Pneumonia Home Treatment

Pneumonia Home Treatment Pneumonia is a serious infection that affects your lungs and causes inflammation in the tiny air sacs of the lungs. Pus or fluid starts filling in the air sacs, which results in fever, phlegm, uncomfortable breathing, and chills. This infection can be caused by different kinds of fungi, viruses and bacteria. It ranges from mild to chronic; chronic pneumonia can also result in death.
However, many people use pneumonia home treatment to combat their condition. Treatment of mild pneumonia can take two to three weeks, but people or babies suffering from other medical conditions in addition to pneumonia tend to suffer more and are often admitted to hospital.Here are a few useful pneumonia home remedies that have been used by numerous people to fight this infection.
Take Care at Home
Change Your Way of Life


One of the most effective home remedies for pneumonia is to change your lifestyle. For instance, if you are a smoker, then it is best to quit smoking right now, as the cigarette’s smoke is extremely injurious to your health and lungs. It is better to avoid spending time with people who have a weak immune system so that they don’t become infected, but it is absolutely safe to stay around people with a strong immune system as pneumonia doesn’t get transferred from a patient to a healthy person.
Take Enough Rest
As soon as you feel that you are being attacked by pneumonia, you should begin your bed rest. Take as much rest as you can so that your recovery phase speeds up. After about a week, you will start feeling better, but the fatigue and exhaustion may prevail for at least a month, and sometimes even longer. Pneumonia patients receiving treatment in the hospital need a minimum of three weeks prior to returning to their routine life. However, if you are a smoker, it will take you a longer time to eliminate all the symptoms of pneumonia.
Increase Your Fluid Intake
Make sure to increase your intake of fluids when treating pneumonia at home. The best thing is to drink as much water as possible because water keeps you hydrated and loosens the Mucus from the lungs.
Resume Your Routine Life After the Symptoms Disappear
Once mucus stops appearing when you cough and the fever vanishes, you can resume your routine life and can go back to your school or work. Begin by going for half of the day, so that you don’t put a lot of pressure on your body. Do not exhaust your body as you will easily become tired. After about three weeks from your recovery date, you can begin working full time.
Use Complete Course of the Prescribed Medicines
Make sure to take the complete course of the medications that you have been prescribed. Stopping the medication before you are completely recovered can put you at risk as the bacteria can increase in number, thus causing the infection to reappear. Hence, you must take care that you continue taking the medicines unless and until all the signs of pneumonia have completely disappeared.
Eat Helpful Foods


Another helpful pneumonia home treatment is to eat some healthy and helpful foods that are known to reduce the effect of the infection.
Garlic
Garlic is known for battling the different fungi, bacteria and viruses associated with pneumonia. It decreases your body temperature and enhances expectoration for clearing the phlegm from your lungs and chest.
How to apply:

• To make the most of this ingredient, it is best to add three parts of water with one part milk, along with a half teaspoon of garlic. Crush the garlic before adding it so that it dissolves in the mixture easily. Boil this mixture until you get one-fourth cup of the amount you added in the start. Use it three times a day.


• You can also use garlic by mixing it with an equal quantity of honey and lemon juice. Consume it three times a day. Rubbing garlic juice or paste on your throat and chest can also be helpful. If its smell and taste bothers you, you can use ginger tea instead.

Vegetable Juice
Drinking vegetable juices is also a helpful pneumonia home treatment. Cucumber, spinach, beet and fresh carrot juices are excellent for treating pneumonia at home. They boost your immunity, dissolve the mucus and also help you to detoxify your body. Drink parsnip juice as well as it is saturated in chlorine and phosphorus, which is helpful for the lungs and the bronchial system.
How to apply:

• Mix spinach and carrot juice together in a two to three ratio and drink it every day.


• You can also mix one part of cucumber and beet juice with three parts of fresh carrot juice and use it every day.


• Drinking a cup of fresh parsnip juice every day is also beneficial.

Turmeric
Turmeric kicks mucus out from your body. It also fights infection as it has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
How to apply:

• Mix mustard oil and turmeric powder and apply this paste on your body, mainly the chest area.


• Mix one teaspoon turmeric in lukewarm milk and drink it twice or thrice daily.


• Mix one fourth of teaspoon black pepper with half a teaspoon of turmeric in warm water and drink it daily.

Watch the video below to find more foods for soothing pneumonia symptoms:

Take OTC Drugs


Using ibuprofen or Paracetamol is a common pneumonia home treatment for reducing fever and relieving pain, but ibuprofen shouldn’t be used if you have an Allergy to NSAIDS or aspirin, or if you have kidney disease, Asthma, indigestion or a family history of mild to chronic stomach Ulcers.
Do not use medicines for a cough, as it would put an end to it and make it difficult for you to clear out all the mucus lodged in the lungs. To soothe the uneasiness caused by your cough, you can drink a mixture of warm water with lemon juice and honey.
Use Antibiotics


Amoxicillin is an antibiotic normally used by pneumonia patients. It kills bacteria, providing relief from the fever and fatigue experienced in pneumonia. In case you are allergic to it or it doesn’t provide any relief, or your healthcare provider suspects that you are being attacked by a unique bacterium, then you may have to change to another antibiotic.
However, if it suits you then you will notice an improvement in your condition after three days of using amoxicillin. In case the signs reappear after three weeks, consult your doctor.
Note
Consult your doctor as soon as possible if you experience chest pain, persistently high fever of 39oC or a higher, persistent cough and problematic breathing. Also consult the doctor in the following circumstances:

• If a child younger than 24 months shows symptoms of pneumonia


• If you are aged 65 or above


• If you have a weak immune system or a poor health


• If you are receiving chemotherapy or any medicines that suppress the immune system

Pneumonia and Lung Cancer

Pneumonia and Lung Cancer Pneumonia is an illness caused by a bacterial or viral infection in the lungs, or fluid buildup caused by a structural problem. Lung cancer is caused by an overgrowth of abnormal cells that turn into lung Tumors. Over 160,000 people die from lung cancer each year. If you are concerned that pneumonia causes lung cancer, this article will help to explain how the two may be related.



Can Pneumonia Develop into Lung Cancer?
Yes, pneumonia can lead to lung cancer. Repeated episodes of pneumonia can cause scarring and inflammation in the lungs. Scar tissue can cause abnormal cell growth during the healing phase that can form tumors that become cancerous.
Risks of recurrent pneumonia are increased by history of Asthma, smoking, breathing in toxic substances on a daily basis, and other lung diseases. Lack of treatment with steroids and bronchodilators can lead to inflammation and permanent lung damage. Pneumonia and lung cancer are strongest in those with a family history of both.
How to Prevent Pneumonia from Worsening toLung Cancer
Since it is a possibility for pneumonia to turn into lung cancer, it is important to take preventative measures to reduce the risk of this happening. Things you can do include:
1. Don't Smoke


Not only is smoking the number one cause of lung cancer, smoking can increase the risk of pneumonia. If you do not smoke, you should try to avoid second hand smoke if at all possible. Do not allow smoking in your home or car to protect your lungs and the lungs of others.
2. Avoid Carcinogens
Try to avoid breathing in fumes from cleaners, paint and solvents. These things can cause inflammation of the lung tissue that can lead to Bronchitis and pneumonia. Try not to eat any foods containing processed chemicals such as preservatives and have your home checked for radon gas and asbestos.
3. Eat Healthy


Try to eat a diet high in antioxidants to help heal lung tissue after pneumonia and prevent cancer cells from forming. Eat a variety fresh food colors like beets, strawberries, green peppers, blueberries, and carrots. Reduce the amount of red meat in your diet, and drink lots of fluids.
4. Treat Lung Infections Promptly
If you do get a respiratory infection, get to the doctor and treated as soon as you develop a cough. Along with treatment, the doctor may give you steroids to reduce inflammation in the lungs. This reduces the risk of scar tissue developing.
Will Lung Cancer Cause Pneumonia?
It can, yes. If you have lung cancer you do run a higher risk of developing pneumonia. Pneumonia is caused by bacterial and viral infections, but if you have lung cancer it can also be caused by obstruction of the lung due to a tumor. It can be very serious and needs to be treated immediately.
Symptoms of Pneumonia and Lung Cancer
When you have lung cancer and come down with pneumonia, the symptoms really aren't any different. One important thing to note, if you do get pneumonia with lung cancer the symptoms may be hard to differentiate and it may be hard to diagnose the pneumonia. The symptoms are very similar. Symptoms of pneumonia include:

• Cough, sometimes severe


• Mucus (rust colored or blood tinged)


• Shortness of breath


• Chills


• Fever


• Fatigue


• Chest pain


• Feeling sweaty


• Confusion


• Nausea and/or vomiting


• Appetite loss

Treatments to Manage Pneumonia and Lung Cancer
The treatment for pneumonia that occurs when you have lung cancer is much like anyone who has pneumonia without lung cancer. The focus will be to treat the pneumonia, relieve symptoms, and increase comfort. Measures will also be taken to make sure oxygen levels remain stable.
Medical Treatments

• Bacterial Pneumonia

In many cases, patients will be admitted to the hospital for intravenous antibiotic therapy, fluids, and oxygen if needed. They may also need to do breathing treatments to keep the airways open. You may be able to stay home and receive antibiotic therapy at home.
The common antibiotics used for pneumonia are azithromycin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, or levofloxacin.

