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Pneumology

Pneumonia

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Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a respiratory disease that causes lung infection. There are many bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia is usually more severe in infants, children, adults over 65, and people with health problems or a weak immune system.


Causes


  • Bacteria found in the air

  • Bacteria and viruses that inhabit the nose and mouth

  • After having a cold or flu

  • Fungi, usually found in soil or bird feces

  • For hospital stay due to other diseases

  • Having some type of chronic diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart disease

  • Smoke

  • Having a weakened immune system (due to HIV / AIDS, cancer treatment, or organ transplant)

  • Brain disorders

  • Recent surgery or trauma



Symptoms

The symptoms of pneumonia vary depending on the severity of the case and other factors such as the type of bacteria that caused the infection, health status, age, among others.

These are the most frequent symptoms of Pneumonia:

  • Chest pain when coughing or breathing

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Confusion

  • Cough with phlegm

  • Fatigue

  • Loss of appetite

  • Headache

  • Fever (may be higher or lower)

  • Excessive sweating

  • Chills and shaking

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Diarrhea


Risk factors


Pneumonia can affect anyone, but the two groups with the highest risk of getting it are children between 0 and 2 years old, and older adults. Other risk factors may include: 


  • Being hospitalized with intensive care, especially connected to a ventilator to aid breathing 

  • Having a chronic illness such as asthma, chronic lung obstruction, or heart disease

  • Smoking

  • Having a weak immune system



Diagnosis


  • Blood tests X-ray in the chest 

  • CT Scan

  • Pulse oximetry, which measures the level of oxygen in the lungs 

  • Sputum test, which is a sample of fluid from the lungs and analyzed to determine the cause of infection



Treatment


Treatment to fight pneumonia includes curing the infection and preventing complications. People who get common Pneumonia are usually treated at home with medicine. Although symptoms may improve in a few days or weeks, the feeling of tiredness may persist for a month or more. Treatment will depend on the type of infection, how severe the pneumonia is, and age and general health. Some of the treatment options are: 


  • Antibiotics

  • Medications to control cough  

  • Over-the-counter cough medications to reduce fever and control pain 


Hospitalization may be required if symptoms worsen over days, and you have trouble breathing.

 


Living with Pneumonia 


You can prevent this type of disease by doing the following recommendations.


  • Get vaccinated, there are vaccines to prevent some types of pneumonia for children and adults (Ask your doctor about these)

  • Maintain good hygiene

  • Wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

  • Don’t smoke

  • Do regular physical exercise

  • Get enough sleep

  • Maintain a healthy weight

  • Keep a balanced and healthy diet



When to See a Doctor?


If you have any of these symptoms, book an appointment with your Pulmonologist who will check your vital signs and symptoms to be able to diagnose your disease.

If you have difficulty breathing, go to the Emergency room or call the local emergency number in Los Cabos: (624) 104 39 11.



When visiting the Pulmonologist, it is recommended to have a track and description of the symptoms. It is also important to mention if you are taking any medication. Learning more about Pneumonia and its symptoms is the first step in treating and controlling it.