Signs And Symptoms Of Pneumonia

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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.

Can The Pneumonia Vaccine Prevent Pneumonia

It is not possible to prevent all types of pneumonia, but one can take steps to reduce the chance of contracting the condition by quitting smoking, practicing good hand-washing, and avoiding contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other infections.

A vaccine is available against the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia, Streptococcus pneumoniae . There are two types of vaccine: PPSV23 , a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine against 23 types of the bacteria, and PCV13 , a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that protects against 13 types of the bacteria. These vaccines may not always prevent pneumococcal pneumonia, but they may prevent serious complications of pneumonia if it does occur.

Avoidance of areas where fungal pathogens are endemic is recommended to prevent fungal pneumonias. There is no antifungal vaccine available however, for some high-risk patients, some doctors have recommended prophylactic antifungal drugs.

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When Should You Suspect Pneumonia

Its not always easy to identify pneumonia on your own without visiting a doctor. This is because the symptoms overlap with other common respiratory conditions.

To diagnose pneumonia a doctor will usually ask you the following:

• Do you feel breathless or are you breathing rapidly?
• Are you coughing up mucus and it is green, yellow or bloody?
• Is your chest pain worse when you breathe in or out?

Answering yes to all of these questions indicates that you have pneumonia and that you will need to visit a doctor. They will probably listen to your chest with a stethoscope, and depending upon the severity of your condition may want to send you for a chest X-ray.

If your pneumonia has been caused by an existing infection such as the flu or COVID-19, you may notice a worsening of your symptoms, or that you start to feel ill again after initially recovering.

Diagnostic Tests And Procedures

If your doctor thinks you have pneumonia, he or she may do one or more of the following tests.

• Chest X-ray to look for inflammation in your lungs. A chest X-ray is often used to diagnose pneumonia.
• Blood tests, such as a complete blood count to see whether your immune system is fighting an infection.
• Pulse oximetry to measure how much oxygen is in your blood. Pneumonia can keep your lungs from moving enough oxygen into your blood. To measure the levels, a small sensor called a pulse oximeter is attached to your finger or ear.

If you are in the hospital, have serious symptoms, are older, or have other health problems, your doctor may do other tests to diagnose pneumonia.

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Pneumonia Vs Cold And Flu Symptoms

Itâs tricky, because pneumonia can be a complication of colds and flu. This happens when the germs that cause those common illnesses get into your lungs. You might be feeling better, but then you start getting symptoms again — and this time, they can be a lot worse.

Cold symptoms tend to start slowly. Youâre more likely to sneeze and have a runny nose and sore throat than with either the flu or pneumonia. Colds donât usually cause a fever in adults.

The top clue that you have the flu is that the symptoms come on strong, seemingly out of nowhere. You may have:

• Fever above 100.4 F

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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What Are The Symptoms And Signs Of Pneumonia

• fatigue.

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are other possible symptoms that can accompany the respiratory symptoms.

Infants and newborns may not show specific symptoms of pneumonia. Instead, the baby or child may appear restless or lethargic. A baby or child with pneumonia may also have a fever or cough or vomit. Older adults or those who have weak immune systems may also have fewer symptoms and a lower temperature. A change in mental status, such as confusion, can develop in older adults with pneumonia.

When Can I Return To Work School And Regular Activities If I Have Pneumonia

You typically can resume your normal activities if your symptoms are gone, mild or improving and you do not have new or worsening:

• Shortness of breath or tiredness
• Chest pain
• Mucus, fever or cough

If you are generally healthy, most people feel well enough to return to previous activities in about a week. However, it may take about a month to feel totally back to normal.

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A Parents Guide To Antibiotics

When a child gets sick, parents may be surprised if the pediatrician isnt quick to pull out the prescription pad for an antibiotic.

Most seasonal illnesses like respiratory infections, the flu and the common cold are actually viral infections, for which antibiotics have no effect. In many cases, your childs doctor will recommend treating the symptoms until the infection runs its course.

