What Is Pneumonia In Children
Pneumonia is an infection that occurs in one or both lungs. It often occurs due to the swelling of alveoli, the small air passages in the lungs. This condition occurs due to attack by germs such as bacteria, parasites, viruses, fungi, etc. Pneumonia is innocuous when mild, but can be life-threatening as the severity increases.
Among the kids aged three and younger, most cases of pneumonia occur due to viruses. In older children and teenagers, most instances of pneumonia happen due to bacterial infections. Moreover, sometimes, a child could start out by having viral pneumonia, which then turns into bacterial pneumonia, and this can complicate the situation.
Pneumonia No Minor Matter
This is actually an infection of one or both lungs, and is caused by bacteria , a virus, or fungi, explains Healthline.
This type of illness causes the air sacs in your lungs to become filled with fluid, which leads to difficulty breathing. Pneumonia can be very serious, and those under 2-years and older than 65-years are in a higher risk category, adds the source.
How Is Pneumonia In Babies Treated
The treatment depends on the type of pathogen that led to pneumonia:
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Can A Cold Or Flu Become Pneumonia
We often hear that a cold or flu turned into pneumonia. Thats not accurate. However, pneumonia can develop as a secondary bacterial infection after the flu or a cold. Pneumonia, ear infections, and bronchitis can all result from flu or cold.
Bacterial infections are the most common cause of pneumonia in adults. Bacterial pneumonia causes the alveoli of the lungs to become inflamed and fill with fluid. Pneumonia can affect one or both of the lungs.
Pneumonia Shot And Allergic Reaction
Pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent pneumonia, a type of lung infection, which is caused by pneumococcus bacterium. Unfortunately, there are some patients who might be allergic to an ingredient in the shot. So, in this HealthHearty article, we take a look at the allergic reactions that these shots can cause.
Pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent pneumonia, a type of lung infection, which is caused by pneumococcus bacterium. Unfortunately, there are some patients who might be allergic to an ingredient in the shot. So, in this HealthHearty article, we take a look at the allergic reactions that these shots can cause.
An infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria is referred to as pneumococcal disease. Bacterial pneumonia is a bad infection caused by these bacteria. Pneumococcal diseases include pneumonia, various types of ear infections, sinus infections, meningitis , and bacteremia . About 40% of people carry pneumococcal germs in their mouths and throats. In most healthy people, these germs do not cause any serious illnesses, as they are resistant to the bacteria.
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What Are The Complications Of Pneumonia
Anyone can experience complications from pneumonia. However, people in high-risk groups are more likely to develop complications, including:
- Breathing difficulties: Pneumonia can make breathing difficult. Pneumonia plus an existing lung disorder can make breathing even more difficult. Breathing difficulties may require a hospital stay to receive oxygen therapy or breathing and healing assistance with the use of a breathing machine .
- Fluid buildup in the lungs : Pneumonia can cause a buildup in the fluid between the membranes that line the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity. It is a serious condition that makes breathing difficult. Pleural effusion can be treated by draining excess fluid with a catheter, chest tube or by surgery.
- Bacteria in the bloodstream : The bacteria that cause pneumonia can leave your lungs and enter your bloodstream, spreading the infection to other organs. This condition is treated with antibiotics.
- Lung abscess. A lung abscess is a pus-filled cavity in the lung that is caused by a bacterial infection. It can be treated by draining the pus with a long needle or removing it by surgery.
Take Care Of Your General Wellbeing
In winter, its normal to feel more tired, sleep more, put on weight and generally feel low. These are also common symptoms of depression. Its important you take the time to look after your mental health. Try to stay in touch with your friends and family by phone and keep as active as you can.
Its especially important during winter you eat a nutritionally balanced and varied diet. Foods and fluids contain essential nutrients to help prevent infections and keep you and your lungs healthy. Read more about eating well for your lungs.
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What Causes Pneumonia In Children
Often, pneumonia starts after your child suffers from an upper respiratory tract infection like a cold. Sticky fluid starts to accumulate in the lungs air spaces, making it difficult for the lungs to work. This reduces the oxygen supply to the body. As a result, the child can develop difficulty in breathing.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Chills And Fever
Influenza, pneumonia, and the common cold are some of the most common causes of chills and fever. These conditions affect millions of people every year, with pneumonia being the most serious and potentially fatal. Among the three, influenza is the only illness that can be vaccinated against, though there is no stopping the virus if a person already has it. Pneumonia, a condition that can affect both humans and animals, is mostly dangerous to those who are already weak. Lastly, the common cold is an illness the vast majority of people are familiar with, and it can sometimes cause chills and fever in addition to the typical symptoms.
