneumonia and you have all the makings for extreme weakness, and possible blackout.

As far as staying on top of your fathers potential pneumonia, a low grade fever, and exhaustion can be a good start. But the key is using a stethoscope to listen to your dads lungs. The easiest way is by lifting the back of his shirt, bending him forward and placing the stethoscope on his back, ask him to breath normally and listen for a rattling or wheezing sound. If you hear that, well then he may have pneumonia.

I hope this helps.  Sincerely, Ken