PNEUMONIA:
This is
the inflammation of the lungs caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infection,
in some cases infestation by worms or from inhaled matter can also cause
pneumonia. Pneumonia can occur in one lung or both lungs, if only one lung is
involved it is called "Lobar pneumonia".
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| SEVERE COUGHING |
INFECTIONS
THAT CAUSE PNEUMONIA
BACTERIA:
The common bacteria infections
include; hemophilus influenzae, hymolytic streptococcus, pneumococcus
and myco-bacterium tuberculosis others are antibiotic resistant staphylococcus
(is very dangerous).
VIRUSES:
They
include; Chickenpox, influenza s, measles, and coxsackie.
FUNGAL:
Fungal causing pneumonia are;
blastomycosis, histoplasma capsulatum, coccidiodes immitis.
SYMPTOMS
OF PNEUMONIA
The symptoms of pneumonia widely
depends on the cause and a little on the age of the patient.
If it is caused by bacteria;
- the patient develops cold followed by sudden shivering attack,
- sputum that is often bloody and a high fever of about forty degrees,
- accompanied by rapid respiration and pulse rate,
- they is also pain in the side of the chest,
- vomiting and diarrhea may also occur and
- confusion in some patients.
If it is caused by other factors;
- the symptoms develop slowly with clear evidence of bronchitis,
- severe cough, that worsen with time,
- bloodstain sputum,
- headache,
- muscle aches,
- cyanosis (blue tinged lips caused by poorly oxygenated blood)
- children show few symptoms suggesting chest infections, the common symptom is falling ill and collapsing.
PNEUMONITIS; is an inflammation of the
lungs, it may be a symptom of several diseases especially pneumonia and
pneumoconiosis.
PNEUMOTHORAX; is a condition in which there
is air in the pleural cavity, the space between the lungs and the chest wall.
Pneumothorax prevents normal expansion of the lungs, thereby impairing
breathing.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
- Pneumonia can be diagnosed by a chest X-ray carried out by a physician.
- A specimen of sputum can be examined and cultured to ascertain the disease causing organism.
- Another method is the white blood cell count, which may help to determine whether the infection is caused by bacteria or virus.
- Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial and fungal infections.
- Breathing exercises and percussion to shake the chest wall encourage the patient to cough out sputum.
- Inhaling of steam can also help, especially if the sputum is thick and sticky.
- Oxygen therapy is recommended for seriously sick patient.
- Painkilling drugs are another option for treatment.
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