It occurs most often after vomiting, and you are not strong enough to cough the particles out. The particles cause irritation, swelling and can get infected. This causes pneumonia. Pneumonia can sometimes be hard to diagnose because the symptoms are the same as for a bad cold or flu.
If you think it could be pneumonia, you should see your doctor. Your doctor may diagnose pneumonia based on your medical history and the results from a physical exam. He or she will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. Your doctor may also do some tests, such as a chest X-ray or a blood test.
A chest X-ray can show your doctor if you have pneumonia and how widespread the infection is. Blood and mucus tests can help your doctor tell whether bacteria, a virus, or a fungal organism is causing your pneumonia. These help prevent pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria. The first is recommended for all children younger than 5 years of age.
The second is recommended for anyone age 2 or older who is at increased risk for pneumonia. Getting the pneumonia vaccine is especially important if you:. But they can make it less likely that people who are at risk will experience the severe, and possibly life-threatening, complications of pneumonia.
Treatment for pneumonia depends on several factors. These include what caused your pneumonia, how severe your symptoms are, how healthy you are overall, and your age.
For bacterial pneumonia, your doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics. Most of your symptoms should improve within a few days. A cough can last for several weeks. Take all the antibiotic medicine that your doctor prescribes. This can cause your pneumonia to come back. It can also increase your risk of antibiotic resistance. If you have viral pneumonia, your doctor will likely talk to you about ways to treat your symptoms.
Over-the-counter OTC medicines are available to lower fever, relieve pain, and ease your cough. However, some coughing is okay because it can help clear your lungs. Be sure to talk to your doctor before you take a cough suppressant.
If your case of pneumonia is severe, you may need to be hospitalized. If you are experiencing shortness of breath, you may be given oxygen to help your breathing.
You might also receive antibiotics intravenously through an IV. People who have weakened immune systems, heart disease or lung conditions, and people who were already very sick before developing pneumonia are most likely to be hospitalized.
Babies, young children, and adults who are 65 years of age and older are also at increased risk. Your doctor may schedule a follow-up appointment after he or she diagnoses you with pneumonia.
At this visit, he or she might take another chest X-ray to make sure the pneumonia infection is clearing up. Keep in mind that chest X-rays can take months to return to normal.
However, if your symptoms are not improving, your doctor may decide to try another form of treatment. Pneumonia can be life-threatening if left untreated, especially for certain at-risk people. You should also call your doctor if you suddenly begin to feel worse after having a cold or the flu. This article was contributed by: familydoctor. This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone.
Get as much help as you can with meal preparation and household chores until you are feeling stronger. It is important not to overdo daily activities until you are fully recovered. Recovering from Pneumonia It may take time to recover from pneumonia. Possible Pneumonia Complications People who may be more likely to have complications from pneumonia include: Older adults or very young children. People whose immune system does not work well.
People with other, serious medical problems such as diabetes or cirrhosis of the liver. Possible complications include: Respiratory failure, which requires a breathing machine or ventilator. Sepsis, a condition in which there is uncontrolled inflammation in the body, which may lead to widespread organ failure. Acute respiratory distress syndrome ARDS , a severe form of respiratory failure. Lung abscesses, which are infrequent, but serious complications of pneumonia.
They occur when pockets of pus form inside or around the lung. These may sometimes need to be drained with surgery. Our service is free and we are here to help you by phone, web chat or email. Previous: Pneumonia Symptoms and Diagnosis. Next: Preventing Pneumonia. Make a Donation Your tax-deductible donation funds lung disease and lung cancer research, new treatments, lung health education, and more. Make a Donation.
Contact your GP or online if your symptoms do not improve within 3 days of starting antibiotics. Painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen , may help relieve pain and reduce fever. Cough medicines are not recommended as there is little evidence they are effective. A warm honey and lemon drink can help relieve discomfort caused by coughing. Your cough may persist for 2 to 3 weeks after you finish your course of antibiotics, and you may feel tired for even longer as your body continues to recover.
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration , and get plenty of rest to help your body recover. Read more about stop smoking treatments and how to stop smoking. Contact a GP or online if, after following these self-help measures, you're feeling worse or you're not feeling any better. You can't see the damage pneumonia causes, but you certainly feel it. In fact, it may take another several months for you to fully heal and regain strength. How to regain your strength after pneumonia While recovering from mild pneumonia, be sure to: Get plenty of sleep Eat a well-balanced diet Slowly work back into your exercise routine "Physical activity can help your lungs regain strength — but go slow.
However, Dr. Lee's advice for someone recovering from severe pneumonia looks quite different. Tips for regaining your strength after severe pneumonia Get plenty of rest Slowly start moving around once you're ready — but don't overdo it Complete any and all treatments prescribed by your doctor Eat a nutritious diet Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke Limit exposure to throat irritants, including pollution and alcohol Perform deep breathing exercises Consult with your doctor before returning to exercise Aim to slowly work back into your usual routine with guidance from your doctor and be sure to take note of any signs that the infection may be coming back.
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