What You Should Know About
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a serious infection or inflammation in your lungs. This disorder can be caused by many different infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, and others. Until 1936, pneumonia was the leading cause of death in the United States. Although the development of antibiotics has reduced the effects of pneumonia, it still ranks as the sixth leading cause of death when combined with another infectious respiratory disease: influenza. Some people have a higher risk of developing pneumonia than others. They include diabetics, alcoholics, people with decreased immune function (such as those who take steroids), and elderly people.
What Happens in Pneumonia
Two different terms may be used to describe pneumonia depending on where it affects the lungs. In lobar pneumonia, the infection or inflammation involves a section (or lobe) of a lung. In bronchial pneumonia, the infection or inflammation appears in patches throughout both lungs. In either case, the disorder typically causes a cough (with or without mucus), chest pain, rapid breathing, and shortness of breath. It also may cause fever, sweats, a headache, and weakness.
To diagnose the type of pneumonia you have, your doctor will ask you a series of questions and will perform an examination that includes listening to your lungs with a stethoscope and possibly taking a sample of the mucus that comes out of your lungs. If your symptoms started abruptly and you have an occasional cough (commonly with red-tinged mucus), a fever, chills, and chest pain, the doctor will first suspect a bacterial pneumonia. If your symptoms started more slowly (possibly after a few days of flu-like symptoms) and you have a hacking or barking cough, a headache, and pain under your breastbone, your doctor will first suspect an infection caused by a virus or a type of bacteria called a mycoplasma.
Treatment and Tips
The treatment you receive for pneumonia will depend on the type of pneumonia you have and on your general health. You have an excellent chance of a fast recovery from pneumonia if you're young and otherwise healthy, the pneumonia was diagnosed quickly, your immune system is working well, and the infection hasn't spread. |
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If you have a bacterial pneumonia, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to fight the infection. (Antibiotics aren't effective against viral pneumonia.) No matter what kind of pneumonia you have, you'll also receive whatever supportive treatment you need, such as oxygen, medication to reduce chest pain, and medication to ease your cough. You'll also need to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids, even after you start to feel better. Even after your temperature returns to normal, your doctor may want you to keep taking some medications for a while to help keep the pneumonia from coming back.
Most people can be treated for pneumonia at home rather than in the hospital. Especially if you're young and otherwise healthy, the proper treatment can shorten the disease and hasten your recovery.
Where to Get More Information
For more information, try these online resources.
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