PNEUMONIA : SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

Pneumonia is a lung infection accompanied by cough, fever and difficulty in breathing following infection, there may be inflammation in the air sacs and fluid may accumulate. For most people, pneumonia can be treated at home. It often clears up in 2 to 3 weeks. But older adults, babies and people with other diseases may become seriously ill. They may need intensive care in the hospital. More that 10 million cases have been documented every year in India. Pneumonia may be contracted in the daily life, such as at school or work. This is called community- associated pneumonia. The disease may also be contracted, while in a hospital or nursing home. This is called healthcare-associated pneumonia.

Cause of pneumonia :

Pathogens like bacteria and viruses usually cause pneumonia. It usually starts when someone breaths the pathogens into the lungs. One may be more likely to be infected following a cold or flu. These illness make it difficult for the lungs to fight infection, so it is easier to contract pneumonia. Having a long term or chronic, disease like asthma, heart disease, cancer or diabetes also makes one likely to get pneumonia.

Symptoms :

1. Cough-one is likely to secrete much mucus (sputum) from the lungs. Accumulating mucus causes irritation leading to severe coughing. Mucus may be rusty or green or tinged with blood.

2. Fever.

3. Fast breathing and feeling of breathlessness.

4. Serving as though there is chilled ambience.

5. Chest pain that often feels worse when one coughs or breaths

6. Fast heart beat.

7. Feeling extremely tired and week.

8. Diarrhoea

9. Nausea and vomiting.

Diagnosis : 

Primarily, a physical examination is conducted. If necessary, a patient undergo chest X-Ray and Blood Test. This is sufficient to diagnose pneumonia. In an extreme case, the mucus from the lungs may be pathologically examined to findout if causative pathogens are present.

Treatment :

If pneumonia is diagnosed to be caused by bacteria, antibiotics are prescribed. These almost always cure pneumonia caused by bacteria. one needs to take the full course of the prescribed antibiotics. Plenty of rest, sleep and intake of re-hydration drink are required. Smoking is totally prohibited. pneumonia, caused by a virus usually is not treated with antibiotic. Sometimes antibiotics may be used to prevent complication. But more often rest and treating cough with conventional medicine work.

Prevention :  

People of 65 years of age or more, having smoking habit and with cardiovascular and lung problems need to have a pneumococcal vaccine. The vaccine does not keep pneumonia away. However, if pneumonia occurs, complication may not occur.