Pneumonia

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. Any medication which wears down the immune system.

  • HIV/AIDS.

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
Do you have severe shortness of breath and/or blue or purple-colored lips and fingertips?

Do you have signs and symptoms of pneumonia listed above?

 

Self-Care / Prevention

  • Get vaccines for influenza and pneumonia. (See Immunization Schedule.)

  • 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.

 
 

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American Institute for Preventive Medicine, Copyright 2005