Chest And Lungs

A doctor who suspects pneumonia begins by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical examination. Bacterial pneumonias often come on suddenly; creating a cough that produces mucous that is often colored or “rusty”, fever, and pain along the chest wall. Infections caused by the Mycoplasma pneumoniae species of bacteria and viruses tend to develop more

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the pneumonia. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial pneumonia but are ineffective against viral pneumonia. Treating Infective Pneumonia Although the treatment for infective pneumonia depends on the cause of the condition, some simple steps can help speed recovery from pneumonia: Medications should be taken exactly as prescribed

Some forms of bacterial pneumonia can be prevented with a vaccine (pneumococcal vaccine). The vaccine does not protect against most types of viral pneumonia or the pneumonia that people with low immunity tend to develop. In most people, vaccination is needed only once in a lifetime. However, others, including those people at highest risk for serious disease,

Some groups of people are more susceptible to pneumonia. The elderly, infants, and young children are at highest risk. Elderly people tend to have diminished cough and gag reflexes and weaker immune systems. The immature immune systems and narrow airways of infants and young children make them more likely to develop pneumonia. Another susceptible group

You should call your doctor if: You have a high temperature. Your chest pain does not get better in a few days. You are coughing up bloody sputum. You develop a rash, itching, swelling, or stomach pain. Call your doctor immediately if you begin to have undue difficulty breathing (dyspnea), or your fingernails, toenails, or

Here are some frequently asked questions related to pneumonia. Q: Can there be complications from pneumonia? A: Complications from pneumonia may occur. Secondary infections, which are usually bacterial, may require an additional course of antibiotic treatment, sometimes with a different antibiotic. Rarely, a lung abscess may result from pneumonia. Prompt medical attention can prevent or eliminate

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to pneumonia. Pneumonia is an inflammation or infection of the lungs most commonly caused by a bacteria or virus. Pneumonia can also be caused by inhaling vomit or other foreign substances. Pneumonia is a serious illness that affects 1 out of every 100 people