Pneumonia Symptoms: What You Need to Know

Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can be fatal if not treated correctly. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of pneumonia and what you need to do if you think you might have it. Pneumonia can affect people of all ages, so it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms so that you can get treatment as soon as possible.

 

What Is Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can be caused by a number of different bacteria and viruses. The most common cause of pneumonia is the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, which is responsible for approximately 50% of all cases. Other common causes include the Haemophilus influenzae bacteria, the Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria, and the RSV virus. Pneumonia can also be caused by other less common bacteria and viruses, including the Chlamydia pneumoniae bacteria and the influenza virus. In most cases, pneumonia is contracted through contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva, mucus, or blood. The disease can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as door handles or doorknobs. Pneumonia is a serious illness that can be deadly in some cases, so it is important to see a doctor if you think you may have contracted the disease. Regardless of the cause, pneumonia can be a very serious condition, particularly for people who are elderly or have other health problems. 

 

What Are The Symptoms of Pneumonia?

The symptoms of pneumonia usually start very suddenly. Some of the most common symptoms include:

 

• Pain or tightness in the chest that worsens with coughing or breathing
• Cough with phlegm
• Feeling suddenly worse after having a cold or the flu
• High fever
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Shaking chills
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting

 

Symptoms of Pneumonia in Children

When children have pneumonia, they can experience the same symptoms as adults, but they may complain of a few additional symptoms such as stomach pain or ear pain. "Walking Pneumonia" in children often presents with similar symptoms of a cold.

 

Signs of Pneumonia in the Elderly

The elderly usually experience mild symptoms of fever, chills, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, along with neurological symptoms such as confusion, or dizziness.

 

Diagnosis

If you are concerned that you might have pneumonia and are experiencing these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can run some tests to determine whether you do indeed have the infection and prescribe treatment if necessary. The doctor will likely listen to your lungs with a stethoscope and may order a chest X-ray. A blood test may also be done to look for signs of infection.

 

Treatment

Treatment for pneumonia depends on the severity of the infection and the type of organism causing it. Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics and viral pneumonia is treated with antiviral medications. In most cases, people with pneumonia can be treated at home. However, some people may need to be hospitalized.

 

Prevention

Pneumonia can be prevented by getting vaccinated against the flu and pneumococcal disease. It is also important to keep yourself healthy through regular exercise, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, getting enough sleep every night, and avoiding exposure to anyone who has recently been sick.

 

Remember to take care of yourself by eating well, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and avoiding exposure to illness and germs. With these simple steps in place, you can reduce your risk of developing pneumonia, or at least lessen its severity if it does occur. And remember that with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most people are able to recover from pneumonia quickly and fully!​ For more health related articles, visit www.SpringHeights.care.