Southern Cross Medical Library
The purpose of the Southern Cross Medical Library is to provide information of a general nature to help you better understand certain medical conditions. Always seek specific medical advice for treatment appropriate to you. This information is not intended to relate specifically to insurance or healthcare services provided by Southern Cross. For more articles go to the Medical Library index page.
Considering Kids And Cough Medications
The FDA does not recommend using over-the-counter medications for cough and cold symptoms in children younger than age two. As a result of this decision, many manufacturers relabeled their products to state that they should not be given to children younger than age four. Be aware that many of these products contain multiple ingredients, which can lead to accidental overdosing, says the FDA.
The FDA advises that over-the-counter cold and cough products can be harmful to children if they take:
- Doses too often
- More than one product containing the same drug
- More than the recommended amount
- Medicines that are intended for adults
Check out this sample Drug Facts label for an over-the-counter cough and cold medication, provided as an example on the FDAs Website. Notice the drug names in the Active Ingredients section and the Warnings section, and read them carefully.
Can Breathing Vicks Vaporub Cause Pneumonia
The research paper, Exogenous lipid pneumonia related to long-term use of Vicks VapoRub® by an adult patient: a case report, was published in BMC Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders. ELP is a rare condition that results from the aspiration or inhalation of material of animal, vegetable or mineral origin.
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What Is Fungal Pneumonia
Three types of fungi living in soil are known causes of pneumonia:
- Coccidioides immitis and Coccidiodes posadasii are two related fungi common to the American Southwest. Both can cause coccidioidomycosis, also known as cocci or valley fever.
- Histoplasma capsulatum is found in the central and eastern United States, especially areas around the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys, and causes a disease called histoplasmosis.
- Cryptococcus is a fungi found in soil and bird droppings all across the country.
Most people who inhale these fungi don’t get sick, but if your immune system is weak, you may develop pneumonia.
Another fungus, Pneumocystis jirovecii, can generate an infection in premature, malnourished infants, and in people with a weakened immune system, such as those who have HIV or AIDS.
The symptoms of pneumonia that are caused by fungi are often similar to those of other forms of pneumonia, including a fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
But because this type of pneumonia usually affects people with weakened immune systems, symptoms tend to develop faster, and people often experience a high fever.
Whats The Treatment Like For Pneumonia In Older Adults
Some cases of pneumonia in older adults can be treated at home. However, depending on your symptoms and overall health, its also possible that you may be hospitalized.
Antibiotics are used to treat pneumonia thats caused by bacteria. The types of antibiotics used can depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection and on the infections severity. They may be given orally or .
Some examples of antibiotics used for pneumonia can include one or a combination of the following:
- macrolides
- beta-lactams
Viruses cant be treated with antibiotics.
Treatment of viral pneumonia focuses on supportive care, such as easing symptoms, maintaining hydration, and monitoring vital signs. In some cases, antiviral drugs may be used.
In the case of the flu, an antiviral, such as Tamiflu, may be prescribed.
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Causes Of Walking Pneumonia
Walking pneumonia can be caused by viruses or bacteria. According to the American Lung Association, most cases are caused by M. pneumoniae, a common type of bacteria that usually affects children and adults under the age of 40. M. pneumoniae infections tend to peak in summer and early fall but can happen throughout the year.
Chlamydophila pneumoniae can also cause walking pneumonia. Infections from this type of bacteria are common in all four seasons. It often spreads in crowded environments, like college dorms and long-term care facilities.
Adults and children can also contract walking pneumonia from viruses. Respiratory syncytial virus is a frequent cause of walking pneumonia in young kids, while adults tend to get the viral form of the disease from the influenza virus.
Tips For Regaining Your Strength After Severe Pneumonia
- Get plenty of rest
- Slowly start moving around once you’re ready but don’t overdo it
- Complete any treatments prescribed by your doctor
- Eat a nutritious diet
- Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke
- Limit exposure to throat irritants, including pollution and alcohol
- Perform deep breathing exercises
- Consult with your doctor before returning to exercise
Aim to slowly work back into your usual routine and be sure to take note of any signs that the infection may be coming back.
