Pneumonia is a common infection that affects people of all ages. It is a serious condition that could prove fatal if left untreated. Pneumonia symptoms tend to be more serious in young children, the elderly or those with a weakened immune system, and complications may arise.
Features
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by a virus, bacteria or fungus. The terms double pneumonia and walking pneumonia are familiar to most people. Double pneumonia refers to pneumonia in both lungs. Walking pneumonia refers to pneumonia that produces mild symptoms, whereas the affected person is unaware that he is ill. The symptoms of viral pneumonia are usually less severe than those of bacterial pneumonia, but symptoms often vary.
Time Frame
Symptoms of pneumonia may not appear until 2 to 3 weeks after the initial onset of infection. Initial symptoms may be mild, and infected people may assume they have the flu so they do not seek medical treatment until the symptoms worsen. Symptoms may include cough, sore throat, fever, chills, fatigue, wheezing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, vomiting, headache and loss of appetite.
Identification
Pneumonia is diagnosed through physical examination, X-rays and blood tests. The physician will listen to the lungs with a stethoscope. Often a rattling sound can be heard when the person takes a deep breath, due to fluid in the lungs, which indicates the presence of pneumonia. Chest X-rays can help confirm the presence of pneumonia.
Effects
Pain medication and antibiotics are usually prescribed. The affected individual needs plenty of rest and fluid since it is possible to become dehydrated. Depending on the severity of the pneumonia and the probability of complication, hospitalization may be required. Complications that may arise with pneumonia include the build up of fluid in the lining of the lungs and the chest wall. When such a complication occurs, it becomes necessary to drain the fluid. The infection may also spread into the bloodstream and affect other bodily organs.
Risk Factors
Certain factors may indicate that a person is at a higher risk of infection. These risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, substance abuse, being age 65 or older, having an impaired immune system, or an illness such as diabetes, heart disease or AIDS.
Significance
Infection may be spread through secretions such as the droplets expelled from coughing. The spread of infection can be reduced by taking preventive measures. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Wash your hands after sneezing, coughing and before eating or handling food items. Don't share eating utensils or other personal items. Avoid close contact such as kissing an infected individual. Talk to your physician about available vaccines to help prevent contacting pneumonia infection. Get a flu shot to help lessen your chance of infection. Dress appropriately in cold weather seasons or climates. Eat healthy and get plenty of rest. Lack of sleep and a poor diet can weaken the immune system, thereby making a person more susceptible to infection.
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