acute pneumonia

Treating acute pneumonia

Fact Checked

What is pneumonia?

  • Pneumonia is caused by bacteria and viruses that attacks the lungs and cause an infection.
  • Pneumonia can cause mild to serious infections in individuals of all ages. Generally, it is the primary cause of death globally in kids below the age of 5 years.
  • Furthermore, pneumonia is often a problem of a previous illness/infection and activated when a patient’s immune system is debilitated.

How does it spread?

Pneumonia is caused by bacteria and viruses that attacks the lungs and causes an infection.
Pneumonia is caused by bacteria and viruses that attacks the lungs and causes an infection.

The main causes of pneumonia are because of viruses and bacteria.

Generally, viruses or bacteria spread from individual-to-individual. This can take place through:

  • Direct interaction with saliva excretions, such as spit or phlegm (through coughing and sneezing).
  • Lastly, touching surfaces or items contaminated with germs then touching your mouth and nose.

Risk factors

Individuals in the following groups have a greater risk of attracting pneumonia and can develop more serious symptoms:

  • Infants and very young children;
  • Individuals over the age of 65 years;
  • Individuals who have undergone an organ transplant;
  • Those with emphysema, lung disorders, cystic fibrosis, asthma, long-lasting diseases such as liver, kidney or heart diseases;
  • Individuals who have a weak immune system; and
  • People who smoke.

Signs and symptoms

Pneumonia can be a dangerous disorder. Generally, it’s important to identify the signs and symptoms and to see a GP if you have worries; mainly if you or your child have a medical illness.

Furthermore, your symptoms will differ according to your age and the severity of your illness.

Common symptoms of pneumonia consist of:

  • At first, feeling ill
  • Trouble breathing
  • Exhaustion
  • In addition, loss of hunger
  • Stomach cramps
  • Lastly, headaches

Small kids will:

  • Feel sluggish
  • Have a high temperature
  • Lastly, coughing and having trouble breathing

Diagnosis

  • Generally, it is important to see your GP quickly if you have breathing problems causing concern, especially if you notice these symptoms in young kids.

Your GP will carry out a general check-up and might recommend some other assessments including:

  • Blood tests
  • Throat or nose swab
  • X-ray of the chest.

Related video

FACT CHECK

https://www.healthline.com/health/pneumonia

https://www.webmd.com/lung/is-it-bronchitis-or-pneumonia#1

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pneumonia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354204

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