Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lungs primarily affecting the small air sacs known as alveoli. Common symptoms include a productive or dry cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. The severity of pneumonia can vary, and it can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Symptoms:
- Cough with mucus or phlegm
- High-grade fever with chills
- Fast breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain while coughing
- Fast heartbeat
- Fatigue or weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Body pain
Causes:
Bacterial or viral infection (rarely fungal)
Spread through inhalation of airborne droplets (coughing or sneezing)
Risk Factors:
Age (children below 2 years and adults above 65 years)
Hospitalization in intensive care units
Underlying lung diseases (asthma, COPD)
Smoking
Weakened immune system (HIV/AIDS, cancer, organ transplants).
Pneumonia can be a serious condition, and proper treatment is essential. Here are some key points on how to treat pneumonia:
1.Diagnosis:
Your doctor will start by reviewing your medical history and conducting a physical examination.
Diagnostic tests may include:
Treatment depends on the cause, symptoms, and severity:
Oxygen therapy: To maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood.
4.Self-Care:
Rest and avoid overexertion.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
5.Foods:
Increase fluid intake, especially broth-based soups.
Consume fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins like chicken.
Avoid refined starch, sugar, pasteurized milk, and dairy products
1.Diagnosis:
Your doctor will start by reviewing your medical history and conducting a physical examination.
Diagnostic tests may include:
- Chest X-ray: To check for signs of infection in the lungs.
- Blood culture: To identify the causative organism.
- Sputum culture test: To confirm the cause of infection.
- Urine test: To detect bacterial infections like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila.
- Pulse oximetry: To measure oxygen flow to the lungs.
- CT scan: To assess the severity of infection.
- Bronchoscopy: A camera-fitted tube is inserted into the lungs to sample airway secretions and diagnose the causative agent
Treatment depends on the cause, symptoms, and severity:
- Antibiotics (e.g., Levofloxacin, Azithromycin) for bacterial infections.
- Antivirals (e.g., Oseltamivir, Zanamivir) for viral infections.
- Antifungals (e.g., Fluconazole, Itraconazole) if caused by fungi.
- Analgesics (e.g., Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen) to ease pain.
- Cough suppressants (e.g., Dextromethorphan, Codeine) to relieve cough1
Oxygen therapy: To maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood.
4.Self-Care:
Rest and avoid overexertion.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
5.Foods:
Increase fluid intake, especially broth-based soups.
Consume fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins like chicken.
Avoid refined starch, sugar, pasteurized milk, and dairy products
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