What Are The Different Types Of Pneumonia And Their Symptoms

Pneumonia is a broad category of diseases. Any infection of the lungs is called pneumonia. Pneumonia can be separated into different types based on the parts of the lungs or based on the cause of the pneumonia. Symptoms of pneumonia not only depend on the type of the pneumonia but also depend on the severity of the pneumonia. It also depends on the age and pre-existing health conditions of the patient.

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Pneumonia : Signs And Symptoms

What is pneumonia?Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes the air sacs of the lungs to fill with fluid. This fluid buildup makes it hard for oxygen to enter the bloodstream, creating the symptoms of pneumonia. Viruses and bacteria are the main causes of pneumonia, but on rarer occasions fungus and parasites can cause an infection as well.During or after a virus like a cold or the flu, your immune system is more susceptible to additional infections, which is why pneumonia can be a flu-related complication to watch for.Signs and symptoms of pneumoniaDepending on the cause of pneumonia, symptoms can come on quickly, or more gradually. Symptoms include:

• A productive cough, meaning mucus from the lungs comes up with the cough. Sometimes mucus can be a greenish color, or tinged slightly with blood.
• Fever
• Feeling short of breath fast, shallow breathing
• Chest pain that gets worse when coughing
• General feeling of tiredness and feeling weak

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Different Types Of Pneumonia

The types of pneumonia are mainly classified by the type of pathogenic microorganism that causes the infection as well as where and how the infection was acquired.

Classification according to its causative agent:

• Bacterial Pneumonia – is usually caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Chlamydophila pneumonia and Legionella pneumophila can also cause bacterial pneumonia.

• Viral Pneumonia – respiratory viruses can cause pneumonia, especially in young kids and elderly people. Viral pneumonia is mild in nature and cannot last long.

• Mycoplasma Pneumonia – Mycoplasma organisms are bacteria but without cell walls. For this reason, mycoplasmas are resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin. They are also resistant to other types of antibiotics, which target the cell wall. Mycoplasmas can cause pneumonia to older children or young adults.

• Fungal Pneumonia – In this type of pneumonia, fungi can be inhaled through soil contaminated with bird droppings. It certainly causes pneumonia in people with chronic diseases. Fungal pneumonia is also called as pneumocystispneumonia . It usually affects immunocompromised individuals.

Classification according to where the infection was acquired:

• Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia – Patients who are admitted for other medical conditions could get bacterial pneumonia during their hospital stay. It is a serious type of disease because bacteria would have a higher resistance power.

Classification according to how the infection was acquired:

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What Are The Types Of Pneumonia

Sometimes, types of pneumonia are referred to by the type of organism that causes the inflammation, such as bacterial pneumonia, viral pneumonia, or fungal pneumonia. The specific organism name may also be used to describe the types of pneumonia, such as pneumococcal pneumonia or Legionella pneumonia.

Other types of pneumonia that are commonly referenced include the following:

• Aspiration pneumonia develops as a result of inhaling food or drink, saliva, or vomit into the lungs. This occurs when the swallowing reflex is impaired, such as with brain injury or in an intoxicated person.
• Several types of bacteria, including Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Chlamydophila pneumoniae, cause atypical pneumonia. It is sometimes called “walking pneumonia” and is referred to as atypical because its symptoms differ from those of other types of bacterial pneumonia.
• Pneumonia that arises from being on a ventilator for respiratory support in the intensive care setting is known as ventilator-associated pneumonia.

What Is The Prognosis And Recovery Time Of Pneumonia Can You Die

Most people with pneumonia improve after three to five days of antibiotic treatment, but a mild cough and fatigue can last longer, up to a month. Patients who required treatment in a hospital may take longer to see improvement.

Pneumonia can also be fatal. The mortality rate is up to 30% for patients with severe pneumonia who require treatment in an intensive care unit. Overall, around 5%-10% of patients who are treated in a hospital setting die from the disease. Pneumonia is more likely to be fatal in the elderly or those with chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system.

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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.

Can You Have Pneumonia Without Fever

A high temperature is a very common symptom of pneumonia however, it is possible to have the illness without a fever. This is more likely to be the case in babies and very young children, and in the elderly.

In people who are older or who have a weakened immune system, pneumonia may cause the body temperature to lower.

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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.

When Do The Symptoms And Signs Of Pneumonia Start

The incubation period for pneumonia depends on the type of organism causing the disease, as well as characteristics of the patient, such as his or her age and overall health status. Most cases of pneumonia begin with symptoms similar to those of a cold or the flu that last longer than the flu and become more severe. The symptoms of pneumonia can occur from a few days to a week following the flu-like symptoms.

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Signs And Symptoms Of A Chest Infection

The main symptoms of a chest infection can include:

• coughing up yellow or green phlegm , or coughing up blood
• breathlessness or rapid and shallow breathing
• wheezing
• chest pain or tightness
• feeling confused and disorientated

You may also experience more general symptoms of an infection, such as a headache, fatigue, sweating, loss of appetite, or joint and muscle pain.

How Is Pneumonia Spread From Person To Person

Pneumonia is spread when droplets of fluid containing the pneumonia bacteria or virus are launched in the air when someone coughs or sneezes and then inhaled by others. You can also get pneumonia from touching an object previously touched by the person with pneumonia or touching a tissue used by the infected person and then touching your mouth or nose.

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Signs And Symptoms Of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lungs that is primarily caused by either bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. In rare cases, pneumonia can be caused by chemical irritants. Most cases of pneumonia are bacterial in nature, with viral cases coming in second. Fungal pneumonia and pneumonia caused by parasites is relatively rare. It is possible to have a case of mixed bacterial and viral pneumonia infection. We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of pneumonia below.

Pneumonia Symptoms In Adults

Pneumonia can feel very similar to other respiratory conditions such as the flu or a chest infection. The main symptom is coughing, which may bring up mucus that is green, yellow or bloody. Youll also feel generally unwell and tired.

Additionally, many people experience the following:

• Fever, accompanied by shivering and sweating
• Difficulty breathing and breathlessness even when resting
• Rapid heartbeat
• Chest pain, worsened by breathing or coughing
• Loss of appetite

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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Pneumonia In Children

The signs and symptoms of pneumonia in children vary from child to child and also depend on your childs age, cause of the infection, and severity of their illness.

Usual symptoms include:

• Cry more than usual. Are restless or more fussy.

Adolescents have the same symptoms as adults, including:

• Cough.
• Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath.
• Chest pain.

Newborns are at greater risk of pneumonia caused by bacteria present in the birth canal. In young children, viruses are the main cause of pneumonia.

Pneumonia caused by bacteria tends to happen suddenly, starting with fever and fast breathing. Symptoms appear more slowly and tend to be less severe when pneumonia is caused by viruses.

Protect Children With Asthma From Colds Flu

Getting a cold or the flu is a bummer for anyone, but these common illnesses can be extra challenging for children with asthma.

Viruses more often than not will worsen asthma, says Dr. Wan-Yin Chan, a CHOC allergist/immunologist.

Already, people with asthma have inflamed airways to the lungs. Coughing and sneezing prompted by a cold or the flu adds extra stress on these airways, which can trigger an asthma attack.

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More Severe Cases May Also Cause:

• quick breathing
• rapid heartbeat
• nausea and vomiting

Some people get a sharp pain in their chest when they breathe in and out. This may be because the thin lining between the lung and ribcage, called the pleura, is infected and inflamed. This inflammation, called pleurisy, stops your lungs moving smoothly as you breathe.

The symptoms of pneumonia are often very similar to those of other chest infections, such as bronchitis, COPD flare-ups or bronchiectasis flare-ups. To get a proper diagnosis youll need to visit your GP.

If you feel unwell with these symptoms, see your GP or call 111. If you have chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, quick breathing, shivers or confusion, get urgent advice from your GP or call 999. Take extra care if youre over 65.

Medical History And Physical Exam

Your doctor will ask about your signs and symptoms and when they began. Your doctor will also ask whether you have any risk factors for pneumonia. Your doctor also may ask about:

• Exposure to sick people at home, school, or work or in a hospital
• Flu or pneumonia vaccinations
• Exposure to birds and other animals
• Smoking

During your physical exam, your doctor will check your temperature and listen to your lungs with a stethoscope.

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