• Viral Pneumonia

If you have viral pneumonia, treatment is only supportive since antibiotics won't work. You will most likely be given intravenous fluids, breathing treatments, steroids for inflammation, and oxygen if needed. If you only have a mild case of pneumonia and your cancer is not at an advanced stage, you may be allowed to stay home on bedrest.
Home Care for Pneumonia and Lung Cancer
If you are allowed to stay in your home, the doctor will most likely have you do the following:

• Turn, Cough, Deep Breathe Every 2 Hours

Pneumonia can be complicated by lung cancer and fluids can build up in the lungs and impair breathing. Not moving the fluids in the lungs may make pneumonia worse or even serious. If you are at home, remember to change your body position, cough, and deep breathe every two hours.

• Humidify the Air

If your chest feels tight, turn on a humidifier in your room. This will help to loosen secretions so you can cough them up easier.

• Keep Your Head Elevated

Keep your head elevated at night when you sleep and when you are lying in bed. This will help you breathe better and reduce coughing episodes.

• Drink Plenty of Fluids

Pneumonia can cause fluid losses due to coughing. Lack of fluids can also cause the lung secretions to become tight and make coughing worse. It is very important to increase your fluid intake when you have pneumonia.

• Take All Prescribed Medications

If you have bacterial pneumonia, it is very important to take all of your antibiotics as directed by your doctor. Missing a dose or not finishing them can cause the pneumonia to come back, sometimes even worse. If you have breathing treatments, take them on time to prevent coughing spells and breathing issues.

• Keep in Touch with Your Doctors

When you have pneumonia along with lung cancer, you will want to keep in touch with both your primary care doctor and your oncologist to manage your care. Your oncologist will let you know if you are to stop or continue any cancer treatments during your illness. Make sure you let your care team know any new medications you have been prescribed.

How to Treat Walking Pneumonia in Children

How to Treat Walking Pneumonia in Children

Walking pneumonia is so termed because the child often feels well enough to continue with their daily activities and are as active as they normally are.This milder version of pneumonia has symptoms that are niggling and may continue for longer than a month. Sometimes the fever, often associated with this atypical type of pneumonia, disappears even though the infection is still present.This type of mild or atypical pneumonia is caused by the Mycoplasma bacteria.

How to Tell If My Children Have Walking Pneumonia
The typical symptoms of walking pneumonia in children are:

• Not a very high fever: below about 38.5 degrees Celsius


• Other typical symptoms of a cold or flu, like chills, Headache and Sore Throat


• Unusual breathing like breathing fast, wheezing or grunting sounds while breathing accompanied by laboured breathing


• Persistent cough that sounds hacking


• Pain either in the chest area or the tummy


• General feeling of body weakness


• Vomiting and/diarrhoea


• Poor appetite or loss of appetite


• Skin rash

Symptoms appear between 15-25 days after exposure to the pathogen.Your doctor can generally diagnose walking pneumonia in children by the symptoms that they present with. This is the leading manner in which a positive diagnosis is made.

Your doctor may also order an x-ray to confirm the diagnosis.Blood tests that may be ordered: cold agglutinin test, complement-fixing antibody test and Mycoplasma pneumonia antibody test.The pathogen that causes the conditionis also responsible for other types of infections like Ear Infections, Bronchitis, Croup and Sinus Infections.

Medical Treatments for Walking Pneumonia in Children
Antibiotics are prescribed as the main avenue of treatment. Once the antibiotic regime has started, the child will start feeling better soon after.

Possible antibiotics are:

• Erythromycin


• Azithromycin (Zithromax®)


• Clarithromycin


• Tetracycline (only prescribed for children over the age of 8)

If the infection is deemed mild, then the infection is left to clear on its own.

Recovery from Walking Pneumonia in Children

• Askyour child to drink plenty of fluids to keep the body hydrated and allow the body to flush out the toxins. Manage the mild symptoms with over-the-counter medicines, e.g. analgesics for fever and pain.


• You must allow your child to rest his body so that it can eliminate the infection, so keep the child out of school for a few days.


• Ensure you confirm with the doctor or pharmacist which cough syrup is best to treat the cough. Remember a cough suppressant will stop the coughing but if there is phlegm/Mucus in the lungs that will remain trapped in the lungs. Perhaps an expectorant will be more beneficial in loosening the phlegm so that it can be eliminated.


• To ease the chest pain, place a warm compress on the chest area.


• Continually monitor your child's fever. Alert your doctor if the temperature increases over 38.9 degrees Celsius in an older child or above 38 degrees Celsius in a baby under the age of 6 months.

There are some dietary changes you can make to speed up the recovery process:

• Minimize the intake of animal protein. Animal protein is difficult to digest and places a strain on the body's organs. Instead, allow the protein consumed be from plant sources, such as eggplant, artichokes, spinach, etc.


• Increase the antioxidant intake,such as apple and cranberry juice.


• Including foods such as carrots and cayenne pepper in the diet will assist the body to heal the lungs and they are also full of antioxidants.


• Include foods that are rich in potassium to speed up the the repair of inflamed tissue. Foods such as avocado, bananas and leafy green are chock-full of potassium.

Prevention of Walking Pneumonia in Children
The conditionis very prevalent in school-age children because of the close proximity of the children.This airborne infection is easily spread through Sneezing, rubbing the eye with hands that have the bacteria present on them, using the same utensils as one who is infected, etc. This is the reason why once a child is infected, almost everyone in close proximity to that child is vulnerable to being infected.

There is no vaccine available and once you have the infection, there is no guarantee you will not contract it again at a later time. However, ensure your child is up to date with all of their recommended immunizations to prevent other infections whilst the body's immune system is compromised.

There are steps you can advise your child to adopt to minimize the chances of contracting walking pneumonia in children.

• When sneezing, do so in a tissue which should be discarded as soon as it is used. If there is no tissue available, sneeze into the elbow rather than into the hands. If you sneeze onto your hands, any bacteria from your nose or mouth will be transferred to anything you touch.


• Wash the hands regularly during the day with soap and warm water. Hands should be lathered for about 20 seconds to be completely effective. If there is no water and soap available, make use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.


• Avoid sharing any eating utensils, towels or drinking glasses.

How Do You Get Pneumonia?

How Do You Get Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a serious lung infection and can often make someone very ill or be fatal. It is most common and most serious when it occurs in babies, people with compromised immune function and elderly people, but anyone can acquire pneumonia.

Pneumonia can be caused by many things including; viruses, bacterial infections, parasites and fungal infection. Prompt recognition of symptoms and medical treatment can greatly reduce the risk of more serious complications or death from pneumonia.

How do You Get Pneumonia?
The statistics are alarming. It is a known fact that pneumonia affects 3 million people every year in the U.S. Out of these 4 million people, 17% of them need to be hospitalized for treatment and almost everyone who is treated for pneumonia make a full recovery. The sad fact is that 5% of pneumonia sufferers die from this illness.

1. Inhaling the Bacteria or Virus
The most common cause of pneumonia is when we inhale either a virus or bacteria that causes pneumonia directly into our lungs. If our immune system is unable to directly fight off the invaders, then they will grow in the alveoli (air sacks). The immune system will attempt to get rid of the infection with increased white blood cells. In turn the lungs fill up with pus and fluid, thus turning into a lung infection.

