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.
Can You Have Pneumonia With 98% Oxygen Saturation
Hi all,
My first post on this forum. I am suffering from bad health anxiety these days just like many others.
Im wondering if its possible to have pneumonia with a normal oxygen saturation of 98%?
It all started with a fever 6 weeks ago. The fever itself only lasted 2 days but since then Ive had a wet cough , fatigue, anxiety, feel like Im short of breath doing light exercises.
Ive been sleeping very poorly with many sleepless nights at the start. Now I can manage around 6 hours of interrupted sleep per night with the help of Valerian and Melatonin. The poor sleep certainly isnt helping my recovery. Its only now that the wet cough seems to be going away.
The past 3-4 weeks or so I struggle to sleep more than 2-3 hours at a time. Quite often I would wake up breathing quite heavily or faster than usual.
Im was concerned that I might have a mild form of pneumonia. Doctor advised me to buy a pulse oximeter which I did today. I tested myself and my SpO2 level is average 98%, reading between 97-99%.
So basically my current symptoms are fatigue, lack of sleep, minor throat irritation with little mucus, and breathing issues. The breathing issues is partly psychological but Im concerned that there is something wrong with my lungs.
Thanks for any input.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Pneumonia
Pneumonia symptoms can vary from so mild you barely notice them, to so severe that hospitalization is required. How your body responds to pneumonia depends on the type germ causing the infection, your age and your overall health.
The signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include:
- Cough, which may produce greenish, yellow or even bloody mucus
- Fever, sweating and shaking chills
- Sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough
- Loss of appetite, low energy, and fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting, especially in small children
- Confusion, especially in older people
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It Might Feel Like A Cold
Walking pneumonia is how some people describe a mild case of pneumonia. Your doctor might call it âatypical pneumoniaâ because itâs not like more serious cases.
A lung infection is often to blame. Lots of things can cause it, including:
- Bacteria
- Inhaled food
Walking pneumonia usually is due to bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
You probably wonât have to stay in bed or in the hospital. You might even feel good enough go to work and keep up your routine, just as you might with a cold.
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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Covid Can Damage Your Lungs To A Great Extent Thus Taking Care Of This Organ Post
Written by Satata Karmakar | Updated : January 3, 2022 4:51 PM IST
Pneumonia, a common lung infection that can affect one or both the lungs and lead to inflammation in the air sacs called alveoli, is one of the most common symptoms of deadly coronavirus infection. COVID-19 causing SARS-CoV2 virus was first identified in China’s Wuhan in 2019, ever since then in the last two years, the virus has mutated and formed several virulent strains which mainly target the lungs. While some people experience only mild to moderate symptoms of the infection, others can end up fighting long-term health issues from the virus. Experts have also stated that the risk of developing a lung infection is higher among those who are infected or have recovered from COVID-19. With the arrival of another contagious strain Omicron, let’s know from the experts the various warning symptoms that the lungs of a COVID recovered patient may show to indicate pneumonia.
Can You Prevent Pneumonia
Pneumonia is caused by several types of germs, many of which are contagious. This means that they can be spread from person to person, potentially causing pneumonia.
You can inhale these organisms through airborne droplets that are generated when someone with the germs coughs or sneezes. You can also become infected by touching contaminated objects and then touching your face or mouth.
Fungal pneumonia typically isnt contagious. Instead, its acquired through inhaling spores present in the environment. However, infections due to P. jirovecii have been to spread between individuals.
To reduce your risk of becoming ill with pneumonia, follow the steps below.
- Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water isnt available.
- Get vaccinated. Some causes of pneumonia have vaccines available. These include vaccines for pneumococcal disease, influenza, and Haemophilus influenzae type b .
- Avoid smoking.Smoking can damage your lungs and lower their ability to fight off infections.
- Keep your immune system healthy. This can include doing things like eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.
In order to diagnose pneumonia, your doctor will first take your medical history and perform a physical exam. During this exam, they may listen to your lungs for bubbling or rumbling sounds that could indicate pneumonia.
Additionally, there are several other tests that can be used to help diagnose pneumonia:
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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.
Telltale Signs Of Walking Pneumonia
Even if you feel well enough to go to work or school, signs of walking pneumonia shouldnt be ignored. Unlike a cold or other upper respiratory virus, most cases of atypical pneumonia among adults are caused by a common bacterium called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. In many cases, Mycoplasma causes a chest cold that can evolve into pneumonia.
Walking pneumonia symptoms typically come on slowly and include sore throat, headache, malaise and low-grade fever which tend to be less severe than they are with pneumonia. In fact, symptoms of walking pneumonia may be so mild that they dont affect your ability to carry out your day-to-day routine.
A wet or dry cough usually follows these early symptoms. Some people may also experience chest pain caused by inflammation in the lining of the lungs, which gets worse when they take a deep breath.
There are several possible reasons why people may develop a chronic cough but if you have walking pneumonia, you may find yourself coughing so much that your chest becomes sore. And unlike a cold that resolves in a matter of days, the nagging cough associated with walking pneumonia could persist for weeks. Over time, symptoms could get worse. You might develop a higher fever. Your dry cough could also become wet, causing you to cough up discolored phlegm.
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How Can Parents Help
Kids with pneumonia need to get plenty of rest and drink lots of liquids while the body works to fight the infection.
If your child has bacterial pneumonia and the doctor prescribed antibiotics, give the medicine on schedule for as long as directed. Keeping up with the medicine doses will help your child recover faster and help prevent the infection from spreading to others in the family. If your child is wheezing, the doctor might recommend using breathing treatments.
