When To Call The Doctor
You should call your childs doctor if your child:
- Has trouble breathing or is breathing much faster than usual
- Has a bluish or gray color to the fingernails or lips
- Is older than 6 months and has a fever over 102°F
- Is younger than 6 months and has a temperature over 100.4°F.
- Has a fever for more than a few days after taking antibiotics
When your child should stay home and return to school or childcare
Who Is More Likely To Have Complications From Pneumonia
People who may be more likely to have complications from pneumonia include: Older adults or very young children. People whose immune system does not work well. People with other, serious medical problems such as diabetes or cirrhosis of the liver. Possible complications include: Respiratory failure, which requires a breathing machine or ventilator.
Pneumonia Can Be Serious But Not Always
A case of pneumonia doesnt necessarily require a hospital stay: If you are diagnosed with pneumonia but your symptoms arent severe, your doctor may direct you to manage it at home.
COVID-19 aside, bacterial pneumonia can be more serious than viral pneumonia unless you have a case of pneumonia caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae, often referred to as walking pneumonia, the non-medical term for atypical pneumonia. Although its often mild, atypical pneumonia can still make you feel pretty bad and can also be spread to others.
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What If You Test Positive Using An At
Those who test positive using an at-home test are asked to follow the latest CDC guidelines and communicate the results to their healthcare provider, who is responsible for reporting test results to the state health department.
Health experts say people should assume the test results are accurate and should isolate from others to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
When Should You Call A Doctor
The CDC urges those who have or may have COVID-19 to watch for emergency warning signs and seek medical care immediately if they experience symptoms including:
- Trouble breathing
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
“This list is not all possible symptoms,” the CDC states. “Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.”
You can also notify the operator that you believe you or someone you are caring for has COVID.
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When Should I See My Doctor
Pneumonia can be life-threatening if left untreated, especially for certain at-risk people. You should call your doctor if you have a cough that wont go away, shortness of breath, chest pain, or a fever. You should also call your doctor if you suddenly begin to feel worse after having a cold or the flu.
What Kind Of Ct Scan Do You Need For Pneumonia
CT scan. If your pneumonia isnt clearing as quickly as expected, your doctor may recommend a chest CT scan to obtain a more detailed image of your lungs. Pleural fluid culture. A fluid sample is taken by putting a needle between your ribs from the pleural area and analyzed to help determine the type of infection.
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What Are The Symptoms To Watch For After Covid Exposure
With some omicron cases, particularly breakthrough infections in those who are boosted and vaccinated, remaining mild, many are wondering how to tell if it’s a cold, the flu or COVID-19.
Medical experts say if you think it’s a cold or the flu, it’s probably COVID. And if you’re not feeling well, you should stay home.
Dr. Katherine Poehling, an infectious disease specialist and member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, told NBC News last week that a cough, congestion, runny nose and fatigue appear to be prominent symptoms with the omicron variant. But unlike delta, many patients are not losing their taste or smell.
The evidence so far, according to Poehling, is anecdotal and not based on scientific research. She noted also that these symptoms may only reflect certain populations.
Still, CDC data showed the most common symptoms so far are cough, fatigue, congestion and a runny nose.
Overall, the symptoms for COVID reported by the CDC include:
- Fever or chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
The CDC also has what it calls a “coronavirus self checker” that allows people to answer a series of questions to determine if they should seek medical care.
How Can I Feel Better With Pneumonia Over The Counter
This can cause bacteria to stick around and multiply, making your recovery time longer. It can also increase your resistance to antibiotics in the future. Pneumonia and fevers often go hand in hand. Get those high temps back to normal with over-the-counter medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen.
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When Are People With Covid Most Contagious
The CDC says that its guidelines were updated to reflect growing evidence that suggests transmission of COVID-19 often occurs one to two days before the onset of symptoms and during the two to three days afterward.
For those without symptoms, CDC guidance states they are considered contagious at least two days before their positive test.
Is It Pneumonia How To Know And When To Go To The Er
Many people still think of pneumonia as an illness that happens only to the frail and elderly. But pneumonia can strike anyone at any ageincluding otherwise healthy young adults. Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the air sacs of the lungs. It can be severe and even fatal, especially during the winter months, when respiratory infections occur more frequently. ESPN reporter Ed Aschoffs pneumonia-related death on December 24, 2019his 34th birthdayis a sad reminder.