2. Temporary Hospital Admission
If you are hospitalized for 48 hours or longer, you are at a higher risk for a condition known as, “hospital-acquired pneumonia.” This can be transferred from patient to patient, especially in units where patients are kept more closely together. Because this infection is contracted in a hospital environment, the bacteria may be stronger and less susceptible to antibiotics. The use of life-support devices in the ICU also puts patients at higher risk of pneumonia.

3. Living in a Care Facility for a Long Time
If you live in a convalescent hospital, a retirement home or spend a large amount of time in kidney dialysis centers, you may be at higher risk for a type of pneumonia known as “health-care acquired pneumonia.” If you get this type of pneumonia, it may also be less susceptible to antibiotics. These centers are especially prone to pneumonia outbreaks because of the population they serve, the elderly and immunocompromised patients that are naturally at higher risk for pneumonia.

4. Breathing in Foreign Objects
When pneumonia is caused by a foreign object inhaled into the lungs it is known as aspiration pneumonia. The causes of aspiration pneumonia are; liquids, foods, and saliva or stomach contents. This aspiration may happen if something disturbs your normal gag reflex. Things that disrupt the gag reflex have to do with injury to the nerves in the throat, brain injuries or drug/alcohol use.

Types of Pneumonia Based on the Causative Germs
Generally, pneumonia is called just by that name alone. In order to determine proper medical treatment, doctors will sometimes refer to the name of the germ that caused the infection. In order to do this, they will obtain a sample of what the person coughs up and test it for the type of germ. Then they can determine the proper medications needed. Common types are bacterial pneumonia, viral pneumonia and fungal pneumonia.

Each type of germ will need its own specific treatment; antibiotics for bacterial, antifungal medications for fungal types and rest/fluids for viral pneumonia.

What Are the Symptoms of Pneumonia?
The onset of symptoms may be slow or quick depending on how strong a person’s immune system is. Some people may think they have Influenza or a simple cold virus that is not clearing up. Here are some common symptoms of Pneumonia:

• Productive cough with thickened secretions


• Shortness of breath


• Pain with breathing


• Fever and chills


• Sweating


• Sub-normal body temperature (elderly, infants and people with weak immunity)


• Headache


• Nausea and vomiting


• Weakness and fatigue


• Muscle aches

Infants may not have any symptoms, but they may look like they are having trouble breathing and eat less than normal. They may also be irritable and restless with vomiting and/or fever.

What Are the Risk Factors for Pneumonia?
The elderly population over 65 and infants under the age of 2 years are at the highest risk for pneumonia. People with the following diseases are also at higher risk:

• Patients in ICU on ventilators


• People with chronic illness including; Asthma, Hiv, heart and lung diseases


• Smokers


• People who have had organ transplants


• Patients on chemotherapy or immune suppressant drugs

Watch a video for more information:

What Are the Treatments for Pneumonia?
The following treatments are used to try and help the body recover from pneumonia:

• Medical Treatments. Antibiotics, cough medicines, antiviral medications, bed rest at home, hospitalization (in severe cases) and breathing treatments.


• Home Remedies. Bed rest until you are feeling better, stay home from work/school and drink extra fluids.


• Preventions. There are things you can do to help prevent yourself from getting pneumonia or help to lessen the severity of pneumonia if you do get it. Try doing the following things:

1. Get an annual influenza vaccination

2. Try to get a pneumonia vaccination every few years

3. Vaccinate your kids for influenza yearly and have a different pneumonia vaccine for children between 2-5 years old every year.

4. Use good hand washing technique

5. Try to quit smoking and do not smoke when you are sick

6. Practice good health habits with diet and exercise

7. Keep indoors and away from others when you are sick

Watch a video for more remedies:

Medication for Pneumonia

Medication for Pneumonia

Pneumonia is basically an infection of the lungs which can be caused due to virus, bacteria, fungi, parasites and various microorganisms. The lungs are made up of thousands of bronchi which branch out into smaller sacs called alveoli. Every alveolus is covered with a fine network of capillaries where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide from the blood takes place.

In pneumonia, the alveoli get filled with pus and fluids or exudate. This does not allow exchange of gases and is also referred as “consolidation and collapse of lungs”.

Symptoms and Causes of Pneumonia
Pneumonia can affect anyone from any age group, but is more common in children of 4 years old or younger and elderly people as well. It can affect a person suddenly or gradually. Pneumonia can be cured in one week or 10 days with proper treatment course.

What Are the Symptoms of Pneumonia?
The symptoms of the pneumonia vary depending on the causative agent, age and overall health of the person. They are similar to cold and flu symptoms, but the duration is longer. Some common symptoms are:

• Fever, chills and sweating


• Chest pain when coughing, production of thick sticky fluid on coughing


• Headache, nausea, vomiting and Diarrhea


• Shortness of breath, fatigue and muscle ache

Infants may not exhibit any sign of infection; whereas, elderly people might have changes in mental awareness.

What Causes Pneumonia?
As discussed, pneumonia can be caused due to various organisms. Cold and flu can also trigger pneumonia. In almost half of the cases, the cause is never found. The symptoms are different based on the organism causing it:

• Bacteria: Bacteria can affect anyone but usually affects people who have low immunity or are recovering from illness, babies, elderly and alcoholics. Green or rust colored phlegm is usually seen in this case.


• Mycoplasma: This is a type of bacteria and the pneumonia is milder; however, it takes longer to recover. White phlegm, nausea and vomiting are the usual symptoms.


• Virus: Around 50% of pneumonia cases are said to be caused by viruses and the symptoms are similar to that of cold and flu.

Medications for Pneumonia


The treatment will be prescribed by the doctor depending on the cause and the form of pneumonia. Treatment will aim to get rid of the infection and to avoid further complications due to pneumonia.

Medications for Bacterial Pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia is the most common type and usually antibiotics are used to treat it. They have higher rate of cure and the type of antibiotic will depend on the various factors like age of the person, the symptoms, severity of the symptoms and whether hospitalization is required. It is important to inform the doctor about any known allergies and current medications before taking antibiotics.

Taking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids keeps the body hydrated and loosens up the Mucus. Anti-fever medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) may also help you feel better.

Besides antibiotics, the other medications given are:

• Bronchodilators: They help in keeping the air passages open and aid in breathing.


• Expectorants: These are responsible in the thinning of the sputum or phlegm, which makes it easier to cough it up and spit it out. This also Aids in breathing easily.


• Antipyretic and pain medicine: These are used to reduce fever and to decrease pain.


• Steroids: These are given to open the air passages and should be started or discontinued only after confirmation from the doctor.

Medications for Viral Pneumonia
The medications for treating viral pneumonia will change as antibiotics are not effective on viruses. A lot of rest and hydration is important in this type of pneumonia.

If viral pneumonia is suspected to have been caused by Influenza virus, anti-flu medication is given within 36 hours of the symptoms appearing. Some medicines given are Amantadine, Rimantadine, Oseltamivir in the form of pills or capsules. Zanamivir is in powder form and inhaled so that it reaches the lungs directly.

Varicella pneumonia is a serious condition and treatment is to give acyclovir, either orally or intravenously. When it comes to respiratory syncytial virus, usually only symptoms need to be treated; when the situation is really severe, it can be treated with Ribavirin. Adenovirus and parainfluenza virus pneumonia treatment also involves relieving the symptoms.

Watch a video to learn more about the symptoms, causes and things to pay attention to in case of pneumonia:

How to Manage Pneumonia at Home
Following certain home treatmentscan help to recover from pneumonia more easily:

• Get adequate rest and take it easy when you get back to work or school.


• Staying away from work till temperature returns to normal and coughing stops is also recommended.


• Drinking fluids helps in loosening mucus in the lungs.


• It is also necessary to complete the entire course of antibiotics so that the pneumonia does not recur. Incomplete medication can cause the bacteria to harbor and multiply.

Warning: Smoking causes lung damage and increases chances of lung infection like bacterial pneumonia. Prolonged alcohol intake also increases the risk of bacterial pneumonia.

