Pneumonia

Question 1

What is pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

Pneumonia is inflammation of the small air sacs (alveoli) of your lungs causing fluid buildup. Pneumonia is usually caused by bacteria or a virus.  When air sacs in your lungs fill up with fluid, it can make it harder for you to breathe. There are many types of pneumonia which are categorised based on their cause.  Pneumococcal pneumonia is one of the most common types of pneumonia. This is caused by the bacterium streptococcus pneumoniae.  Pneumonia can be a mild illness, or it can be much more serious. Pneumonia can be life threatening, especially for:  babies 12 months and under Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people people older than 70 years If you are recovering well from a cold or flu that then becomes worse, it may be pneumonia.

Question 2

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

If you or someone you are with have symptoms of pneumonia and a bluish tinge to your lips or are confused, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance right away.  The symptoms of pneumonia depend on:  your age the cause and severity of your infection any existing immune system problems you may have The most common symptoms of pneumonia are:  fever — a temperature of 38℃ or higher cough — which can be dry or produce thick mucus difficulty breathing or shortness of breath rapid breathing feeling generally tired and unwell loss of appetite Your cough may last for several weeks even after you've recovered from pneumonia.  People with pneumonia may also:  have a headache have pleurisy (chest pain that is worse with breathing) be confused or disorientated (especially older people) — due to lack of oxygen turn blue around the mouth (cyanosis) — due to lack of oxygen Quite often, people with pneumonia have had cold or flu symptoms that got worse, not better.

Question 3

What causes pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria or viruses are the most common causes of pneumonia. It can also be caused by fungal infections or non-infectious causes such as aspiration (inhaling food or drink instead of swallowing it), medicines, or autoimmune conditions.  Pneumonia can be triggered by a cold or the flu, which allows the germs to access your lungs.  Bacterial pneumonia Bacterial pneumonia is one of the worst types of pneumonia. It is most commonly caused by pneumococcal bacteria, also called streptococcus pneumoniae.  Other types of bacteria that commonly cause pneumonia are haemophilus influenzae and moraxella catarrhalis.  Atypical pneumonia Atypical pneumonia (or walking pneumonia) is harder to detect and can have different symptoms. It is usually milder but can take longer to recover from and involve other parts of the body, such as the heart and liver.  The most common causes of atypical pneumonia are:  mycoplasma pneumoniae chlamydophila pneumoniae legionella pneumoniae Atypical pneumonia caused by legionella is also known as Legionnaire's disease and can be life threatening.  Viral pneumonia Viral pneumonia is caused by different viruses. The most common are:  influenza (flu) virus respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) SARS-CoV-2 — the virus that causes COVID-19 In severe cases of COVID-19, breathing difficulties can develop into pneumonia. This is a serious illness that can be life-threatening.  It's thought that about half of pneumonia cases are caused by a virus.  Fungal pneumonia Fungi can also cause pneumonia. This is more common in people whose immune systems are not working well. This includes people with HIV infection or people having treatment for cancer.

Question 4

How is pneumonia treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment will depend on your age and the type of pneumonia you have.  If bacteria have caused your infection, the main treatment is antibiotics. Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria. In milder cases, antibiotics can be taken as tablets, by mouth. In more severe cases, they'll first be given to you via a drip.  Antibiotics are usually prescribed at the first sign of pneumonia.  If your symptoms don't improve after 5 days of taking antibiotics, contact your doctor. Sometimes you may need to change the dose or type of antibiotic, or you may need more than one medicine.  Antibiotics do not treat viral pneumonia. In most cases, viral pneumonia will clear up by itself. Doctors may prescribe antiviral medicines to treat severe illness or if they are concerned about complications.  Will I need to go to hospital? Most people who have pneumonia will be able to recover at home.  Some people will need treatment in hospital. This is more common for:  babies young children people over 70 years In hospital you may get fluids through a drip in your arm, as well as other treatments. The doctors will also monitor you to see if there is enough oxygen in your blood.  Taking care of myself There are some things you can do to help your recovery including:  get plenty of rest drink fluids to avoid dehydration manage pain or fever by taking paracetamol as your doctor or pharmacist recommends If you're a smoker you should try to quit smoking.  Keep away from things that irritate your lungs, such as wood fires and cigarette smoke.  Ask your doctor if seeing a physiotherapist could help clear your lungs.

Question 5

Can pneumonia be prevented?

Accepted Answer

Prevention is the best protection from pneumonia. Vaccinations can help prevent some types of pneumonia.  One vaccination that reduces your risk of pneumonia is the pneumococcal vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine is free in Australia for some people through the National Immunisation Program (see below).  It's a good idea to speak to your doctor to check if vaccination is recommended for you or your child.  Not smoking will also help protect you against pneumonia.  If you or someone near you has an infection, you can reduce the risk of passing that infection on if you:  limit your exposure to others while you are unwell wash your hands well with soap and water keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth avoid sharing food, drink and utensils Another way to reduce the spread of infection is by having good cough habits. When coughing or sneezing use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth. Then throw the tissue away. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your inner elbow.  Pneumococcal vaccine Vaccination is the best protection against pneumococcal pneumonia.  More about the pneumococcal vaccine  What age is it recommended? It is recommended:  as part of routine childhood vaccination for non-Indigenous adults aged 70 years or older for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years or older for children, adolescents and adults with other conditions who are at risk from pneumococcal disease How many doses are required? The number of doses you receive depends on:  your age if you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander where you live if you have conditions that increase your risk of pneumococcal disease How is it administered? Injection  Is it free? The vaccine is free for:  routine childhood vaccination non-Indigenous adults aged 70 years or older Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years or older children, adolescents and adults with other conditions who are at risk from pneumococcal disease Ask your doctor if you are eligible for other free vaccines based on your situation.  Learn more about vaccination on the Department of Health Immunisation website and the National Immunisation Program Schedule.  Common side effects The vaccine is very safe. Side effects depend on your age and the type of vaccine that you are given.  In children, side effects may include pain, redness and swelling where the needle went in. Other reported side effects are feeling irritable or drowsy, having fever and a reduced appetite.  Other vaccinations You can also consider getting vaccinated against influenza. Pneumonia is one of the possible complications of influenza.  A new influenza vaccine is available every year. It is free to people who are at increased risk, including:  children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people of all ages people with certain medical conditions during pregnancy people aged 65 and over For more information about the influenza vaccine, visit the Department of Health — Influenza website.  Vaccination can also prevent other illnesses that can lead to pneumonia. These are available for all children in Australia as part of their routine childhood vaccinations. The National Immunisation Program Schedule includes:  haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) measles pertussis (whooping cough) varicella (chickenpox)

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우리 사이트에서 검색

Pneumonia - St Vincent's Lung Health

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection - including symptoms, treatment and prevention | SA Health

Pneumonia in children and teens | Raising Children Network

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Pneumonia in children - myDr.com.au

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Controversies in the management of community-acquired pneumonia in adults - Australian Prescriber

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