“Pneumonia can be incredibly taxing and there’s no one-size-fits-all to recovery. Some people feel better in about six weeks, but it can take several months for others to feel better after severe pneumonia,” adds Dr. Lee. “Most importantly, be patient with your body.”
If your recovery is prolonged, a specialized program focused on pulmonary rehabilitation may help get you back on track.
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What Do They Give Dogs For Pneumonia
Canine Pneumonia Treatment Medication may be prescribed by your veterinarian to help reduce the symptoms of any form of pneumonia. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for fever and discomfort, as well as bronchodilators and expectorants for coughing and difficulties breathing, may be prescribed. Vaccines are available to prevent certain types of pneumonia.
Dogs can get pneumonia in three ways: through inhalation of bacteria or other particles into their lungs by having fluid leak into their lungs from their skin pores or by eating irritant substances like grass or mulch that have been contaminated with bacteria or other organisms. If you notice your dog coughing repeatedly and appearing short of breath, call your vet right away so that treatment can begin before life-threatening complications arise.
Pneumonia is one of the most common medical problems in dogs. There are several forms of canine pneumonia, but all of them involve the same basic process: The virus or bacteria responsible for the infection invades the delicate lung tissue and triggers the body’s immune response. This response causes inflammation throughout the organ and sometimes results in abscesses, which are small collections of infected tissue surrounded by scar tissue.
Canine pneumonias can be acute or chronic. Acute pneumonia develops over days to weeks and usually has an underlying cause.
What Is The Outlook For Pneumonia
People who are otherwise healthy often recover quickly when given prompt and proper care. However, pneumonia is a serious condition and can be life-threatening if left untreated and especially for those individuals at increased risk for pneumonia.
Even patients who have been successfully treated and have fully recovered may face long-term health issues. Children who have recovered from pneumonia have an increased risk of chronic lung diseases. Adults may experience:
- General decline in quality of life for months or years
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Why Does It Take So Long To Recover From Pneumonia
You can’t see the damage pneumonia causes, but you certainly feel it.
The air sacs in your lungs become inflamed during pneumonia, leading to soreness and pain. If the infection and inflammation progress, your lungs may fill with fluid and dead lung tissue, leading to the green, yellow or even bloody mucus you cough up. This fluid may also affect how well oxygen is able to transfer into your bloodstream, leading to difficulty breathing.
“Once the infection is cleared with treatment, your body still has to deal with removing all of the fluid, damage and debris left behind in your lungs. This can take a few weeks, resulting in a lingering cough and reduced lung capacity,” explains Dr. Lee. “During this time, you may find physical exertion more tiring than usual.”
A more severe case of pneumonia can cause even more damage to your lungs, which can be significant and even permanent in some cases.
“After severe pneumonia, lung capacity is reduced and muscles may be weak from being so ill. Significant weight loss can further contribute to weakness and other health conditions may be aggravated due to the stress placed on the body during illness. These are all things your body will need time to recover from,” says Dr. Lee.
In fact, it may take another several months for you to fully heal and regain strength.
How Did My Dog Get Pneumonia
There are several potential causes. A viral infection of the lower respiratory tract is the most prevalent cause of pneumonia. Canine distemper virus, adenovirus types 1 and 2, canine influenza virus, and parainfluenza virus induce airway injury and predispose the animal to pneumonia. Bacteria may also cause pneumonia. For example, Mycoplasma species, Chlamydia psittaci, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Pasteurella multocida, and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae can all produce disease. Pneumonia can also be caused by inhaling material from a surface or object that has been contaminated with bacteria such as Streptococcus zooepidemicus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Pneumonia is an inflammatory disease of the lungs characterized by consolidation of alveoli walls due to accumulation of fluid within them. This results in decreased oxygenation of blood and increased resting heart rate. The condition can be acute or chronic. Acute pneumonia occurs suddenly after a viral or bacterial infection has cleared up without treatment. With chronic pneumonia, the patient has had the disorder for a long time often since early childhood. The main symptoms of pneumonia are breathlessness, fever, cough, and pain when breathing. The severity of these symptoms depends on the size of the lung areas that are affected.
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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.