When to See a Doctor
Doctor should be consulted when there is chest pain, fever of 102 F that stays persistently, increased coughing, coughing of pus and difficulty in breathing. It is essential to consult the doctor immediately if these symptoms are seen in children of 2 years old or younger, people older than 65 years old, individuals who have another underlying health condition or compromised immune system, in individuals who are undergoing chemotherapy or taking medicines which suppress the immune system. For people who have heart ailments or lung ailments, pneumonia can be life threatening.

Can You Catch Pneumonia?

Can You Catch Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by fungi, viruses or bacteria. Viral pneumonia is the most common type, followed by bacterial pneumonia. It is actually a common illness but fortunately is not usually severe. Can you catch pneumonia? Well, pneumonia can be spread from person to person through breathing, coughing, or Sneezing without covering your mouth. Even people without clinical manifestations of the disease can pass on the illness to other people.

Can You Catch Pneumonia?

The simple answer is yes to most kinds of pneumonia, with the exception of chemical-induced one. But technically, what you caught actually are the microorganisms that contribute to getting this disease. The contagion of pneumonia is complex and depends on a person’s immune system and the status of their lungs when the microorganisms take hold. You can get the microorganisms but doesn’t necessarily have to come down with pneumonia; sometimes other minor illnesses may occur.

Pneumonia involves a lung inflammation that is usually caused by a microorganism but can also be attributed to chemicals. Whether or not pneumonia is contagious depends on what the specific cause is.

Viral Pneumonia
Viral pneumonia can be contagious. Healthy people can easily catch the virus through contact with an infected person, but doesn’t necessarily have to come down with pneumonia as a result of the infection.

Bacterial Pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia is usually a secondary infection caused by having inflammation elsewhere in the body. People who get bacterial pneumonia usually have weaker immune systems, but even healthy people with no predisposing factors can get this type of pneumonia. In some cases, the bacterium caught does not travel to the lungs, butmanifesting asless serious symptoms like Strep Throat or Sinus Infections instead.

Mycoplasma Pneumonia
Mycoplasma is a microorganism that has the traits of both bacteria and viruses. Although mycoplasma pneumonia usually causes mildersymptoms, it is nevertheless, contagious. People with this kind of pneumonia should avoid exposure tothe at-risk group which includes the elderly, those with a weak immune system, and infants.

Chemical Pneumonia
Chemical pneumonia is not contagious but can be very serious. It is caused by inhaling a chemical irritant that sets up an inflammatory response in the person.

In a word, exposure to someone who has pneumonia does not necessarily mean you will catch pneumonia as well. More likely, you will develop a sickness that is far less serious. People with risk factors are more likely to contract pneumonia, and suffer more serious symptoms.

Who Isat a Higher Risk of Catching Pneumonia?
After answering the question “can you catch pneumonia?”, let’s look at who are more likely to develop pneumonia than others. Generally, the elderly (those over 65 years of age) and young children below the age of 2 are the most at-risk group for contracting this disease.

Other risk factors for catching pneumonia include:

• Those with a weak immune system. People suffering from Hiv, are on immunosuppressant drugs because of organ transplant, are on steroid drugs, or are taking chemotherapy are at a greater risk of pneumonia.


• Chronic illnesses. People who have lung conditions like Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can catch pneumonia more easily. Those with Heart Diseases have a special risk for pneumonia as well.


• Being in a hospital.Patients on a ventilator or in the ICU have a greater than average risk of developing pneumonia.


• Smokers. Smokers have damaged lungs with ineffective cilia to brush pathogens out of the lungs. This puts them at a greater risk of catching pneumonia.

What Are the Symptoms of Pneumonia?
Can you catch pneumonia? Yes, it is possible and the symptoms you have can include:

• Fever


• Coughing


• Dark or green sputum from inside the lungs


• Rapid heartbeat


• Rapid breathing rate


• Shaking chills


• Pleuritic chest pain, which is sharp pain whenbreathing


• Diarrhea


• Nausea and vomiting


• Weakness and fatigue


• Headaches


• Delirium or confusion


• Sweating


• Muscle pain


• Cyanosis, which is a bluish discoloration of the skin from a lack of oxygenation

How is Pneumonia Diagnosed and Treated?
The diagnosis of pneumonia often starts with the doctor getting a complete history of your symptoms and by a very careful physical examination. Abnormal sounds can be heard when auscultating the lungs and a plain chest x-ray will show infiltrates in the lungs consistent with pneumonia.

Most people with pneumonia will need antibiotics combined with rest and plenty of fluids to help loosen the phlegm that can then be coughed out of the lungs. Improvement after receiving treatment often takes about 2-3 days.

More serious cases will need hospitalization, IV fluids and IV antibiotics. Oxygen will help these people feel better and will help clear out the infection. Very sick people will need the use of a ventilator, which is a respiratory machine that does the work of breathing for you because you cannot breathe well on your own.

How Can I Prevent Catching Pneumonia?
Because the answer to the question, “can you catch pneumonia?” is yes, you need to do what you can to prevent the infection from taking hold in your lungs.

There are vaccinesyou can get that will help reduce the risk of catching pneumonia.

• An annual flu shot can keep you from catching the flu. When you have the flu, your immune system will be weak and you will be at a greater risk of getting bacterial pneumonia.


• The PCV vaccination or “pneumococcal conjugate vaccine” can be given to kids under the age of 5 years to prevent childhood pneumonia.


• The PPSV vaccination is also referred to as the “pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine”. It is given to adults who are older than 65 years of age or to people with chronic illnesses that puts them at risk for catching pneumonia. This vaccine lasts about 5 years before you need to be re-vaccinated.

Things that healthy people can do to stave off pneumonia include the following:

• Take vitamin C, which is protective against infections


• Eat a healthy diet


• Remain active so that your lungs will be healthy


• Get plenty of rest


• Stop smoking and do not use alcohol in excess


• Cover your mouth and nose whenever you have to cough or sneeze


• Practice frequent handwashing techniques and use alcohol-based hand wash


• Stay away from people who are sick with pneumonia, especially if you are at risk yourself

Streptococcus Pneumoniae

Streptococcus Pneumoniae

The bacteria Streptococcus Pneumoniae was first discovered and isolated by Louis Pasteur in 1881. The term "Streptococcus Pneumoniae" originally comes from the Ancient Greek. "Strepto" means "twisted" and "coccos" originally meant "berry". The "pneumonia" part was named after the fact that the bacteria usually settles in the lungs and can often cause pneumonia. Because the bacteria usually comes in pairs, it is also known as Diplococcus Pneumoniae.

What Is Streptococcus Pneumoniae?



Streptococcus Pneumoniae is a strain of bacteria that are usually shaped like slightly pointed cocci. They are often found in pairs, although it is also possible to find shorter chains and single cells. These bacteria are classified as alpha hemolytic, which refers to how they break down red blood cells. Individual Streptococcus Pneumoniae bacterium usually measures between 0.5 and 1.25 micrometers in diameter. Streptococcus Pneumoniae is non-motile and does not form or release spore, although it does have pili which are sometimes used for adherence, usually to a host's cells for better growth. Most typically, these bacteria are naturally found in the nasal and throat passages as well as the upper respiratory tract. They thrive best in temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius.

What Is the Cell Structure of Streptococcus Pneumoniae?


Typically, Streptococcus Pneumoniae is completely enclosed by polysaccharide capsules, which makes it such an effective virus. Its cell wall is made up of peptidoglycan, about six layers thick, and lipoteichoic acid which is attached to the membrane by a lipid moiety. This lipid moiety contains phosphorylcholine. Additionally, Streptococcus Pneumoniae has as many as 500 different surface proteins, including CBPs or choline-binding proteins. Twelve proteins from this family are connected to the choline moiety of the cell wall and they help the bacteria attach to other functional components on to the surface of the bacteria. It does not contain catalase, however, and, like other strands of streptococci, it has to ferment glucose in order to create lactic acid. Unlike other streptococci in the same family, Streptococcus Pneumoniae hydrolyzes insulin.

Most of the nitrogen and carbon that the bacteria get are gained through extracellular enzyme systems. These allow the metabolism of hexosamines and polysaccharides and also serve to damage host tissue which better enables colonization, making Streptococcus Pneumonia very effective when it finds a host.

What Diseases Can Streptococcus Pneumoniae Cause?
As previously mentioned, one of the most common diseases that is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus Pneumonia is pneumonia, a condition where a patient's lungs and the alveoli therein become inflamed due to infection. Pneumonia caused by this bacteria is broken up into four stages. During the first, the alveoli of the host's lung fill up with a serous fluid which scientists believe is stimulated by the Streptococcus Pneumoniae cell wall. The organisms contained within this fluid are then spread throughout the lungs, which leads to the second stage, in which neutrophils invade the alveoli. More red blood cells are also attracted to the site. During the third stage of pneumonia, macrophages eat away the remaining residue from the rush of blood to the area. If Streptococcus Pneumoniae is not found and stopped, it can persist in the lungs and then get into the blood stream, where it is easier for the bacteria to get into the brain and start infecting the meninges, causing Meningitis.

Besides meningitis and pneumonia, there are a number of other diseases that are associated with Streptococcus Pneumonia, including Sinusitis where the paranasal sinuses become infected, and Otitis, the infected of the middle ear. Streptococcus Pneumoniae can also cause petonitis, the inflammation of the peritoneum, and Arthritis.

How to Diagnose Streptococcus Pneumoniae Infections
In order to catch and, therefore, treat Streptococcus Pneumoniae, a gram stain must be performed on the sputum of the patient. The bacteria can be identified if neutrophils are present in the sample and if there are more than ten gram-positive diplococci. If the results of the test are inconclusive, or if further tests are required, the bacteria can be investigated further by being streaked onto blood agar. When this test is performed, the Streptococcus Pneumoniae should start to exhibit alpha-hemolysis, where the blood agar has areas of green coloring around the colonies of the bacteria that has been streaked onto the agar. However, this test is not always conclusive because other members of the Streptococcus bacteria exhibit similar reactions and can cause alpha-hemolysis. In order for this test to be conclusive, the streaked organisms should also exhibit sensitivity to optochin or bile, which can more conclusively prove that the bacteria is Streptococcus Pneumoniae.

How to Treat Streptococcus Pneumoniae Infections
Depending on how severe the infection is and how long someone has been suffering, there are a number of different treatments available for those who are suffering from an infection of Streptococcus Pneumoniae.

If the infection is extremely severe or has been going on for a long time, penicillin G is often administered to the patient, but for more minor infections, penicillin V is more commonly used. Unfortunately, more and more strains of Streptococcus Pneumoniae are now becoming more resistant to penicillin because this is the way it most commonly treated and it has adapted to be resistant to different types of penicillin. Since certain strains of Streptococcus Pneumoniae have developed a resistance to this method of treatment, it is entirely possible that other strains will soon start developing a similar resistance, which means scientists need to find an alternative treatment method. However, because Streptococcus Pneumoniae is naturally very fast growing and can create large cell densities in its infectious setting, its development or penicillin-resistant strains is very concerning.

Luckily, scientists are now working on developing Erythromycin as a cure for Streptococcus Pneumoniae infections, as it has been proved effective against strains of the bacteria that are resistant to penicillin.

Based on the information above, prevention is often better than cure in case of Streptococcus Pneumoniae, and luckily there is also a vaccine that is offered to help prevent Streptococcus Pneumoniae from invading and causing infections in the first place. The vaccine has a 23-valent capsular polysaccharide which can protect against the most common strains of the bacteria. However, because there are so many different types (over 90 different strains at least) and it is evolving all the time, the vaccine is not effective against all strain, and it is still possible to suffer from Streptococcus Pneumoniae infections even after having had the vaccine.

Can Bronchitis Turn Into Pneumonia?

Can Bronchitis Turn Into Pneumonia?

Conditions that affect the respiratory system are called respiratory ailments. These include both bronchitis and pneumonia, which commonly affect people during the winter months. The two tend to have similar symptoms, which can make it hard to diagnose which affects a specific individual. Since pneumonia seems more serious than bronchitis,many people wonder, "Can bronchitis turn into pneumonia?"

Can Bronchitis Turn into Pneumonia?
It is not a guarantee that bronchitis will turn into pneumonia. However, for some people, the condition that is caused by bacteria and results in inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes can turn into pneumonia, which occurs only when the bronchitis goes untreated and the bacteria multiplies.

Bronchitis, as mentioned above, is caused by bacteria. The bacteria cause the inflammation in the lining of the bronchial tubes, and then those tubes constrict. That results in difficulty breathing for the individual who is ill. The condition is highly contagious and can affect the sufferer for up to two weeks. Smokers can even suffer the condition for months, and they tend to deal with chronic bronchitis onset.

Pneumonia is considered a severe respiratory disorder and tends to affect young children and those over the age of 60. However, anyone with untreated conditions like bronchitis can develop pneumonia. The condition involves chest pain, a cough that typically brings up phlegm, a high fever, chills and trouble breathing.

Bronchitis can develop into pneumonia for those who leave the condition untreated. The young and old and those with a weakened immune system are particularly susceptible to the possibility. For individuals whose bronchitis turn into pneumonia, the bacteria multiply and the immune system is unable to fight it off without help. Therefore, the condition worsens within the individual, and medical intervention becomes necessary. Pneumonia can develop at a variety of levels of severity.

What Are the Differences Between Bronchitis and Pneumonia?
Although you have gotten a "yes" to the answer "Can bronchitis turn into pneumonia?" it can be still challenging to tell the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia. One of the most important things to remember is that bronchitis that lasts beyond one week needs to be addressed with medical help. That way, it has less chance of turning into pneumonia. If pneumonia does develop, a visit to the doctor can provide access to the appropriate medication to address it.

One difference between bronchitis and pneumonia is that bronchitis often makes yourcough up phlegm – typically clear or green or yellow. Pneumonia, by contrast, is an infection in one of both lungs. This means the cough tends to cause chest pain and the phlegm with pneumonia is typically thicker and harder to bring up with a cough.

Another difference to take note of between the two conditions is the level of issue when it comes to shortness of breath. Pneumonia makes it harder to take in adequate oxygen in a breath. The oxygenated blood is also impacted, as it is harder to circulate that blood throughout the body.

If a person finds him or herself coughing up bloody Mucus, this is also a strong indication of pneumonia. This symptom rarely occurs with acute bronchitis. Meanwhile, a high fever also indicatespneumonia.

What to Do to Avoid Bronchitis Turning into Pneumonia
Since you have known the answer to "Can bronchitis turn into pneumonia?" you must want to know how to avoid its happening. Addressing the symptoms of bothbronchitis and pneumonia makes a big difference in avoiding the onset of pneumonia. With this in mind, keep track of symptoms and go to visit a doctor for bronchitis that is longer than one week. If necessary, the approaches below can help resolve issues.

1. Medication
If you are dealing with a prolonged case of bronchitis, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. He or she may also recommend an inhaler or other medications if you suffer from Asthma or severe allergies. Finally, the use of cough medicine to help minimize the coughing spells until your body has a chance to fight off the bacteria may be a wise idea.

2. Therapies
For those who deal with chronic bronchitis, pulmonary rehabilitation may be a consideration. This therapy helps improve the use of the patient's lung capacity, making breathe easier and exercise successfully.

3. Home Care
For those who deal with bronchitis regularly, these tips hereshould be part of your routine. Consider adding a humidifier to the home. Warm air that is moist rather than dry helps alleviate cough issues. Another thing to consider is the use of a face mask while outdoors or while exposed to lung irritants, like paint fumes, cleaner fumes or even smoke. Avoid smoking yourself, since that increases the odds of developing bronchitis.

Pneumonia in the Elderly

Pneumonia in the Elderly

Pneumonia involves an infection or inflammation of the alveoli of the lungs and the lung tissue. Pneumonia can be caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria, although there are types of pneumonia that are not infection-related but are due to the inhalation of toxic material or foreign substances into the lung tissue. About 50,000 individuals in the US will die each year as a result of pneumonia. Pneumonia in the elderly is a common cause of death in older people, because they have a weaker immune system compared to young people.

Why Are the Elderly People More Susceptible to Pneumonia?
Pneumonia in the elderly is nothing to take lightly. Not only are the elderly at a greater risk of developing pneumonia, but also they have a greater risk of dying from the disease. Here are some reasons why the elderly are at a higher risk of getting pneumonia.