Ask the doctor before you use a medicine to treat your child’s cough. Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are not recommended for any kids under 6 years old. If your child doesnt seem to be feeling better in a few days, call your doctor for advice.
Other Ways To Prevent Pneumonia
You can take the following steps to help prevent pneumonia:
- Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers to kill germs.
- Dont smoke. Smoking prevents your lungs from properly filtering out and defending your body against germs. For information about how to quit smoking, visit Smoking and Your Heart and Your Guide to a Healthy Heart. These resources include basic information about how to quit smoking. For free help and support, you may call the National Cancer Institutes Smoking Quitline at 1-877-44U-QUIT .
- Keep your immune system strong. Get plenty of physical activity and follow a healthy eating plan. Read more about heart-healthy living.
- If you have problems swallowing, eat smaller meals of thickened foodand sleep with the head of your bed raised up. These steps can help you avoid getting food, drink, or saliva into your lungs.
- If you have a planned surgery, your doctor may recommend that you dont eat for 8 hours or drink liquids for 2 hours before your surgery. This can help prevent food or drink from getting into your airway while you are sedated.
- If your immune system is impaired or weakened, your doctor may recommend you take antibiotics to prevent bacteria from growing in your lungs.
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Can You Have Pneumonia Without A Fever Other Symptoms And
It is possible for a person to have pneumonia without a fever, 2020 Healthy Living Leave a comment 13, and those with weakened immune systems.Author: Nadine BrooksWith pneumonia, such as young children, you can have pneumonia without a fever, flu, Joined Dec 15, says But dont be fooled, and pneumonia may all have similar symptoms of cough and a stuffy nose, fever or chills, headache,Favorite Answer I have had both pneumonia and bronchitis with no fever, and even more important if youre experiencing any of the issues mentioned above, Symptoms may come on quickly or may worsen slowly over time.
Are Vaccines Available To Prevent Pneumonia

Yes, there are two types of vaccines specifically approved to prevent pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria. Similar to a flu shot, these vaccines wont protect against all types of pneumonia, but if you do come down with pneumonia, its less likely to be as severe or potentially life-threatening especially for people who are at increased risk for pneumonia.
- Bacterial pneumonia: Two pneumonia vaccines, Pneumovax23® and Prevnar13®, protect against the most common causes of bacterial pneumonia.
- Pneumovax23® protects against 23 different types of pneumococcal bacteria. It is recommended for all adults 65 years of age and older and children over 2 years of age who are at increased risk for pneumonia.
- Prevnar13® protects against 13 types of pneumonia bacteria. It is recommended for all adults 65 years of age and older and children under 2 years of age. Ask your healthcare provider about these vaccines.
If you have children, ask their doctor about other vaccines they should get. Several childhood vaccines help prevent infections caused by the bacteria and viruses that can lead to pneumonia.
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What Health Complications Can Pneumonia Lead To
If you have flu-like symptoms that persist or worsen despite treatment, talk to your doctor.
Your doctor can monitor your lungs while you inhale, listening for crackling sounds that are audible only with a stethoscope.
In order to confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific germ causing the illness, you may get a chest X-ray as well as a blood test, depending on your medical history and physical exam, if your doctor suspects that you have pneumonia.
If left untreated, pneumonia can become severe.
People with severe pneumonia experience higher fevers along with GI symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as:
- Difficulty breathing
Pneumonia Without Cough And Temperature
Pneumonia without cough and temperature is accompanied by a strong inflammatory process in the lungs. It can arise because of the usual hypothermia of the body or acute colds. Pneumonia of this kind is not transmitted, but it has the character of an infection. Often there are cases when the disease occurs without fever and cough. This is very dangerous for the body.
The fact is that cough leads to excess phlegm and contributes to the removal of infection. If it is absent, then all the viruses are in the lungs and do not go outside. Cough always indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. Usually it is accompanied by fever and weakness.
Pneumonia without a cough gradually develops, because the infection accumulates in the lungs. The disease gradually turns into a more complex form. There may be shortness of breath, weakness, dry cough and sweating. Very often, this course of the disease is observed after bronchitis, laryngitis and severe cough. Chronic foci of infection can lead to pneumonia.
When the disease begins to appear only, people try to remove all the symptoms by domestic means, not suspecting that the problem is much more serious. Thus, they themselves worsen the condition. Unfortunately, in many cases pneumonia without temperature leads to a lethal outcome.
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Causes Of The Pneumonia Without Fever
Causes of pneumonia without temperature can hide in many adverse factors. First of all, it is worth noting the weakening of immunity. It is this factor that negatively affects the development of the inflammatory process. Infection easily penetrates into the body and causes serious problems.
The disorderly administration of antibiotics also leads to the development of pneumonia. The fact is that because of antitussive drugs, the natural output of phlegm from the lungs can be disrupted. Basically, this is due to improper treatment caused by poor doctor’s research or by self-administered drugs.
The intake of a large number of antibiotics not only worsens a person’s condition, but on the contrary creates a favorable environment for the development of viruses and infections. Many people do not realize this and are themselves harming their own health.
Weakened immunity is the main reason why pneumonia occurs. And it can weaken because of the presence of a constant foci of infection in which reproduction occurs. In general, such a place is the tonsils, teeth and lymph nodes.
As mentioned above, the cough pill is especially dangerous, which slows the expectoration. Therefore, when symptoms of a cold catch appear, it is worth asking for help from a specialist. After all, it can be a serious illness, including pneumonia without temperature.
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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 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.
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.
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