One condition that causes chills and fever most commonly is influenza. In addition to chills and fever, it often presents with general body aches and fatigue as well as cough. Due to the similarities between some symptoms of influenza and the common cold, also known as acute viral rhinopharyngitis, these two conditions are sometimes mistaken for one another. The influenza virus is most typically propagated through the air due to sneezing and coughing, but can also be transmitted through other forms of direct and indirect contact. Many people choose to vaccinate themselves yearly against prevalent forms of the influenza virus, as it can be especially lethal to people who have suboptimal health.
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Feeling Unwell Don’t Wait
If you feel unwell, or spot your symptoms getting worse, follow your self-management plan.* Or get advice from your pharmacist, doctor or nurse before it gets more serious.
Dont hold off thinking it will get better on its own act as soon as you can.
*If you have a long-term lung condition you should have a self-management plan. If you dont, talk to your GP or nurse about getting one.
Bacterial Vs Viral Pneumonia Symptoms
Bacteria and viruses are the most common causes of pneumonia. Fungi and parasites can sometimes cause it.
When the cause is bacteria, the illness can come on either slowly or quickly. It tends to be more serious than other types.
When a virus causes your pneumonia, youâre more likely to notice symptoms over several days. Early signs will look like the flu — such as fever, dry cough, headache, and weakness — but get worse in a day or two.
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Possible Complications Of Colds
Usually a cold does not cause serious trouble, and its symptoms stop within one to two weeks.
Possible complications include eye inflammation, sinusitis, middle ear inflammation, tonsillitis and pneumonia. The cause of these complications can be a bacterial infection that affects the irritated mucous membrane of the throat or nose.
Besides Vaccination What Else Can I Do To Prevent Bacterial And Viral Pneumonia
Receiving all recommended vaccinations is one of the best ways to prevent pneumonia. Additionally, there are several other ways to prevent pneumonia, including:
- Quitting smoking, and avoiding secondhand smoke. Smoking damages your lungs.
- Washing your hands before eating, before handling food, after using the restroom, and after being outside. If soap is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoiding being around people who are sick. Ask them to visit when they are feeling better.
- Not touching or sharing objects that are shared with others. Germs can be transferred from object to you if you touch your nose or mouth without washing or sanitizing your hands first.
- Eating a healthy diet, exercise, and get enough rest. Healthy habits keep your immune system strong.
- Getting treated for any other infections or health conditions you may have. These conditions could weaken your immune system, which could increase your chance of infections.
- Avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol.
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Can Being Sick Make Your Back Hurt
Absolutely. Several common winter illnesses can directly lead to back pain, though the cold weather itself wasnt the cause. For example:
- The flu One of the symptoms of the flu is joint pain and muscle aches, along with lethargy and exhaustion.
- Bronchitis and pneumonia Difficulty breathing is often either caused by or leads to inflammation and coughing, both of which agitate back muscles and lead to upper and lower back pain.
Is Pneumonia Contagious
Certain types of pneumonia are contagious . Pneumonia caused by bacteria or viruses can be contagious when the disease-carrying organisms are breathed into your lungs. However, not everyone who is exposed to the germs that cause pneumonia will develop it.
Pneumonia caused by fungi are not contagious. The fungi are in soil, which becomes airborne and inhaled, but it is not spread from person to person.
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What Causes A Cold
A cold can be caused by more than 200 different types of viruses. Up to 50% of colds are caused by rhinoviruses that cause other colds: Parainfluenza virus
- Metapneumovirus
- Respiratory syncytial virus
- Enteroviruses
When the virus manages to overcome the infection, the body’s immune system becomes more powerful. The first line of defense of the body is slime, which is produced in the nose and throat . This mucus very much interferes with breathing. The mucus itself is a slippery liquid that is localized on the membranes of the nose, mouth, throat and vagina. This is the most common cold symptom in the cold winter months, which affects children and adults of all ages. Most people catch cold two to four times a year.
Things That You Can Do To Help Your Child At Home Are
- Control the fever with the proper medicine and right strength for the age of your child. Fevers lower than 101° F do not need to be treated unless the child is uncomfortable .
- Give your child plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- See that your child gets lots of rest.
- Do not give over-the-counter cough medicines or other OTC medicines without asking the health provider first. The child needs to cough and bring up the phlegm. Coughing is the bodys way of clearing the infection from the lungs.
- Avoid exposing your child to tobacco smoke or other irritants in the air.