• Elderly people are frailer. People who are older are basically frailer than younger people. They are unable to cough well enough to clear Mucus from the lungs, which then causes the mucus to travel down the bronchial tree and into the lungs where infection sets in.


• Elderly people have weakened immune systems. The weaker immune systems of the elderly mean that they are unable to fight off infections like pneumonia effectively. Elderly people are more likely to be immunosuppressed from having had an organ transplant, taking steroids for long periods of time, or taking chemotherapy for Cancer. In addition, the elderly person is less able to recognize the symptoms of pneumonia, because their immune systems don't respond the same as that in younger people.


• There are other health conditions in seniors. Seniors are more likely to have other health problems, including Parkinson's disease, Hiv, chemotherapy, or Diabetes,which make them more likely to have pneumonia. Pneumonia in the elderly is also associated with lung diseases such as Asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, Cystic Fibrosis, or bronchiectasis.


• Surgery affects the risk of pneumonia. Elderly individuals who have to have surgery are more likely to get pneumonia later on. When the elderly person is given medications for pain, they are more likely to take shallower breaths, which causes the secretions to collect in the lungs.


• The elderly have nourishment issues. Many elderly persons tend not to get various nutritions necessary to fight off infections. They can't fight off illness as well when they are so malnourished. If they live in a nursing facility, there is more likely to be bacteria around that can result in pneumonia.

What Are the Symptoms of Pneumonia in the Elderly?
There are more than 30 different kinds of microorganisms that can result in pneumonia in the elderly. Depending on the strain of microorganism, the symptoms of pneumonia can be different. There are some typical symptoms of pneumonia, however, that you should be aware of:

• Coughing


• The production of yellow or green sputum


• Feeling weak or experiencing malaise


• Having chest pain


• Having fever and chills


• Being confused


• Being short of breath

Sometimes, the elderly person may believe they are just suffering from the flu or have a cold. In addition, doctors believe that the signs and symptoms of pneumonia in elderly persons are different from those seen in young people.

Pneumonia in the elderly can be silent, without the typical symptoms. They may have a slight cough and bring up small amounts of sputum, exhibiting signs that are changeable and ill-defined. The constitutional symptoms of pneumonia may not be suggestive of the disease. Older people may not have a fever, even when they have a serious case of pneumonia.

Rather than the typical symptoms, the elderly person might be more lethargic or sleepy; they may have a loss of appetite or may be dizzy, resulting in falls. If the elderly person has some type of Dementia, they may be unable to tell you exactly what they are feeling even though they have a serious case of pneumonia.

How to Diagnose Pneumonia in the Elderly
There are tests that can be done to tell if an elderly person has pneumonia. The doctor can simply listen to the individual's lungs for rattling sounds and rales (bubbling sounds) that are typical of pneumonia and lung inflammation. A chest x-ray or CT scan will show areas of pneumonia, called consolidation. A pulse oximetry test checks for the level of oxygen in the system, which tends to be lower if the person has pneumonia. In some cases, the mucus or blood can be cultured to identify the specific organism that is causing the pneumonia.

How to Treat Pneumonia in the Elderly
The best treatment for pneumonia is to use antibiotics to kill the bacterial or fungal organisms. The anti-microbial medication of choice depends on which organism is causing the infection, the chance that the organism is resistant to the basic antibiotics, and the underlying condition of the patient's health.

About 80 percent of community-acquired pneumonia can safely be treated at home with just the use of oral antibiotics. Empiric treatment is given when the exact organism and its sensitivities are not known. When the exact cause of the pneumonia is identified, the exact antibiotic against the microorganism can be used and the treatment can become more tailored. About 20 percent, pneumonia must be treated in a hospital with IV antibiotics.

If the pneumonia is due to a virus, no antibiotic is available to treat this type of infection. Sometimes, antiviral medication can be used to treat the pneumonia. These types of medications are best given early in the course of the disease and include medications like Tamiflu and Relenza. Fungal pneumonias are treated with anti-fungal medications.

How to Prevent Pneumonia in the Elderly
Fortunately, pneumonia in the elderly can be prevented. Here are some ways to prevent it:

• Influenza vaccine. While the influenza vaccine doesn't work as well in the elderly as in young people, it can afford some protection against viral pneumonia. If they do get a case of the flu, it is often milder and causes pneumonia to a lesser degree. The influenza vaccine is given yearly.


• Pneumococcal vaccine. This is a type of vaccine that protects against many different strains of bacteria that result in pneumonia. It is important to remember that the pneumococcal vaccine doesn't last as long as it does in younger people. You should get your first shot around age 50 and a second shot at the age of 65. New vaccinations should be given every five years or so.


• Hand washing. Hand washing is important in the prevention of the spread of diseases like pneumonia.


• Good health habits. The elderly should try to get enough exercise and enough sleep, as well as eating healthy foods to improve their resistance to getting pneumonia. They should also stay away from people who are suffering from a cold or flu.


• Dental hygiene. Pneumonia can occur from the bacteria that gather around teeth that are infected. Teeth should be brushed and dental work should be taken care of by the dentist.

Is Pneumonia Contagious?

Is Pneumonia Contagious?

Infections often affect the upper respiratory system, causing Sore Throat, runny nose, cough and fever. However, when the infection affects the lungs, which are part of the lower respiratory system, you could develop pneumonia. Pneumonia can occur in anyone, but it is most likely to affect people with weak immune systems such as the elderly, young children, chronic smokers, and alcoholics.

You may be concerned about contracting pneumonia if someone you know has it. Here is some information about the different causes, symptoms, and treatments for pneumonia and how you can avoid getting it.

Is Pneumonia Contagious?

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection and is commonly caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi. These types of pneumonia can be contagious. However, in some cases, it may also result from inhaled chemical or toxic substances that affect the lungs. In these less common cases, pneumonia is less likely to affect other people not exposed to the chemical substances or to spread from person to person.

Pneumonia could be contagious if the viruses or bacteria causing the lung infection contaminate another person through droplet infection, the most common form of transmission. When an infected person coughs or sheds the bacteria or viruses in the air, anyone who inhales these pathogens may catch the infection and develop a respiratory tract infection within a few days. However, your risk of getting an infection may depend on your immune system and the type of microorganisms involved. Some pathogens are highly contagious and people with weakened immune function are more likely to catch the disease.

How Long Is Pneumonia Contagious?
Bacterial pneumonia becomes less contagious when a sick individual has taken antibiotic treatment for about 1-2 days. However, for some bacteria, such as those causing Tuberculosis, it may take at least 2 weeks of treatment before a person becomes less contagious.

People with viral pneumonia become less contagious after their symptoms recede. However, coughing may persist for several weeks even if one is not contagious anymore.

Different Kinds of Pneumonia and Whether They Are Contagious
Bacterial Pneumonia
Bacteria can cause different types of pneumonia such as streptococcal pneumonia (most common in adults), chlamydophila pneumonia, and H. Influenza type Bpneumonia (most common in children).

Common signs and symptoms of bacterial pneumonia include:

• High fever


• Cough with colored phlegm


• Chills


• Chest pain when breathing deeply or coughing


• Rapid breathing


• Shortness of breath


• Loss of appetite

Is pneumonia contagious? Yes, and bacterial pneumonia can become serious, causing severe symptoms in those affected.

Walking Pneumonia
This occurs when you have a mild bacterial pneumonia, causing symptoms similar to those of a Common Cold, such as:

• Low-grade fever


• Persistent dry cough (worse at night)


• Fatigue /tiredness


• Shortness of breath


• Chest pain


• Loss of appetite

Is walking pneumonia contagious? It is less serious than a full-blown infection, but it is still possible to spread the bacteria through droplet infection.

Viral Pneumonia
Viral pneumonia is more common in young children. It may get better within 3 weeks, but can increase their risk of developing a secondary bacterial pneumonia.

Symptoms are similar to flu, with a dry cough, fever, and Headache. Symptoms get worse within the first 2 days. Adults may develop sore throat, muscle pains and loss of appetite.

Causes of viral pneumonia include the flu virus and the respiratory syncytial virus.

Is pneumonia contagious? Yes, viruses can easily spread in the air from a sick individual to other people. In fact, viruses are the more common cause of respiratory infection compared to bacteria and fungi.

