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Infectious Diseases
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Pneumonia
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia (new-moan-ya) is an infection that causes air sacs in the lungs to fill with pus and other fluids. It usually does not spread from person to person. People who are otherwise healthy often recover when given prompt and proper care.However, pneumonia is a serious infection that kills thousands of older people each year. Though the elderly are most at risk, it can strike anyone. Pneumonia can also lead to other infections, like meningitis (men-in-jie-tis), an infection in the brain.
What causes pneumonia?
The two main causes of pneumonia are bacteria and viruses.What is bacterial pneumonia?
Bacterial pneumonia is pneumonia caused by bacteria. A bacterium called Pneumococcus (new-moe-cock-cus) is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia. A vaccine, medicine given as a shot, provides protection against Pneumococcus. One shot provides protection for a lifetime. The vaccine does not protect against pneumonia caused by viruses or other bacteria.Who should get the pneumococcal vaccine?
You should get the pneumococcal vaccine if you:
- Are over 65 years of age
- Have a chronic illness, such as diabetes or heart and lung disease
- Have HIV or AIDS
- Have a weak immune system from another cause, such as from certain kidney diseases and some cancers
- Are taking medicines, such as prednisone (pred-ni-zone), that weaken the immune system
What are the symptoms of bacterial pneumonia?
- High fever (up to105 degrees)
- Drowsiness
- Rapid breathing
- Chills
- Cough with mucus (may be greenish or have blood)
- Chest pain
- Blue tint in lips or under the nails (severe cases)
What is viral pneumonia?
Viral pneumonia is pneumonia caused by a virus. Viral pneumonia is usually less serious than bacterial pneumonia and can take 2 to 4 weeks from which to recover.What are the symptoms of viral pneumonia?
Early symptoms (similar to flu):
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle pain
Added symptoms about a day later:
- High fever
- Cough with mucus
- Shortness of breath
Added symptoms of severe cases:
- Extreme breathlessness
- Blue tint in lips or under the nails
How can I protect myself from pneumonia?
- Get an influenza shot each year. Influenza can make pneumonia infection more likely.
- Get the pneumococcal vaccine to protect yourself against Pneumococcus.
- Get treated for any other infections in the respiratory system, especially those in the lungs.
- Eat a healthy diet, exercise and get enough rest.
- Contact your health care provider any time you think you have symptoms.
- Don't smoke.
- Don't use alcohol heavily.
How is pneumonia treated?
Bacterial pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics, medicine taken as pills. Penicillin, a type of antibiotic, is often given for pneumococcal pneumonia. In some cases, the person must stay in the hospital to get treated. Hospital treatments include oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids (fluids given through a needle). Medicines such as analgesics (to relieve chest pain) and acetaminophen (to reduce fever) may be given. With treatment, bacterial pneumonia usually gets better within 24 to 48 hours.Viral pneumonia is usually less serious. A stay in the hospital is rarely needed. Antibiotics cannot be used to treat viral pneumonia, but may be given to fight a bacterial infection that is also present. Other medicines, such as those listed above, may be used to lessen symptoms.
If you are given antibiotics, make sure you take all of the pills, even if you feel better. If you stop taking the medicine too early, the infection can come back and may be harder to treat. For both viral and bacterial pneumonia:
- Take warm fluids to relieve coughing.
- Use an ultrasonic humidifier in the bedroom to add moisture to the air. (Ultrasonic humidifiers kill bacteria and molds in the water.)
- Rest. Don't rush your recovery. It can takes weeks to get your full strength back.
- Don't smoke.
This information is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please contact your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.
HIV and AIDS Hepatitis Adult Immunization Influenza Pneumonia Sexually Transmitted Diseases Tuberculosis Skin Testing