Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a dangerous infection in the lungs. Symptoms may include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Most people can recover from pneumonia at home. It usually lasts 2-3 weeks. Older people, however, and babies are highly vulnerable. It may be necessary for them to be hospitalized.

You can contract pneumonia through your daily life at work or school. The term for this is community-associated pneumonia. It is also possible to contract it when in a nursing home or hospital. This is referred to as healthcare-related pneumonia. Since you are ill already, the pneumonia may be more severe.

How do you get pneumonia?

Germs – also known as bacteria – are the main causes of pneumonia.

You usually contract pneumonia by breathing the germs into your lungs. You are more likely to contract pneumonia after recovering from a common cold or flu. These make fighting lung infections more difficult, thus making contracting pneumonia easier. If you suffer from long-term asthma, heart disease, cancer, or diabetes, you’re more likely to contract pneumonia.

What are the signs of pneumonia?

Signs that you have pneumonia usually appear quickly.

Among them may be:
Cough. Most likely you will cough up mucus, or sputum, from your lungs. Mucus may be greenish or rust-colored. It may also be tinged with blood.
Fever.
Heavy, rapid breathing and shortness of breath.
Convulsing and “teeth-chatting” feelings of being cold. You could have this once or many different times.
Chest pain that frequently hurts more when breathing in or coughing.
Rapid heart rate.
Extreme tiredness or weakness.
Throwing up and nausea.
Diarrhea.

People who have mild symptoms are said to have “walking pneumonia.” Older adults may display fewer symptoms or symptoms that are different or not as severe. They may sport a fever, but not always. Or a cough may be present with no mucus. A sign of pneumonia in adults is a significant change in their ability to think. Delirium or other forms of confusion is common. Or it may intensify an already-present lung disease.

Pneumonia symptoms that are caused by a virus are similar to those caused by bacteria. They may be slow to be recognized and are sometimes subtle.

What is the procedure for diagnosing pneumonia?

The doctor will examine you and ask about common symptoms. A blood test or chest X-ray may be performed. That usually alerts your doctor that you have pneumonia. IF you are older or have other bad symptoms, you should get more testing. Usually, the worse your symptoms are, the more tests you are likely to have.

In addition, mucus from your lungs may be tested to determine if the cause of your pneumonia is bacterial. Determining the cause can assist the physician in selecting the best treatment for you.

What are the pneumonia treatments?

Antibiotics are used to treat pneumonia that is bacterial in nature. Antibiotics are generally curative for bacterial pneumonia. Be sure to follow all antibiotic instructions. Even though you may feel better, you must continue taking the antibiotics as prescribed. A full supply of antibiotics is needed.

Once you have started taking antibiotics, you will begin feeling better. After being on antibiotics for 48 to 72 hours, you should notify your physician if you have no relief from the symptoms. If you feel worse, contact your physician immediately.

There are several steps you can take in order to feel better while you recover. Drink lots of fluids, and rest as much as possible. Refrain from smoking. Ask your physician about utilizing cough medicine if you are having trouble sleeping at night due to coughing.

You may have to be hospitalized if your symptoms are severe, your immune system is weak or you have another serious illness.

Antibiotics are not normally prescribed as treatment. Antibiotics can be used to minimize complications. Normally, the only treatment is done at home: rest and cough medication.

How is pneumonia prevented?

It might be wise to get a pneumococcal vaccine if you smoke, have heart or lung conditions or you are over the age of 65. It does not mean that you will not get pneumonia. However, if you do contract pneumonia, most likely you will not be as ill.

You can make it less likely that you will get pneumonia if you avoid those who are ill with colds, flu, chickenpox or measles. You may be more likely to get pneumonia after having one of these diseases. Wash your hands frequently. This assists in impeding the spread of the pneumonia-causing bacteria and viruses.