Fungal Pneumonia
There are three common types of fungi that can cause pneumonia:

• Coccidioides


• Histoplasma


• Cryptococcus

Most people inhale fungi but do not get sick. However, with a weak immune system, you may develop fungal pneumonia. Symptoms include fever, dry cough, fatigue and shortness of breath. Is pneumonia contagious? In this case no. However, the symptomsare often more severe because of the individual’s impaired immune function.

Aspiration Pneumonia
Aspiration pneumonia develops when a person inhales food or foreign objects into their lungs, causing the entry of bacteria to the lower respiratory tract. It is a life-threatening condition that requires aggressive treatment, but not contagious.

What to Do If You Have Pneumonia
Consult your doctor if you experience persistent fever (102°F /39°C or higher), persistent cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or if there is pus in your phlegm.

People who are at high risk of developing pneumonia should see a doctor right away. They include:

• Children below 2 years old


• Adults over 65 years of age


• People with weakened immune systems or underlying disease


• Patients receiving chemotherapy or medications that suppress immune system functions

Note: Pneumonia can be life-threatening especially in patients who have chronic lung or heart problems.

General Treatment
If you do not have any risk factors mentioned above and your symptoms are not severe, you may be able to receive treatment at home. Your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics after the diagnosis is confirmed through a chest-ray. When you have finished your full course of antibiotics, another chest x-ray may be taken to confirm successful therapy.

How to Prevent Pneumonia
Apart from knowing the answer to “is pneumonia contagious”, there are also some preventative measures you can take.

Vaccination
Some people may need vaccination to protect them from developing pneumonia, especially if they belong to the high-risk groups, such as elderly people, young children, and health professionals exposed to infected patients. Ask your doctor about getting a vaccination if you are concerned about getting the infection.

Good Hygiene
Just like other types of infections, pneumonia can be prevented by practicing good hygiene, which includes:

• Hand washing, particularly before handling foodand after touching your mouth/nose/face.


• Always covering your mouth and nose when coughing or Sneezing. And wash your hands afterwards to prevent spreading germs.


• Avoid sharing cups, utensils, and other personal items.

Complications of Pneumonia

Complications of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs in one or both lungs. Pus or fluid may buildup in the air sacs, causing cough with pus or phlegm, chills, fever, and difficulty breathing. It usually affects people older than 65 and very young children, but it can affect anyone at any age. You may be at a greater risk though if you have an underlying condition such as Diabetes, Heart Disease, and chronic lung disease. If not treated early, you may have to deal with complications.

What Are the Complications of Pneumonia?
As mentioned early, some people are at a greater risk of developing pneumonia, but it can affect anyone. It is important to seek medical treatment to avoid the following complications.

1. Pleurisy
Pleurisy is inflammation of the two thin linings between your ribcage and lungs. It is a complication of pneumonia and leads to fluid buildup in the space between the wall of your chest and lungs – the condition is called a Pleural Effusion. About half of people with pneumonia end up developing pleural effusion. It makes breathing difficult because the fluid puts pressure on your lungs. In some cases, the fluid becomes infected and causes a buildup of pus – the condition is called empyema.

Treatments

If an infection is present, you will have to take antibiotics to clear it. You may also have to take pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation. In case of pleural effusion, it is important to drain the fluid using a thin tube or a needle.

2. Lung Abscess
If you have pneumonia as well as a serious pre-existing illness, you may develop a lung abscess as one of the complications of pneumonia. A lung abscess is actually a cavity filled with pus that develops inside the tissue of your lungs. The most common signs of a lung abscess are swelling in your toes and fingers and coughing up foul-smelling phlegm.

Treatment

You will have to take antibiotics to deal with infection. Your doctor first gives you intravenous antibiotics followed by antibiotic tablets that you have to take up to 4-6 weeks. You will feel better in 3-4 days, but you must finish the recommended course of antibiotics or an infection will develop again. In rare cases, you need to undergo surgery to drain the pus – your doctor may consider removing any damaged part of your lung in case of a serious infection.

3. Blood Poisoning
Septicaemia or blood poisoning is a rare yet serious complication of pneumonia. It causes symptoms such as fast heartbeat, high temperature (higher than 100.4F), and a change in mental behavior such as disorientation and confusion. Other symptoms include low Blood Pressure, loss of consciousness, reduced urine flow, and pale skin.

It is a serious condition because infection can spread to other organs once your blood becomes infected. It can spread to the lining of your abdomen, the outer layers of your brain, your joints, and the inner layer of your heart. Also known as metastatic infections, they can be life threatening in most cases.

Treatments

You need to go to the hospital because it can affect your tissue function and organs. Many people even have to be admitted to ICU for treatment and recovery. However, your doctor will determine a treatment option considering your overall health, your age, your tolerance for some specific medications, and the extent of your condition. Your doctor will also prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat bacterial infection. Your doctor may also give you specific medications and fluids intravenously to prevent Blood Clots while maintaining your blood pressure.

4. Difficulty Breathing
Among the most common complications of pneumonia is difficulty breathing, which is more common when you also have chronic underlying lung diseases.

Treatment

It is usually necessary to be hospitalized and be on a ventilator or breathing machine to give your lungs time to heal.

Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Developing Complications
You need to seek immediate medical attention and follow your doctor's advice to prevent complications of pneumonia. It is possible to treat your pneumonia at home with medication if you have community-acquired pneumonia. Even after receiving treatment, you may continue to feel tired for a month or so.

1. Medications
Your doctor will give you specific medications as per your symptoms and the extent of problem. For instance:

• 
  
  Antibiotics: You will have to take antibiotics to treat bacterial pneumonia. It is usually difficult to identify the exact type of bacteria causing pneumonia, so your doctor usually starts with broad-spectrum antibiotics.


• Fever reducers: You may have to take drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen to lower your fever.


• Cough medicine: You need to take plenty of rest and take cough medicine to improve your condition. It is not always advisable to take cough medicine because it often helps loosen and move fluids out of your lungs.

Follow your doctor's advice and take medicines as they have prescribed. Never stop medication too soon even if you feel better.

2. Hospitalization
You may have to be hospitalized if you are 65 or above or your blood pressure drops. Feeling confused, rapid breathing, feeling nauseous, and breathing difficulty will also require hospitalization. If your temperature is below normal or your heart rate is higher than 100 or below 50, you have to be admitted to the intensive care. Children under the age of 2 months with breathing problems, Dehydration, and low blood oxygen levels may also be hospitalized.

3. Lifestyle Changes



You may also consider making some lifestyle changes to avoid dealing with pneumonia or complications of pneumonia.

• Take plenty of rest at least until your temperature becomes normal and you no longer cough up Mucus. Keep in mind that pneumonia can recur, so getting plenty of rest is important.


• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fluids to help get rid of mucus in your lungs.

Pneumonia in Babies

Pneumonia in Babies

Pneumonia is the name of a medical condition in which the lungs are affected by an infection. This infection can stem from a range of different microorganisms which can include parasites, bacteria, viruses and even fungi. In most of the cases of pneumonia, the starting point of the disease is an infection in the upper portion of the respiratory tract, which includes the nose and the throat. When the patient has had a Sore Throat or been suffering from cold for at least two days, the initial symptoms of pneumonia begin to appear. A lot of things can be done to prevent pneumonia in babies. Causes of Pneumonia in Babies
Since the bodies of the infants and old people are not able to cope with the infections caused by the virus, they are prime Candidates for contracting viral pneumonia. The viruses that can be blamed for causing viral pneumonia include:

• Adenovirus


• Influenza


• Parainfluenza


• Respiratory syncytial virus

Viral pneumonia of a serious nature usually tends to affect those people whose immune systems are not functioning at their peak capacity. Such people may include:

• Premature babies


• Infants born with complications of the lung and heart


• People who have undergone an organ transplant


• People having Hiv infection


• Cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or those who are taking corticosteroids and other medications that suppress the immune system

Symptoms of Pneumonia in Babies
Pneumonia attacks can happen in a short space of time or can manifest in many days. Since Common Cold and pneumonia are so closely related, differentiating between them can be a handful and many times parents confuse the symptoms of pneumonia with common cold and do not take the appropriate measures quickly. If you find your baby showing the following symptoms then you should never hesitate but take him/her to the doctor’s clinic immediately.

