Advancements in technology are dramatically changing the world of medicine as we know it, and medical professionals worldwide are utilizing … Read More→
Depression is a common and serious mental health condition, which can negatively affect how you feel, how you think, and … Watch Video→
Many of us spend our lives pursuing a singular idea of success, one that was created for us by someone … Read More→
Keeping fingernails and toenails in good shape does more than enhance your appearance: this simple yet important self-care routine eliminates … Read More→
What many people don’t realize is that they employ the eating strategies of Sumo Wrestlers and expect to lose weight. … Read More→
If you’re trying to eat better with the aim of improving your health or losing some pounds, that’s great. But … Read More→
If you follow fitness trainers or enthusiasts on Instagram, we are besieged by women at the gym who look supremely … Read More→
If you’ve been wanting to exercise, but somehow never finding the time, maybe you should make an exercise plan to … Read More→
Raising a child with a disability is a journey that is never easy. In addition to the emotional challenges, it … Read More→
These days, more and more women are referring to Valentine’s Day as “Single Awareness Day”. Gone are the days of … Read More→
Extreme athletes are not at increased risk of heart disease or death.
Prenatal exposure to a certain air pollutant may increase autism risk in children.
Pneumonia is a term used to describe infections of the lungs that can be caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. There are over 30 potential causes of pneumonia, though 30% of all cases are caused by respiratory viruses. In children and young adults, respiratory viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia. In adults, pneumonia is more commonly caused by the flu virus. Pneumonia causes the inflammation of the alveoli, the air sacs in your lungs. When the alveoli become inflamed, breathing becomes difficult and less oxygen is delivered to the body.
Pneumonia can be classified by the location of the infection:
Pneumonia can also be classified by the environment in which it was contracted:
With proper treatment, most cases of pneumonia clear up relatively quickly, lasting only about 2 weeks. For elderly patients, young children, and those with a compromised immune system, the risk of complication or death from the disease is higher. Risks of pneumonia are also much higher for individuals in hospitals and nursing home facilities.
Pneumonia can be caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms and irritants. When the lungs become infected, the alveoli, or air sacs, become inflamed and breathing and oxygen delivery may become difficult.
Most cases of pneumonia are either bacterial or viral:
Pneumonia can also be caused by:
There are several factors that can influence your risk of contracting pneumonia. These include:
A pneumonia diagnosis will most likely involve a combination of the following tests:
Symptoms of pneumonia vary from case to case and may at first appear to be influenza symptoms. These may include following:
The prognosis for pneumonia varies based on the patient and the infection type. Patients who are otherwise healthy before contracting pneumonia are likely to recover within 1-2 weeks if proper treatment is received. For elderly patients, infants, young children, and those with a compromised immune system, the risks of complication and death are much higher. An increasing number of antibiotic-resistant strains of pneumonia-causing bacteria are also increasing the risks of treatment complications. The best way to ensure a prompt recovery from pneumonia is early detection of symptoms and prompt treatment.
Taking the right steps towards recovery are important in regaining your health. The following tips can help you to a faster recovery from pneumonia:
Pneumonia is not typically screened for in the general public because its disruptive symptoms are usually promptly recognized and diagnosed when they arise. Hospitals and nursing homes may choose to screen their patients for pneumonia due to the increased risk of contracting the disease in large healthcare environments. Screening may include monitoring lung function and body temperature.
Pneumonia is not an entirely preventable disease, though there are things that you can do to lower your risk of contracting the disease. These include:
The treatment of pneumonia depends largely on the patient and the type of the infection.
Mild cases of pneumonia can most often be treated at home under the direction of a primary care physician. At home treatment methods may include the following:
More advanced cases of pneumonia, or cases of pneumonia in high risk patients, may require hospitalization. In-hospital treatments may include all of the above treatments as well as IV-delivered fluids and medication, and continuous oxygen delivery from a mask or tube.
The following alternative treatments may help in the treatment and prevention of pneumonia:
Consult your doctor about any alternative or complementary treatments you may wish to try, especially herbal remedies, as they can interact with medications. If symptoms do not improve or worsen, contact your doctor immediately.
The following tips can help make the treatment and recovery process more comfortable:
If you experience any of the following, contact your doctor immediately:
Primary care physicians are normally the first doctors to diagnose and treat pneumonia. If symptoms worsen after treatment from your primary care physician, seek care at an emergency facility.
You may want to ask your doctor the following questions:
For more information about pneumonia, visit:
How Your Smile Improves Your Life – and the Lives Around You
Extreme Exercise and Heart Health
Guide to a Blended Family
All the fun of a mimosa, but with a more tropical taste! ...
Thanksgiving was not always a traditional holiday in Puerto Rico – but as more Puerto Rican families called ...
This light cocktail is inspired by the herb garden. And the lavender simple syrup in this drink is irresistibl ...