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Cold Homes Are Bad For Health If Youre Struggling To Pay Your Heating Bills And Your Home Is Cold And Damp Your Health May Suffer
Problems and diseases linked to the cold range from blood pressure increases and common colds, to heart attacks and pneumonia.
Besides poor health, cold-related illness causes absence from work, social isolation, and sleep deprivation. It may lead to mental or stress related illness, with negative knock on effects for family and friends.
Protection From Cold And Flu
The most important thing to remember during cold and flu season is to protect yourself against these germs when you are around other people.
Be sure to wash your hands often or use an alcohol-hased hand sanitizer if you can’t get to a sink. Try to avoid touching your face as much as possible, since that is how most respiratory germs enter the body.
You can also protect yourself against illness by getting your yearly flu vaccine, avoiding people who you know are sick, and taking care of your body by eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep at night.
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Who Is Most At Risk For Getting Pneumonia
People who have an increased risk of pneumonia include:
- People over the age of 65 and infants under age 2. The weakening immune system of older people makes them less able to fight off illnesses. Similarly, the immune system of infants is still developing and not at full-strength, making them more susceptible to infection.
- People with a health-caused weakened immune system. Examples include:
- People who are receiving chemotherapy
- Transplanted organ recipients
- People who have HIV/AIDS
- People with autoimmune disease and who are taking medications that suppress the immune system.
How Do You Get Pneumonia
Have you ever been told to bundle up to avoid catching pneumonia? Or told a friend or family member not to walk outside with wet hair because he or she could get it? It might surprise you to find out that neither cold weather nor wet hair can cause you to catch pneumonia. In fact, pneumonia in itself isnt contagious, so you cant really catch it at all.
If you are wondering how do you get pneumonia, or have any other questions about this condition, FastMed can help. We are open 365 days a year to provide treatment for non-life-threatening illness and injuries, as well as ready to answer all of your health related questions.
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Can Cold Weather Cause Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs. The lungs are made up of small sacs called alveoli, which fill with air when a healthy person breathes. When an individual has pneumonia, the alveoli are filled with pus and fluid, which makes breathing painful and limits oxygen intake.
Pneumonia is the single largest infectious cause of death in children worldwide. Pneumonia killed 808 694 children under the age of 5 in 2017, accounting for 15% of all deaths of children under five years old. Pneumonia affects children and families everywhere but is most prevalent in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Children can be protected from pneumonia, it can be prevented with simple interventions, and treated with low-cost, low-tech medication and care.
In Nigeria, 19% of child deaths were due to pneumonia in 2018, and it was the biggest killer of children under-five in 2017. There are an estimated 56 million episodes of lung infections among Nigerian children every year. Although not all episodes will lead to death, these infections nevertheless cause suffering and require treatment
Causes
Pneumonia is caused by a number of infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The most common are:
Streptococcus pneumoniae the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in children
Haemophilus influenzae type b the second most common cause of bacterial pneumonia
Transmission
Presenting features
Risk factors
Avoid Catching Colds Or Flu
Catching a cold or another infection can trigger your symptoms to get worse or your condition to flare up.
If you catch a cold, watch out for symptoms that get worse. Make sure you know what to do if you become breathless or start to cough up phlegm. Make sure you have numbers on hand for your out of hours GP or specialist in case you need to contact them.
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Pneumonia Shot Allergic Reactions
Often people want to know about pneumonia shot side effects. The pneumonia vaccine is generally safe.
There are some, who may experience a bit of soreness, redness, and swelling at the site, where the vaccine is taken. This soreness can last anywhere between one to three days.
A very small number of people may get fever, general muscle pain, or headache. These symptoms are often seen soon after the pneumonia vaccine is given. They do not generally last for more than two days.
Severe pneumonia shot reactions include a hard and sore lump at the place the vaccine is given.
Although rare, due to a severe allergic reaction, the person may suffer from skin rashes and/or hives.
Swelling of the throat, mouth, and face is also observed as a result of pneumonia vaccine allergic reaction.
Some people may experience shortness of breath and/or rapid heartbeat. Some may suffer from pain in the muscles and joints, fatigue, headache, etc.
There have been cases of a drop in blood pressure leading to loss of consciousness.
If a person is known to suffer from drops in platelet count due to unidentified reasons, he may experience the same for a short period of time.
Some people may display symptoms of anaphylactic shock, such as severe swelling and itching of the eyes or face, hives, hoarse voice, increased heartbeat, swelling beneath the skin, swollen glands, difficulty in swallowing and breathing, drowsiness, etc.