Signs of pneumonia

 

Pneumonia - an infection of the lungs. It usually affects children younger than two years old, adults over 65 and people with a weakened immune system (eg, patients with diabetes, AIDS, alcoholics). There are many types of pneumonia, which vary in severity from mild to severe and sometimes even fatal.

Causes of pneumonia
Often the cause is bacterial flora , particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae. Bacterial pneumonia can develop after an upper respiratory infection such as a cold or flu . Approximately 50% of the virus is the causative agent of pneumonia . Viral pneumonia is more common in winter and usually does not wear such as acute bacterial pneumonia .
In some cases, the pathogens are mycoplasma - microorganisms with properties as viruses and bacteria.
Other pathogens may be fungi pneumonia and parasites , but it happens much less frequently.
Symptoms of pneumonia
Symptoms of pneumonia can be similar to symptoms of a cold or flu . Depending on the etiology of pneumonia may have different symptoms.
Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia may appear as acute and gradually.They include fever , shivering, severe chest pain, profuse sweating , cough with thick, reddish or greenish sputum , rapid pulse and accelerated breathing , cyanotic lips and nails.
For viral pneumonia is characterized by fever, dry cough , headache, muscle pain , weakness, fatigue and shortness of breath severe .
Symptoms of pneumonia caused by mycoplasma , often similar to symptoms of bacterial and viral pneumonia , but is usually expressed weaker.
Complications of pneumonia
- Inflammation of the pleura ( pleurisy )- Pulmonary edema- Lung abscess ( in the lung cavity filled with pus )- Respiratory disorders .
What you can do
Consult a physician immediately . Before this can take a febrifuge , a suitable medicine for cough .
Seek immediate medical attention or call him at home in the following cases:
- Persistent cough , chest pain , fever ;- A sharp deterioration in general condition after a cold or flu ;- Chills, shortness of breath .
For suspected pneumonia in individuals older than 65 years , people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems , children and pregnant women should immediately call a doctor who will likely offer hospitalization .
What can your doctor
To confirm the diagnosis performed chest radiography . Pathogen is determined by a special analysis of blood and sputum . In identifying bacterial or fungal infection prescribed antibiotics and antifungal drugs .
In severe cases, the patient is sent to the hospital. For severe respiratory failure oxygen therapy .
Prophylaxis
- People over 65 and other risk groups recommended vaccination against certain types of streptococcus ( it is one of the most common pathogens )- For children in high-risk groups (eg , asthma patients ) developed a special vaccine- As pneumonia often occurs as a complication of flu , annual influenza vaccination is also a method of prevention,- How can you wash your hands frequently with soap for 15-30 seconds to remove germs that can cause pneumonia,- Maintain body resistance through a healthy diet , rest and regular exercise ,- Do not smoke . Smoking reduces the natural resistance of the bronchi and lungs to respiratory infections .
Call an ambulance if your eyes man began to choke, he turned blue nails and nasolabial triangle , heard heavy, wheezing , difficulty swallowing .