How Is Pneumonia Spread?
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Definition
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Pneumonia occurs when a person's lungs become inflamed, usually due to a bacterial or viral infection. Some less common causes are fungal infections and parasite invasions. Pneumonia can be found in just one of the patient's lungs, or in both. It is important that pneumonia is diagnosed as soon as possible so that treatment can begin. The number of fatalities associated with pneumonia are very small if treatment is followed with a doctor or hospital.
Diagnosis
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In order to diagnose pneumonia, a doctor must first examine the patient's symptoms. A patient will most likely experience some chest pain or discomfort due to consistent coughing. This is often followed by a fever of over 100 degrees in both children and adults. If the pneumonia is severe, the patient may even have some trouble breathing normally. Some other symptoms include: chills, fatigue, coughing up blood and headaches.
The doctor will perform an exam and listen to the patient's lungs. The doctor can usually hear fluid in the lungs of a patient who has pneumonia. If the patient has a slight case of pneumonia, sometimes the doctor can't hear anything. The doctor may then order a chest X-ray to confirm or rule out the pneumonia.
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How Pneumonia is Spread
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Pneumonia is contagious. Any time a person suffering from pneumonia coughs or sneezes, she releases a mist of fluid into the air. This fluid can contain the bacteria that caused the pneumonia. Another individual may walk by and breath that bacteria in without even knowing it. The bacteria then travels down the esophagus and settles in the air sacs of the lungs. As it grows, the air sacs fill with fluid and the individual begins to feel sick. Without treatment, the patient will continue to get sicker.
Treatment
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Antibiotics are the first line of attack to get rid of pneumonia. They are very effective if taken as prescribed. If the pneumonia is severe, the antibiotics may be given over the course of a few weeks instead of the standard 10 days. The infected patient must also get plenty of rest to give his body time to heal. Patients should drink plenty of clear liquids and eat as they can. If the patient is not progressively getting better, he may need some extra attention from the hospital. This can include oxygen treatments and stronger antibiotics.
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- Photo Credit Adam Ciesielski
