Symptoms of phenomena6/22/2023 ![]() However, babies, children, and people with severe pneumonia may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment. Most cases of pneumonia can be treated at home. Blood tests may also be taken and a sample of the sputum may be sent to the laboratory for testing. Coarse breathing, crackling sounds, wheezing and reduced breath sounds in a particular part of the lungs can indicate pneumonia.Ī chest x-ray is usually taken to confirm the diagnosis it will show the areas of the lung affected by the pneumonia. During the examination the doctor will listen to the chest with a stethoscope. The doctor will take a medical history and will conduct a physical examination. If pneumonia is suspected it is important to seek medical attention promptly so that an accurate diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment given. If this occurs it is vital to seek medical assistance straight away. This is a sign that the lungs are unable to deliver enough oxygen to the body. It is also possible for the skin, lips and nail beds to become dusky or bluish. People older than age 65 years with pneumonia may show signs of confusion or reduced mental awareness. They may also have noisy or rattly breathing, have difficulty with feeding and make a grunting sound with breathing. Commonly they will have a fever, appear unwell, and become lethargic. In babies and children, symptoms may be less specific and they may not show clear signs of a chest infection. Chest pain when breathing or coughing – caused by inflammation of the membrane that lines the lungs.A worsening cough that may produce yellow/green or bloody mucus (phlegm).If pneumonia develops, symptoms commonly include: Most people who develop pneumonia initially have a viral infection such as a cold or flu, which produces symptoms such as headache, muscle aches and fever. Viral pneumonia tends to develop slowly over a number of days, whereas bacterial pneumonia usually develops quickly, often over a day. ![]() It can also occur when bacteria or viruses that are normally present in the mouth, nose and throat enter the lungs. Pneumonia can develop when a person breathes in small droplets that contain pneumonia-causing organisms. People who have had swallowing or coughing problems following a stroke, concussion or other brain injury.People who have poor diets or are undernourished.People with suppressed or weak immune systems.People with chronic lung conditions such as asthma, bronchitis or bronchiectasis.People who have had a recent viral infection - such as a cold or influenza (the flu).Babies and toddlers - particularly those born prematurely.Pneumonia may affect only one lobe or be widespread in the lungs.Īnyone can develop pneumonia but some groups are at greater risk: The lungs are made up of separate lobes – three in the right lung and two in the left lung. Most cases of pneumonia are caused by bacteria, usually Streptococcus pneumonia (pneumococcal disease) but viral pneumonia is more common in children. Pneumonia is an infection of the air sacs in the lungs and is caused by bacteria, viruses or, rarely, fungi. Vaccines are available against some of the more common infectious agents that cause pneumonia. Pneumonia can usually be treated at home with antibiotics but some cases may require time in hospital and can result in death. Symptoms can include fever, chills, shortness of breath, coughing that produces phlegm, and chest pain. Pneumonia is a bacterial or viral infection of the lungs.
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