Knowledge is power, so here’s what to keep in mind.
Pneumonia isn’t just a bad cold. It’s a more serious illness. Understanding what it is can help you take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Pneumonia happens when germs like bacteria, viruses, or fungi get into our lungs and make us sicksays Dr. MeiLan Han, MD, spokesperson for the American Lung Association.. These germs can hurt the thin layer inside our lungs. Normally, our lungs have good germs, but when bad ones take over, that’s when pneumonia happens.
Keep reading to learn all about pneumonia, explained by doctors. They’ll tell you what to do if you think you might have it.
How Does Pneumonia Happen?
Pneumonia can happen after a not-so-serious illness like the flu, especially if the flu doesn’t go away. How can you tell if you might have pneumonia? Well, the Mayo Clinic says to look out for these signs:
- Chest pain when breathing or coughing
- Cough, often with phlegm
- Feeling tired
- Spiking a fever, sweats and chills
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
If you cough up blood or have a very hard time breathing, it’s a serious sign. You should get medical help right away if this happens, according to Dr. Han.
What Kind Of Infections Could Progress To Pneumonia?
When you go to the doctor, they’ll want to know what kind of germ is causing your pneumonia so they can treat it properly. There are different types of infections that can lead to pneumonia. Let’s see what they are and how they can cause it:
- Bacteria. Most often, strep will cause pneumonia. You can get it this way on its own or after you’ve had a cold or the flu. It may affect one part (lobe) of the lung—this kind of infection is called lobar pneumonia.
- Bacteria-like organisms often cause “walking pneumonia,” which usually isn’t severe enough to require bed rest.
- Fungi. This kind of pneumonia often affects those with weakened immune systems, and can be inhaled during exposure to soil or bird droppings.
- Viruses. Cold and flu viruses can cause pneumonia—viral pneumonia is usually pretty mild, but can also cause complications if not treated properly.
Who Is Most Likely To Get Pneumonia?
Your odds are greater if:
- You’re hospitalized. You may be exposed to bugs more easily.
- If you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart disease.
- If you have a weakened immune system from another disease or condition like HIV/AIDS.
- If you smoke, because smoking reduces your body’s ability to fight off infection well. What about vaping? “There’s not tons of clinical data available yet on this, but some research does suggest that vaping causes inflammation that impairs your body’s ability to fight infection,” says Han.
What Complications Can Pneumonia Cause?
- Sepsis. This is a system-wide infection in which pneumonia bacteria can move through your bloodstream and potentially cause your organs to fail.
- Fluid around your lungs (called a pleural effusion). Pneumonia may cause fluid to build up in the thin space between layers of tissue in your lungs—if this fluid gets infected, it has to be drained through a tube or by surgery.
- A lung abscess, where pus forms in a cavity in the lung, and you need antibiotic treatment or surgery.
How Is Pneumonia Diagnosed?
According to data from Harvard Medical School. Your doctor will do a few things to check if you might have pneumonia. They’ll see if you’re breathing faster than usual and look for a purplish color in your lips, nails, or hands. This color can mean there’s not enough oxygen in your blood. They’ll also listen to your lungs for any strange sounds. To be really sure if it’s pneumonia, you’ll need to get a regular X-ray, and sometimes a CT scan. That’s how they can be sure about the diagnosis.
If you have pneumonia, the usual treatment is taking antibiotics. If it’s really serious and you need to stay in the hospital, they’ll give you stronger antibiotics than what you’d take at home. It can take about six to eight weeks to fully get better from pneumonia. This means that when you get a follow-up chest X-ray, it should show no signs of pneumonia. You’ll need to gradually get back to your normal level of activity because pneumonia can make you feel very tired.
How Can I Prevent Pneumonia In The First Place?
According to Harvard Medical School, If your doctor suggests it, especially if you smoke, make sure to get vaccinated. They’ll recommend two vaccines, PCV13 (Prevnar) and PPSV23 (Pneumovax), given a few months apart. Along with antibiotics, rest, drinking enough fluids, and sometimes extra oxygen can help you get better. If you have a cold or bronchitis and you’re not feeling better after a week, it’s important to see your doctor for a check-up. Remember, it’s crucial to take pneumonia seriously and get help quickly!
Want to stay healthy? Check out these easy tips for boosting your immune system.
Sources
- Dr. MeiLan Han, MD, spokesperson for the American Lung Association
SOURCE:PARADE