• Loss of appetite


• Coughing fits that end up in the baby exuding Mucus


• Irritable behavior and a general feeling that the baby is not well

Besides these initial symptoms, in some cases the baby might develop some serious symptoms of pneumonia which need to be treated by a doctor at his clinic. These symptoms include:

• Having a fever


• Coughing up mucus which is stained with blood or pus


• Less consumption of fluids than normal during the course of a day


• Fingernails and lips turning blue


• Producing sounds while breathing (wheezing)


• Skin being sucked in between the ribs when breathing

Diagnosis of Pneumonia in Babies
The diagnosis of pneumonia in babies is done in three different stages. In the first stage the doctor is going to check the baby’s breathing pattern using a stethoscope to see if there is any sort of fluid buildup in the lungs. He might also have a look at the baby’s heart rate and inquire about any other symptoms that you might have noticed. In the second stage of diagnosis, the doctor will most probably ask for a chest X-ray which will reveal the extent of damage suffered by the lungs. However, this phase of diagnosis will only be required if the doctor feels that something is really wrong with the baby. Blood and mucus tests are the third and final stage of diagnosis that determines what type of infection is causing the disease, bacterial or viral. Treatments of Pneumonia in Babies
The treatment given for pneumonia in babies depends on the severity of the symptoms. If the pneumonia is of a mild nature than the treatment of the baby can be done at home, however, if the symptoms are f a severe nature then the baby would have to be hospitalized. 1. Care at Home
The following are some of the treatments that can be administered at home to babies suffering from pneumonia.

• Give them plenty of fluids either in the form of milk or water


• Give them as much rest as possible


• Give infant ibuprofen or infant paracetamol if your baby is healthy and old enough


• Keep on checking the nails and the lips of the child and if they turn blue or gray then take him/her to the hospital because it is an indication that the child is not being able to inhale enough oxygen


• Make use of a warm compress and a heating pad if your child complains of chest pain

2. Antibiotics
If the baby is suffering from bacterial pneumonia then he/she would be given antibiotics whereas in case of viral pneumonia, the baby’s immune system will eventually fight off the virus and the symptoms will recede on their own. 3. Hydration and Oxygen
Babies that have to be hospitalized are given antibiotics through drips and are kept well hydrated. In cases if the baby is having difficulty in breathing then an oxygen mask can also be used to ensure that he/she is getting the right amount of oxygen in his/her blood. 4. Giving Medication Properly
Make sure that the baby is given the medication at the proper time and the complete course is given to him/her without any lapses. This is important because it will help your child in making a quick recovery and will save the other family members from contracting the disease from him/her. 5. Coughing and Mucus Management
Coughing is by far the most hard to endure symptom of pneumonia and can be very taxing for an infant. During coughing fits, the child may have mucus coming in his mouth. If this happens then ask him/her to spit it out and not try to keep it in. If the child is not old enough to do this then pat his/her back to get the mucus out. Keeping a pillow under his/her head at night might also be a good way of ensuring that the mucus is not sucked in to the throat. Preventions of Pneumonia in Babies
The following are some of the preventive measures that can be taken to ensure that your baby does not contract pneumonia.

• Stop the spread of germs by washing your and your baby’s hands as often as possible and covering up your nose and mouth when coughing or Sneezing.


• Complete the vaccination courses that have been prescribed for infants. These vaccines can help in keeping the children safe from a number of diseases including pneumonia.


• Do not smoke near or around the baby as cigarette smoke can make them ill and increase the chances of them contracting diseases like pneumonia and Asthma.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia






Your lungs are filled with plenty of air sacs and if there is any infection causing swelling of air sacs, it is known as pneumonia. The air sacs are filled with pus like fluid or mucus or phlegm making it difficult for you to breathe. Bacteria and virus are the main organisms that cause pneumonia. Infants and old aged people are more prone to get this infection than healthy adults, since they have weakened immunity. It is easy to treat pneumonia since plenty of good medications are available.

Symptoms :

Pneumonia signs may vary from mild to very serious depending on the organism that has caused infection. Symptoms also vary with respect to the age of the person, his immunity status and general health condition. It begins as mild fever, chills with sweating. After some days the person will cough persistently producing thick phlegm or mucus. Some people of old age may report chest pain and difficulty in breathing. Chest pain may get worse when the person tries to cough or take a long breathe. It may cause fatigue and body pain. In certain cases, it can cause nausea and vomiting.

Newborn or infants will not show any indication of pneumonia but they would be restless or looking tired. They may develop mild fever or look energy less most of the time. They will refuse to take food due to breathing difficulty. It is important to visit your doctor if your child has one or more of the above symptoms.

Who are at risk?

People with weakened immunity (infants, children and old aged) and people with underlying health problems or autoimmune disorders are more prone to develop pneumonia than others. Individuals who are receiving chemotherapy or any other chemo drugs for suppressing the immunity may get this disease. People who are hospitalized for long periods or those who are on ventilator support have increased risk of developing pneumonia. The habit of smoking disturbs body’s immune system making one prone to develop many diseases.

Causes :

Microorganisms like bacteria and virus are the most important cause for pneumonia. Most of the time, our body will prevent these organisms from entering our lungs but when the immunity is weak due to certain health conditions or disease you are likely to develop infection.

Types :

Community based pneumonia is the one that a person gets infected when he stays outside a clinic or hospital. Streptococcus pneumoniae, mycoplasmic pneumonia and other virus often cause it. Viral pneumonia is usually mild and can be cured easily except for Influenza virus.

Hospital acquired pneumonia is one that a person develops during his hospitalization. Bacterial infection is the main source for this pneumonia and is difficult to be treated. Individuals who are on artificial breathing machines are at high risk of developing this pneumonia. Pneumonia acquired through health care centers is one that affects people who are working in hospitals or clinics or those who are taking frequent treatment in outpatient clinics. Aspiration pneumonia develops through food or drinks.

Complications :

Pneumonia can cause serious problems in people with weakened immunity. Bacteria may enter the blood escaping from your lungs thus spreading infection to other parts of the body. Sometimes infants may develop lung Abscess when the air sacs are filled with pus like liquid. It can cause Pleural Effusion causing accumulation of fluid in the small space between the lung tissues which has to be removed by surgery. In severe causes it can cause breathing problems warranting hospitalization.

Tests :

The doctor will examine the general health condition of the patient taking into account his age and immunity status. He would order for chest X-rays for determining the extent of infection. A series of lab tests like blood profile, sputum test and fluid culture is to be done for detecting the type of organism that has caused infection. Bronchoscopy is done in some cases if the doctor suspects some other factor (like blockage) for pneumonia.

Treatment :

The method of treatment depends on the organism that has caused pneumonia. In case of bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed. The course of medication has to be completed in full failing which the infection may recur. Most of the symptoms like cough, fever, vomiting and nausea will fade within 2 or 3 days after starting antibiotics. If the person does not feel better in few days then the doctor will change the antibiotic suggesting strong dosage.

Antiviral medications are prescribed for treating viral pneumonia. Apart from these, you will be given Ibuprofen for controlling fever and body pain. Cough syrup is also given for thinning the mucus thus clearing the block of airway. The person affected with pneumonia should take complete rest and get plenty of sleep. Smokers must quit smoking at this stage.

In case of severe complications, the patient will be hospitalized and put on IV fluids to control the infection. Hospitalization may be required for infants, children below 2 years and old aged people and individuals with weakened immunity. If the person has any problem in normal breathing or if he develops sudden low Blood Pressure then he has to be hospitalized.

Pictures of Pneumonia :

Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Pneumonia

Home Care :

Get good sleep and plenty of rest. Drink lot of fluids which helps in loosening the mucus. Follow the instructions of your doctor and complete the course of medication. Take off from school or workplace until you have fully recovered.

Prevention :

You can prevent getting viral pneumonia by taking preventive injection for flu. It is better to take seasonal injection for flu to get maximum protection. Nowadays pneumonia vaccination is available for people who are above 65 years to prevent getting streptococcus pneumonia. A single shot of vaccine is enough to prevent infection. Sometimes the dosage has to be repeated once in five years.

Children below 2 years can get pneumonia vaccination and seasonal flu shots. It is good to follow healthy habits like washing the hands properly before taking food and after using toilet. Quit smoking since it can cause serious damage to your lungs making it prone to many infections.