Basil And Black Pepper
Basil and black pepper act as natural decongestants. Black pepper expels the mucus from the air sacs and dries up the fluids which cause pneumonia infection.
Process 1:
- Crush 5-7 basil leaves to extract juice.
- Mix with ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper.
- Consume every 6 hours to cure pneumonia.
Process 2:
- Repeat 2 times a week.
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Causes Of Cat Pneumonia
All cats are at risk for pneumonia, but it tends to be more common in very young kittens, senior cats, or cats with health conditions, since they may have a weakened immune system. Cats can contract pneumonia in a few different ways:
- Infectious pneumonia This is the most common cause of pneumonia in cats. It is the result of a viral or bacterial infection in the lungs and airways.
- Aspiration pneumonia Cats can get pneumonia by inhaling a foreign material, which irritates the sensitive lining of the lungs. This can happen if a cat breathes in things like a bit of liquid medication, a piece of plastic that came off a toy, or something as small and seemingly harmless as a seed. Aspiration pneumonia can also occur if a cat throws up and inhales some of the vomit.
- Fungal pneumonia This type of pneumonia happens when a fungus, often found in soil or pigeon droppings, is breathed in through the mouth or nose and develops into an infection.
How Common Is Pneumonia
Approximately 1 million adults in the United States are hospitalized each year for pneumonia and 50,000 die from the disease. It is the second most common reason for being admitted to the hospital — childbirth is number one. Pneumonia is the most common reason children are admitted to the hospital in the United States. Seniors who are hospitalized for pneumonia face a higher risk of death compared to any of the top 10 other reasons for hospitalization.
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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.
Cough Relief Without Medicine
Nonmedication treatments for coughs include drinking plenty of fluids, especially warm drinks, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration . Drinking plenty of fluids also helps prevent someone whos sick from becoming dehydrated, which can also be caused by fever.
A cough can be quite irritating to the throat. For adults, cough drops or hard candies might help soothe a sore throat and reduce the urge to cough, according to the CDC.
Consider asking your doctor whether to use a humidifier. For dry coughs, the extra moisture from a humidifier can help make it easier to breathe. While this hasnt been proven specifically for coronavirus, humidifiers are useful for other respiratory illnesses.
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Improving Your Sleep Environment
What’s The Link Between Covid
A quick refresher first: COVID-19 is a serious respiratory illness caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. It can lead to a range of intense symptoms, including a cough, fever, trouble breathing, and loss of taste or smell, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Pneumonia is an infection of the tiny air sacs in the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness in people, the CDC says.
Some patients with COVID-19 develop pneumoniain fact, the World Health Organization first called the virus -infected pneumonia , before shortening the name to COVID-19. The SARS-CoV-2 virus was also first identified in Wuhan, China due to cases of “pneumonia of unknown etiology,” or unknown cause, the WHO reported in January 2020.
It’s not uncommon to develop pneumonia as the result of any virus, Raymond Casciari, MD, a pulmonologist at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, California, tells Health. In the case of COVID-19, the virus can damage your alveoli and cause fluid to build in your lungs as your body fights the infection, he explains. That can also lead to the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome , which is a serious form of respiratory failure that makes the alveoli fill with fluid. “The immune system starts attacking the lung itself, which results in ARDS,” Dr. Casciari says.
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Can Pneumonia Be Prevented
Vaccinations can help prevent some types of pneumonia. Its a good idea to speak to your doctor about whether vaccination is recommended for you or for your children.
One vaccination that reduces the risk of pneumonia is the pneumococcal vaccine. Pneumococcal vaccines are free in Australia under the National Immunisation Program for some people .
When Would I Need To Be Hospitalized For Pneumonia
If your case of pneumonia is more severe, you may need tostay in the hospital for treatment. Hospital treatments may include:
- Oxygen
- Fluids, antibiotics and other medicines given through an IV
- Breathing treatments and exercises to help loosen mucus
People most likely to be hospitalized are those who are most frail and/or at increased risk, including:
- Babies and young children
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with health conditions that affect the heart and lungs
It may take six to eight weeks to return to a normal level of functioning and well-being if youve been hospitalized with pneumonia.
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