Pneumonia - It's No Joke

Infections often take us by surprise, and few of them are as dreaded as pneumonia. This infection attacks the lungs, and makes it difficult to breath. Pneumonia is also difficult to recover from in many circumstances, and can take weeks to relieve oneself from the repercussions. Many people don’t know that often times bacteria and viruses can spread from the nose and sinuses, and even the mouth to lodge itself in the lungs. In other more rare cases, these infections can also be acquired in airborne bacteria – people who have weak immune systems are especially susceptible to infection, and are also more prone to complications arising from this disease.

In adults, the bacteria called Streptococcus Pneumoniae is the leading cause for bacterial pneumonia, as well as being one of the most serious forms of infection. This is especially complicated for smokers and people suffering from chronic respiratory illnesses, as well as those who have recently undergone a surgical procedure.

Fever, coughing, chills, and shortness of breath are some of the more visible symptoms of pneumonia. In more serious cases, confusion, headaches, and sharp chest pains have been seen. People suffering from pneumonia are admonished to seek treatment as soon as possible. Some of those treatments may include an antibiotic regimen (including intravenous injections), respiratory reinforcement through the use of oxygen, and plenty of rest and fluids.

Some of the more uncomfortable symptoms of pneumonia are associated with the thick and sticky mucus that tends to accumulate in the lungs and throat, for which breathing warm moist air is recommended. This is done most commonly through the use of a humidifier – a machine that moistens the air in a room, and can be purchased at some local pharmacies. Some may get the urge to drink alcohol to relive the headaches and loosen the phlegm, but this is NOT recommended as it can cause other complications related to the body’s immune system.

It is important to seek treatment right away. Some complications of pneumonia include acute respiratory distress syndrome, abscesses of the lung (lung ulcers) and worst of all sepsis, which can cause organ failure and ultimately death.

One things is for sure: pneumonia is not to be treated as any common cold or flu – this is potentially a life threatening condition if ignored. This is especially true of the elderly and young children as well as those with other serious medical conditions such as diabetes or cirrhosis of the liver.

Prevention can be as simple as maintaining proper hygiene in public areas, and washing your hands. Also, avoid smoking because this makes your lungs less capable of fighting off serious infections such as pneumonia. Ask your physician about ways to prevent becoming victimized by this seemingly common infection, and also ask about different vaccines available that may help avoid it.