16/11/2021
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that mainly affects the small air sacs known as alveoli.
It typically causes:
• fever
• chest pain
• difficulty in breathing and
• coughing with sputum.
Some people believe pneumonia is caused by cold weather, staying in an air-conditioned place, bathing cold water, etc.
But the truth is that pneumonia is usually caused by infection with bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms.
It can be difficult to know exactly what type of microorganism is responsible.
Experts can diagnose pneumonia based on the symptoms you have, physical examination, chest X-rays findings, blood tests, and culture of your sputum.
Some things in your lifestyle and certain conditions can increase your chances of having pneumonia.
For example:
- HIV
- smoking
- asthma
- cystic fibrosis
- sickle cell disease
- diabetes
- heart failure
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (smokers cough)
If not treated or poorly treated, pneumonia can lead to serious problems.
It can cause;
- respiratory failure
- abscess in the lungs
- heart failure
- sepsis (spread of infection into there blood), or even
- death
You can prevent pneumonia by;
1. Avoiding smoking
2. Taking flu vaccine
3. Taking pneumococcal vaccine
4. Keeping good hygiene practices
5. Avoiding close contact with seriously sick people especially in the hospital setting.
Always visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
