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Pneumonia is a condition that makes it difficult for the lungs to take in air or expel air. It can be particularly serious if you have another condition, like asthma, that weakens your lungs. People of any age can get pneumonia and it can develop at any time of year, but it’s more common in colder months. Anyone can get pneumonia, but some people are at a higher risk than others. For example, adults over the age of 65, smokers, and those with chronic respiratory disease or other immune compromised states such as those with HIV are more likely to contract the illness. If you think you might have pneumonia there are some key warning signs to look out for: fever (with no apparent cause), difficulty breathing when lying down, an unusual cough producing yellow or green phlegm, and general aches and pains in your body as if you have flu – which is why it is often referred to as ‘flu-and-a-half’ - read on to find out more about this unpleasant condition and how to avoid getting it.
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Recognizing pneumonia
If you think you have pneumonia, you should get it checked out by a doctor. Pneumonia can be difficult to diagnose, and other respiratory infections can have similar symptoms, so it’s important you don’t self-diagnose. You should get medical advice if you have been unwell for more than a couple of days with any of the following symptoms: a fever that’s higher than normal (over 38C), shortness of breath when doing everyday activities, a productive cough (with phlegm), general aches and pains that make it difficult to move about and that don’t go away with rest, and difficulty swallowing.
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Symptoms of pneumonia
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A cough that produces sputum. If the sputum is thin and watery, it’s unlikely to be caused by pneumonia, but if it’s thick and sticky, or green or yellow in colour, it could be bacterial. Difficulty breathing is another symptom of pneumonia. This is caused by fluid building up in the lungs, which makes it harder for them to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. Chest pain, especially when coughing, is a common symptom of pneumonia. Shortness of breath when lying down, headache and a general feeling of fatigue are symptoms of pneumonia.
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Treatment for pneumonia
If your doctor diagnoses you with pneumonia, they will prescribe antibiotics as treatment. This will vary depending on the type of bacteria found in your sputum, but the most common are: - amoxicillin, penicillin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and ciprofloxacin. Your doctor might prescribe a combination of antibiotics, which is known as ‘combined therapy’. This is to make sure the infection is cleared from your body as quickly as possible. Antibiotics are not recommended in children under the age of two years old. In this case, a doctor may recommend an antiviral medication, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen to manage the fever and pain.
Prevention of pneumonia
The best way to protect yourself from pneumonia is to keep yourself as healthy as possible. This means getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and quitting smoking if you are a smoker. Other ways to keep yourself protected include: watching the amount you drink – dehydration is a common cause of sickness, which makes it more difficult for the body to fight off infections and keep itself healthy, wearing a mask during the flu season – it may not stop you getting sick, but it can help protect others from catching your germs, and getting vaccinated against certain diseases such as the flu.
Conclusion
Pneumonia is a potentially serious condition that occurs when the lungs become inflamed. It can affect anyone and is treatable with antibiotics, but if left untreated it can lead to very serious complications or death. It is important to recognize the symptoms of pneumonia and get medical help as soon as possible. There are several ways you can protect yourself against pneumonia: maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting vaccinated, and avoiding people who have the disease.
Reference:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21954-aspiration-pneumonia
https://www.webmd.com/lung/understanding-pneumonia-basics
https://paraccess.com/recognizing-and-treating-pneumonia/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pneumonia/