Common causes of pneumonia include respiratory syncytial virus , rhinovirus and Streptococcus pneumoniae . Having the flu, in particular, can raise your risk of developing pneumonia.
Heres what you need to know about pneumonia to keep your family safe.
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From Walking Pneumonia To Covid
When youre sick, it can be hard to diagnose yourself: Do you have a cold? The flu? COVID-19? Bronchitis? Or, could it be pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a potentially serious condition: An estimated 1 million adults in the United States seek care in a hospital due to pneumonia every year, and 50,000 die from it.
Pneumonia causes inflammation, fluid or pus to build up in the air sacs of the lungs, which are called alveoli, explains Carrie Ward, MD, a primary care physician at Keck Medicine of USC and a clinical assistant professor of medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. The alveoli are responsible for air exchange, and when they fill with fluid or are inflamed, they cant effectively do their job, and the body receives less oxygen.
What Are The Signs Of Dog Pneumonia
The signs and symptoms of dog pneumonia will vary depending on the severity of the inflammation or infection and your dogs specific makeup.
Its extremely important that you take your dog to the vet as soon as you recognize any signs of pneumonia or other respiratory condition. Some of the symptoms may include:
Of course, these are just some of the many dog pneumonia symptoms. Its important to take your dog in for regular checkups and provide them with a healthy enriched environment.
One way to do this is by giving them Canna-Pet hemp products. The phytonutrient rich hemp gives them the nutrition they need to be powered throughout their day. Plus, hemp is a powerful antimicrobial, meaning hemp products may be able to fight and prevent pneumonia in your dog.
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How To Avoid Catching Pneumonia In The Elderly
Vaccines are the primary way that elderly people can improve their odds of not catching pneumonia. Other preventions, include eating a well-balanced diet that is rich in foods that support the immune system. Hand-washing is also important and when available to the use of hand sanitizer can help too.
Complications Caused By Pneumonia
Pneumonia can sometimes have complications. They include:
- pleurisy where the pleura, the thin linings between your lungs and ribcage, become inflamed, leading to chest pain. If you have pleurisy, you are more likely to develop fluid on the lungs.
- fluid on the lungs – about 1 in 10 people with pneumonia develop fluid around the lung, called a pleural effusion which can become infected. This may require a sample of the fluid to be taken by inserting a needle between the ribs under local anaesthetic, and if infected is likely to need a longer course of antibiotics. Occasionally, a tube is inserted into the lung to remove fluid as well.
- a lung abscess a rare complication thats mostly seen in people with a serious pre-existing illness or history of alcohol misuse.
- blood poisoning, also called septicaemia – this is where infection spreads from the lungs to the blood stream. This can cause low blood pressure and a severe illness that might need intensive care treatment.
- respiratory failure this is where pneumonia causes low levels of oxygen in the blood even in people given oxygen. This might also require intensive care treatment.
The vast majority of people recover from pneumonia and return to good health. However, pneumonia can be very serious and some people with severe pneumonia dont survive, despite the best available care. Those who are elderly or have other health problems are most at risk of severe or fatal pneumonia.
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When Is The Best Time To Get Tested After Exposure
The CDC states that anyone who may have been exposed to someone with COVID should test five days after their exposure, or as soon as symptoms occur.
“If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19,” the guidance states.
Medical experts say that even though incubation times could be changing, those who test early should continue testing even if they get negative results.
What Kind Of Tests Are Done To Diagnose Pneumonia
If pneumonia is suspected, your doctor may recommend the following tests: 1 Blood tests. Blood tests are used to confirm an infection and to try to identify the type 2 Chest X-ray. This helps your doctor diagnose pneumonia and determine the extent and location 3 Pulse oximetry. This measures the oxygen level in your blood
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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.
How Long Does It Take For Pneumonia Symptoms To Go Away
People who have community-acquired pneumonia usually can be treated at home with medication. Although most symptoms ease in a few days or weeks, the feeling of tiredness can persist for a month or more. Specific treatments depend on the type and severity of your pneumonia, your age and your overall health.
