Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs. Viruses, bacteria, and even fungi can lead you to pneumonia. It is important to have a clear understanding of how to stay away from disease.
Signs and Symptoms Associated with Pneumonia
- Fever
- Coughing with phlegm
- Shortness of breath
- Chills or sweating
- Feelings of tiredness
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- Vomiting or nausea
- Loss of appetite
Causes of Pneumonia
Viruses, bacteria, and fungi that live in your mouth and nose, can lead you to pneumonia. Pathogens can reach your lungs and cause the infection. You can get viruses that cause pneumonia from other people who even might not show the symptoms. That depends on the immunity of people.
Rhinovirus, syncytial virus, staph infections, and influenza can lead to pneumonia. You can also get pneumonia due to acute respiratory syndrome.
Pneumonia Treatment
When you experience signs of pneumonia, it is important to get professional medical help. If you are affected by pneumonia, your doctor will prescribe some medications. The dose and drugs prescribed to you would vary based on the cause of pneumonia.
When you are provided with antibiotics, you need to make sure that you are taking the complete course. Some of the people stop taking the course when they feel better. You should never do that mistake.
It is important to keep in mind that antibiotics are not effective in treating viruses. If you got pneumonia due to a virus, your doctor will prescribe you with antiviral medication.
Pneumonia Prevention
Vaccination is the most effective method. You can get vaccinated and deliver the first line of defense against pneumonia.
Pneumonia can hit you in the form of the flu. According to doctors, all the individuals aged above six months should get vaccinated for the flu. This would significantly reduce the chances of getting pneumonia.
You should never ignore pneumonia. If you are experiencing the above-mentioned symptoms and if you notice that you can’t breathe properly, you should suspect that you may have pneumonia. If pneumonia is not treated, the infection will spread and might even lead you to death.
For more information please call AMA Medical Center at (781) 581-6181 or contact us online.
Comments