DESCRIPTION
Pneumonia is an infection of the lung that may begin with a respiratory
infection.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Cough with or without sputum
- Sputum can be thick and colored
- Pain with breathing or cough
- Rapid breathing
- Confusion may occur in older adults
CAUSES
Bacterial or viral
RISK FACTORS
- Poorly controlled chronic illness
- Lung disease
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Close living conditions
- Poor nutrition
- Alcohol or drugs
- Flu
- People without a spleen
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
- Obtain a pneumococcal vaccine
- Obtain a yearly flu shot
- Stop smoking
DIAGNOSIS
Tests may include lab studies including sputum culture, blood culture, blood cou
nt and chest X-ray.
TREATMENT
- Antibiotics
- Fluids
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed
- Medication that you inhale may improve breathing
- Avoid cough suppressants
- Avoid cigarettes
- Hospitalization (severe illness)
ACTIVITY
Rest until fever subsides. Normal activities should be resumed gradually.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Spread of infection
- Abscess in lung
- Pleurisy (inflammation of the lung lining)
CONSIDER NOTIFYING YOUR PHYSICIAN IF YOU DEVELOP:
- Fever (persistent)
- Overwhelming fatigue
- Increased shortness of breath
- Blood in sputum
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Diarrhea
- Dark or bluish nails, fingers or skin
- New, unexplained symptoms