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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.
Diagnosing Pneumonia In Dogs
A veterinarian will perform a full physical examination on a dog after an owner notes symptoms that are characteristic of pneumonia. The vet will look for nasal discharge, coughing, take the temperature of the dog, and listen to the lungs using a stethoscope. If pneumonia is suspected, X-rays of the lungs will need to be taken to look for fluid and inflammation. Sometimes a bronchial lavage is also performed in order to check if bacteria is present in the lungs. A sample of the nasal discharge or lung fluid from the lavage may be sent out for a microbial culture or cytology to see what type of bacteria is causing the pneumonia. Finally, bloodwork is often checked to see if an infection is systemic by looking for an elevation in the white blood cell count.
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How To Know If Its Pneumonia
Symptoms of pneumonia can be the same as for colds and flu, which is why you really need a doctors diagnosis to know for sure. A doctor may also be able to identify which type of pneumonia you have and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Symptoms common to pneumonia, colds and flu include:
Additional signs of pneumonia may include:
- A respiratory illness that lingers
- Cough with mucus and/or blood
- Shortness of breath or fast, shallow breathing
- Bluish tint to lips and/or fingertips
- High fever, sweating, shaking chills
- Sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you inhale deeply or cough
- Nausea and vomiting, especially in young children
- Confusion, especially in older adults
Is Pneumonia Treated Any Differently In Children
Essentially no. Just like adults, bacterial causes of pneumonia in children may be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are not used to treat pneumonia caused by viruses. Flu-related pneumonia may be treated with antiviral medicine if caught early in the course of illness. Most cases of pneumonia are treated with comfort care measures that ease symptoms. These may include:
- Drinking more fluids.
- Getting more rest.
- Taking over-the-counter medicines for cough and acetaminophen for fever. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about giving medicines to your child.
- Using a cool mist humidifier in your childs room.
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How Can I Tell If I Have Pneumonia Versus The Common Cold Or The Flu
Do I have a cold or could it be the flu or even pneumonia? Its tough to tell the difference but critical to know when to seek medical care
Watch for these ongoing symptoms that occur in pneumonia:
- Serious congestion or chest pain.
- Difficulty breathing.
- A fever of 102 or higher.
- Coughing that produces pus.
Pneumonia symptoms last longer than cold and flu. If your symptoms arent severe, its okay to try such home remedies as getting more rest, drinking more fluids and taking some over-the-counter medicines and see what happens. But if you dont see improvement in your symptoms after three to five days, or if you are experiencing more serious symptoms such as dizziness or severe difficulty breathing, see your healthcare provider. Dont let it go. Pneumonia-like symptoms in very young children or in adults older than 65 are a cause for concern. Also, pneumonia can cause permanent lung damage if left untreated for too long. And always seek immediate care if you experience chest pain or have breathing difficulties.
What Should I Do If My Dog Has Pneumonia
The first thing to do if you expect your dog may have pneumonia is to call your vet. They will likely tell you to take him in since pneumonia cannot really be diagnosed on the phone.
After a physical examination, your vet may come to the conclusion that your dog has bacterial pneumonia. This conclusion is usually reached based on increased body temperature and abnormal breathing sounds when listened to with a stethoscope.
Likely, your vet will want to run a few tests to make sure the diagnosis is correct and the symptoms arent caused by other diseases or conditions. These tests may include:
- CBC & biochemistry profile: These are tests that will determine the general health of your dog. Depending on the results, more specific fecal or blood tests may be required.
- Chest x-ray: Chest x-rays may be able to rule out other conditions such as lung disease or other obstruction in the lung. Often bacterial pneumonia can be spotted on x-rays, and if your dog has aspiration pneumonia, an x-ray will almost certainly be necessary.
- Bronchoscopy: Your vet may recommend a bronchoscopy, which is where your vet will examine your dogs internal airways with a specialized camera. Your dog will be anesthetized for its comfort. During a bronchoscopy, a cytology screening will usually be performed, meaning cells will be taken for testing to determine the source and severity of the infection.
With the proper diagnosis in hand, its up to you and your vet to make the best decision for your pup.
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