How To Recognize And Also Deal with Pneumonia

By Isiah Meaux


Pneumonia is a common condition that is the result of a viral or a bacterial infection. There is a specific group of symptoms distinguishing the disease from other disorders including fever, coughing, chest pain, shivers and the production of discolored phlegm. If you are feeling ill and display these effects, it is necessary to seek medical care before the condition becomes worse.

Although individuals presenting with such symptoms may be treated at home in rare instances, especially related to children, hospitalization may be necessary. When the air sacs of the lungs become infected it will produce a set of uncomfortable effects that requires appropriate medical treatment. It is mostly attributed to the streptococcus pneumonia bacteria.

There are a few groups who are at increased risk for developing this type of infection. These include smokers, unresolved cold or flu, chronic lung diseases, hospitalized patients and premature infants. The condition is spread where droplets containing organisms are breathed in or when the virus present in the mouth is taken into the lungs.

There are many ways one may determine whether a bacterial or viral infection is detected. This includes symptoms developing over a few days for a virus whereas the bacteria will result within a 24 hour period. Pain in the chest, a bloody cough and lethargy may serve as indicators that the disorder is present.

Symptoms may present differently when it comes to babies and children including a higher temperature, become lethargic, unwell and may develop a bluish color around the mouth and lips. Noises during breathing including a rattling sound may be present indicating the presence of some form of abnormality. In the event that dark coloration around the oral area is noted, medical aid should be sought immediately.

X-rays of the chest area and a physical assessment are often required to diagnose the disease. With the range of treatments that are available, strong antibiotics are most commonly implemented where the condition is detected at its earliest possible stage. Where babies and children are believed to display symptoms, they will need to be assessed by a doctor.

Pneumonia is a disease whereby the lungs become infected and will require suitable medical treatment. There are different symptoms that are believed to characterize the disorder from strong chest pains to a phlegm producing cough and fever. Where children present with these features, it is best to have a professional doctor attend to individual needs.




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