Pneumonia is an infection or
inflammation of your lungs. An infection can be caused by bacteria, virus, fungi
and other microbes. Inhaling dust, chemical irritants, food or vomit can also
cause an inflammation of the lungs.
In Pneumonia, the air sacs in the lungs are filled with pus and other liquid.
Oxygen has trouble reaching your blood. If there is too little oxygen in your
blood, your body cells cannot work properly. Because of this, and spreading
infection through the body, pneumonia can be a serious problem.
Many of germs are normally found in your throat. If your immune system ( body’s
system to fight germs ) is weak, the germs can enter and multiply in your lungs.
“Double Pneumonia” means that both lungs are infected. It can follow influenza
(flu) a cold or be linked to other illness.
There are many signs and symptoms of pneumonia and some of them like a cough or
a sore throat are associated with many other common infections. Often, people
get pneumonia after they have had an upper respiratory tract infection like a
cold.
Fever and chills.
Muscle aches and fatigue.
Cough.
Unusually rapid laboured breathing.
Wheezing.
Difficulty in breathing.
Chest or abdominal pain.
Loss of appetite.
Exhaustion.
Vomiting.
Headache.
Sore throat.
The symptoms of pneumonia vary from person to person and few people experience
all of them. When pneumonia is caused by bacteria, the person tends to become
sick quickly and develops a high fever and has difficulty in breathing. When it
is caused by a virus , symptoms generally appears more gradually and may be less
severe.
If a doctor suspects that a person has pneumonia , he or she will perform a
physical examination and may prescribe a chest X- ray and blood tests.
People who have bacterial or a typical pneumonia will probably be given
antibiotics to take at home. A doctor will also recommend that a person gets
lots of rest and drinks plenty of fluids.
Some people with pneumonia need to be hospitalized to get better – usually
babies and young children and people older than 65. However, even a teen may
need hospital care depending on the severity of the symptoms.
With proper treatment, most types of pneumonia are cured within a week or two.
In severe cases of pneumonia, the patient may take longer to completely recover.
If your doctor has prescribed medicine, be sure to follow the directions
carefully.
Make sure you drink plenty of fluids.
Take good rest.
Refrain from smoking.
Avoid smoky places if possible
When should I contact my doctor?
Temperature rises over 102 degree F.
There is unbearable chest pain, despite medications.
There is increased shortness of breath.
There is increased cynosis (bluish coloration of nails and skin).
Blood appears in sputum.
There is nausea and vomiting.
Diarrohea.
How I protect others from getting pneumonia?
The viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia are usually found in the fluids in
a person’s nose and mouth. Sneezing or coughing may spread the infection to
others, so if you have pneumonia, be careful not to share drinking glasses or
eating utensils with other people. Dispose of used tissues and wash your hands
frequently and thoroughly. Along with that don’t smoke and have proper rest,
diet and do moderate exercise.
So let's reduce Pneumonia from our surroundings.