A Quick Overview of Pneumonia – Its Symptoms and Treatment

Pneumonia is a type of lung infection that could range from many different causes. If it goes unchecked, it could result in serious, life-threatening consequences. People acquire this infection either with a fungal, viral, or bacterial infection.

The lungs will become inflamed with fluid-filled alveoli present inside the lungs. Healthy and young people can acquire this disease; however, it is extremely serious among older adults or people who have impaired immune systems.

More than a million people living in the United States have been treated for pneumonia every year, and about 50,000 people end up dying because of this disease.

Symptoms

Pneumonia, as mentioned earlier, is a deadly disease. Because of this reason, it is essential to get vaccinated. If you plan to move abroad, you have to be particularly careful about it. Consult a USCIS civil surgeon near Austell to get the vaccination before you apply for a visa.

The symptoms associated with pneumonia are many, but they usually end up looking like flue or cold. You might develop chills, a high fever, or even cough with sputum.

Some of the common symptoms include –

• Headache
• Sweating
• Muscle pain
• Delirium or confusion
• Purplish or dusky skin color, resulting from reduced oxygen levels in the blood
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting and nausea
• Weakness and fatigue
• Fast heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Shaking chills
• Shortness of breath and rapid breathing
• Fever
• Green or rusty phlegm
• Cough

The symptoms could differ from one person to another, depending on the underlying condition that resulted in the disease in the first place.

Treatment

Depending on the severity and type of pneumonia, treatment will be provided to you.

• If bacteria have caused the disease, antibiotics are used for the treatment.
• If the condition has resulted from a virus, you will need antiviral medications.
• When fungal infections occur in pneumonia, you would require antifungal drugs.

Doctors usually go for over-the-counter medications for managing the symptoms associated with pneumonia. They would help in suppressing coughs, reducing pains and aches, and lowering the body temperature.

Besides, you will have to keep your body hydrated. In order to do so, you will have to consume a lot of fluids and take plenty of rest. When you stay hydrated, the mucus and phlegm will then out, which would come out quickly when you cough.

If the symptoms turn out to be really bad, you may also have to be hospitalized. It is particularly true for people who are suffering from serious illnesses or have a weakened immune system.

Patients are typically given fluids and intravenous antibiotics for treating the condition. Sometimes, the treatment may also require a supplemental oxygen supply.

In case you experience the symptoms, it is essential to get in touch with a doctor. Urgent Care Austell Rd is just the right place where you will get excellent doctors to help you out with the diagnosis and treatment.

Pneumonia Affecting Children

The immune system can generally protect the body against pneumonia. In children, viruses are known to cause this disease, in case it appears.

Some of the symptoms that you need to look out for in your children would include –

• Dehydration
• Irritability
• Fever
• Coughing
• Not feeding properly
• Difficulty breathing

Toddlers might say that they are experiencing pain near the chest area. You might also see that they are coughing or vomiting.

As mentioned earlier, pneumonia results from viral, fungal, or bacterial infections. The disease is contagious, mainly because the organisms can be inhaled. You can pass it through sneezing and coughing, which would easily spread through touch.

If caught early, you have a fair chance of survival. However, it is essential that you pay close attention to the symptoms and do not ignore it. Get medical help whenever you suspect that you might be suffering from pneumonia.