Pneumonia is a common inflammation of the lungs that can afflict women and men of all ages. It is regarded as a serious condition, and if it is not treated appropriately it can be fatal. Those who have weak immune systems, youngsters, and elderly individuals generally have more serious symptoms than others when they contract the disease.
The disease is essentially an inflammation of the lungs and is usually the result of a bacteria, virus, or fungus. It can occur in both lungs or only in one; however, the symptoms are generally the same. Some individuals refer to a "walking" variation of this infection, which is a phrase that simply means the inflammation is minor and the ill person may not exhibit obvious symptoms. There are two kinds of pneumonia, which are bacterial and viral, and the same symptoms occur regardless of which type one has contracted.
Symptoms of the infection may not appear until two to three weeks after its initial onset. The first signs that an inflammation may be present include fatigue, sore throat, coughing, and wheezing. Many individuals mistakenly think they have the flu when such symptoms present themselves, but as the inflammation progresses, they may also experience headache, loss of appetite, chest pain, fever and chills.
There are several ways to diagnose the disease, but the two most common of these are a blood test or an x-ray. Healthcare practitioners typically also listen to the patient's lungs with a stethoscope. This is to determine whether or not fluid has built up in the individual's lungs.
Pain medication and antibiotics are generally prescribed by one's attending physician. Bed rest is typically very important, particularly if the patient is a child or an elderly individual. It is also important to drink plenty of water, as it is easy for one to become dehydrated when he or she has this type of infection.
Complications are always a possibility when someone has pneumonia. These include fluid buildup in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. If this takes place, further medical treatment is usually needed. If the person's lungs are not drained of all fluid, the infection may travel to his or her bloodstream or other organs.
Certain factors may place an individual at an increased risk for this infection. These variables include diabetes, the use of tobacco products, excessive alcohol consumption, the abuse of legal or illegal substances, and being over the age of 65. Those with compromised immune systems or chronic illnesses such as AIDS are also at a higher risk for certain types of pneumonia. Anyone who suspects that he or she may have this disease should schedule an appointment with doctor immediately.
The disease is essentially an inflammation of the lungs and is usually the result of a bacteria, virus, or fungus. It can occur in both lungs or only in one; however, the symptoms are generally the same. Some individuals refer to a "walking" variation of this infection, which is a phrase that simply means the inflammation is minor and the ill person may not exhibit obvious symptoms. There are two kinds of pneumonia, which are bacterial and viral, and the same symptoms occur regardless of which type one has contracted.
Symptoms of the infection may not appear until two to three weeks after its initial onset. The first signs that an inflammation may be present include fatigue, sore throat, coughing, and wheezing. Many individuals mistakenly think they have the flu when such symptoms present themselves, but as the inflammation progresses, they may also experience headache, loss of appetite, chest pain, fever and chills.
There are several ways to diagnose the disease, but the two most common of these are a blood test or an x-ray. Healthcare practitioners typically also listen to the patient's lungs with a stethoscope. This is to determine whether or not fluid has built up in the individual's lungs.
Pain medication and antibiotics are generally prescribed by one's attending physician. Bed rest is typically very important, particularly if the patient is a child or an elderly individual. It is also important to drink plenty of water, as it is easy for one to become dehydrated when he or she has this type of infection.
Complications are always a possibility when someone has pneumonia. These include fluid buildup in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. If this takes place, further medical treatment is usually needed. If the person's lungs are not drained of all fluid, the infection may travel to his or her bloodstream or other organs.
Certain factors may place an individual at an increased risk for this infection. These variables include diabetes, the use of tobacco products, excessive alcohol consumption, the abuse of legal or illegal substances, and being over the age of 65. Those with compromised immune systems or chronic illnesses such as AIDS are also at a higher risk for certain types of pneumonia. Anyone who suspects that he or she may have this disease should schedule an appointment with doctor immediately.
About the Author:
The creator of the above content has got numerous years of experience with pulmonary disease. They recently launched a website on the topic of pneumonia disease, which helps respond to questions and also allows folks to find the treatment they require.