This causes breathing difficulties, which makes it difficult for enough oxygen to enter the bloodstream. The body's cells can't function as they normally would, and infection can't be flushed from the body.
If untreated, the infection may continue to spread, leading to death. Bacteria, viruses, or fungi that live in your nose, mouth, sinuses, or the surrounding environment can enter your lungs and create infections, including pneumonia. You can get the bacteria or viruses from people who are infected with them, whether they show symptoms or not. The leading cause of severe pneumonia in children in developing countries is Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, or pneumococcus.
Another leading cause is Haemophilus influenzae type b, or Hib. Other causes of pneumonia include influenza, staph infections, human respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, herpes simplex virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome SARS.
Less common types of pneumonia can be acquired through the inhalation of food, liquids, gases, dust, and certain fungi.
Milder forms of pneumonia that don't interfere with daily functions are commonly referred to as "walking" pneumonia. Viral pneumonia is treated with antiviral medicines, if it is diagnosed early enough, and antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent against secondary infections or complications.
Usually, a doctor will examine the patient after a complaint of certain symptoms. This may involve chest X-rays and a blood test, but more testing may be arranged if the symptoms are bad or if doctors are trying to distinguish between other health problems.
Staff and visitors will wear a mask when they are in your room so that they do not breathe in the germs. The most important step to stop the spread of germs is to wash your hands. What you should do at home Wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating. You can use common household cleaning products or disinfectants to clean commonly touched surfaces. These include: Your age. People older than 65 are at increased risk because the immune system becomes less able to fight off infection as you age.
Your environment. Regularly breathing in dust, chemicals, air pollution, or toxic fumes can damage your lungs. This makes your lungs more vulnerable to infection. Your lifestyle.
Habits such as smoking cigarettes or abusing alcohol can increase your risk. Smoking damages the lungs, while alcohol interferes with how your body fights infection.
Your immune system. If you are hospitalized, especially in an ICU. Being in the ICU intensive care unit raises your risk of pneumonia. Your risk increases if you are using a ventilator to help you breathe. Ventilators make it hard for you to cough and can trap germs that cause infection in your lungs. If you have recently had major surgery or a serious injury.
Recovering from major surgery or injury can make it difficult for you to cough. Recovery also typically requires a lot of bed rest. Lying down on your back for an extended period of time can allow fluid or mucus to gather in your lungs. This gives bacteria a place to grow. People who have any of the following conditions are also at increased risk: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD asthma heart disease emphysema diabetes sickle cell disease You can help prevent pneumonia by doing the following: Get the flu vaccine each year.
People can develop bacterial pneumonia after a case of the flu. You can reduce this risk by getting the yearly flu shot. Get the pneumococcal vaccine. This helps prevent pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria. Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Smoking damages your lungs and makes it harder for your body to defend itself from germs and disease. If you smoke, talk to your family doctor about quitting as soon as possible.
Practice a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables. Exercise regularly. Get plenty of sleep. These things help your immune system stay strong. Avoid sick people. Being around people who are sick increases your risk of catching what they have. Is there a vaccine for pneumonia? Getting the pneumonia vaccine is especially important if you: Are 65 years of age or older. Have certain chronic conditions, such as asthma, lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, sickle cell disease, or cirrhosis.
Have cochlear implants an electronic device that helps you hear. Pneumonia treatment Treatment for pneumonia depends on several factors. If a fungus is causing your pneumonia, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medicine. Aspiration pneumonia is a specific type of lung infection that is caused by accidentally inhaling saliva, food, fluid, or vomit into your lungs. Pneumonia often occurs following an upper respiratory infection. Upper respiratory tract infections can result from colds or the flu.
Germs can be spread a variety of ways. These include:. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine prevents against 13 kinds of bacteria that cause serious infections in children and adults. PCV13 is part of the standard vaccination protocol for babies and is administered by a pediatrician.
The final dose is given to babies by 15 months. In adults aged 65 and older, PCV13 is given as a one-time injection. Your doctor may recommend revaccination in 5 to 10 years. People of any age who have risk factors, such as a weakened immune system, should also get this vaccine.
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is a one-dose vaccine that protects against 23 kinds of bacteria. This typically occurs around one year later. People aged 19 to 64 who smoke or have conditions that increase their risk for pneumonia should also get this vaccine. Children should not get the pneumonia vaccine and the flu vaccine at the same time. This may increase their risk of having fever-related seizures. There are things you can do instead of or in addition to the pneumonia vaccine.
Healthy habits, which help to keep your immune system strong, may reduce your risk of getting pneumonia. Good hygiene also may help.
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