Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by different types of bacteria and viruses, which can affect one or both lungs; it is a very serious condition and can result in death particularly in children and the elderly, although most people recover. Often hospitalisation is required.

Symptoms
Usually start with a cold accompanied by a very high fever ( 39.4c-40.0c or 103-104 F) other symptoms can be a cough with discoloured sputum, shivering ,shortage of breath, pains in the chest on breathing if certain parts of the lungs are affected, headaches and aching muscles may also be present, skin colour may also change to a purple hue. If you suspect pneumonia then a doctor should be called immediately.

The elderly and children who develop pneumonia may not have some of the above symptoms but will be very ill, lethargic, with a high temperature.

Pneumonia is caught
By breathing in small droplets that are in the air that have come from a coughing or sneezing person. These droplets contain the organisms that can cause the infection.
Bacteria and viruses that are normally present in the mouth, nose and throat can occasionally enter the lungs during sleep, but the body’s natural response is to cough back up these organisms thus preventing pneumonia from developing.
If the person is a child or a frail elderly person who already is not well, then pneumonia can develop.
Once the organisms are in the lungs, they usually multiply quickly causing the lungs to become filled with pus and fluid as the body tries to fight the infection.

Pneumonia is diagnosed when the doctor examines the patient and hears coarse breathing or crackling sounds when listening to the chest with a stethoscope. There may be wheezing, or the sounds of breathing may be faint in the chest. A chest x-ray is usually ordered to confirm the presence of pneumonia.

Sputum can be collected and examined under the microscope.

A blood test can be carried out to measure white blood cell count. A white blood cell count can often give doctors information as to how severe the pneumonia is and what type of organism the infection is.

Bronchoscopy is a thin, flexible, lighted viewing tube that is inserted into the nose or mouth after sedation is administered. The breathing passages can then be examined, and specimens taken from the infected lungs.

The treatment for this condition is by antibiotics and usually lasts from 10 to 14 days. It can take several weeks to get back to full health and strength.

Drink as much fluids as possible to prevent dehydration.
Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for the pain and to help bring down the temperature.
Tell the doctor if there is no improvement over the next two or three days.

Prevention
Pneumococcal immunisation is a possibility for people at greater risk (elderly or frail people).
The flu jab may help
Stop smoking, as smoking damages the airways and can make the lung susceptible to infection

For further information on this subject go to Pneumonia at the Further Information and Support Group Page.