Respiratory conditions
Pneumonia is lung inflammation. It is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., especially in the elderly.
Signs & Symptoms
* Chest pain when breathing in.
* Fever and chills.
* Cough, often with bloody, dark yellow, green, or rust-colored sputum.
* Shortness of breath. Rapid breathing.
* Appetite loss.
* Fatigue. Headache. Nausea. Vomiting.
* Bluish lips and fingertips, if severe.
Causes
Viral or bacterial infections are the most common causes. Other causes are fungal infections and chemical irritants like inhaled poisonous gases.
Risk Factors
* Having had pneumonia before.
* Being in the hospital for other problems.
* A suppressed cough reflex after a stroke.
* Smoking.
* Very poor diet, alcoholism, or drug use.
* A recent respiratory infection.
* Emphysema. Chronic bronchitis.
* Radiation treatments, chemotherapy, and any medication or illness that wears down the immune system.
Treatment
Treatment depends on its type (viral, bacterial, or chemical) and location. Treatment includes:
* Medications.
* Oxygen therapy. Hospitalization. Removing fluid from the lungs, if needed.
Questions to Ask
Self-Care / Prevention
* Get vaccines for influenza and pneumonia.
* Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit. Avoid secondhand smoke.
* Get plenty of rest.
* Use a cool-mist vaporizer in the room(s) in which you spend most of your time.
* Drink plenty of fluids.
* Take medicines as prescribed by your doctor. Take the medicine for pain and/or fever that your doctor advises. Over-the-counter pain relievers should be avoided for some types of bacterial pneumonia.
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine