Some of these bacteria can live in the nose ...

This information is intended for people who have pneumonia, their families and carers and for those who want to know more about pneumonia. It covers the causes of pneumonia, the symptoms, treatment and prevention. What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an inflammation of one or both lungs which is usually caused by infection. This inflammation causes the tiny air sacs (called alveoli) in the lungs fill with fluid, making it difficult for the lungs to function properly. To combat infection, the body sends white blood cells in the lungs, but, although it helps to kill germs it may make it harder for the lungs to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. What is pneumonia? Many different species of bacteria, viruses and sometimes fungi can cause pneumonia. The most common cause is the pneumococcus bacterium, but in some cases, cause pneumonia often unknown. Some of these bacteria can live in the nose or throat without causing problems

and in most cases is not known why they suddenly make people sick. Others may be transmitted from person to strattera without prescritpion person, but it is rare. In winter, the number of cases of pneumonia increases. This is because from person to person spread, as well as other infections common in winter, such as

(flu), increase the risk of developing pneumonia. Symptoms of pneumonia Someone with pneumonia will feel bad and experience symptoms that may be similar to flu or chest infection. When pneumonia is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumonia early can be very sudden and condition can deteriorate very quickly. It can also be much milder, with symptoms developing gradually throughout the day. Almost all people with pneumonia is fever - which can sometimes be very high and is associated with sweating and trembling - along with a cough that brings phlegm (mucus). Fast breathing suggests that pneumonia can be very serious, and confusion is a serious sign. Sharp pain in the side of the chest that becomes worse when took a deep breath, usually means that pleurisy developed. This occurs when a thin outer shell easily become infected and inflamed from pneumonia. If you experience symptoms described here, see a doctor as soon as possible. Who is at risk? Anyone of any age can get pneumonia and around one in 125 get sick every year, but there are two groups of people form a high risk that pneumonia. First, there are those who are at additional risk of pneumonia - for example, people with weakened immune systems. Second, there are those who are not in additional risk of pneumonia in reality, but if they do develop its implications for them could be worse - such as heart disease and other major medical problems. Both these groups need to pay special care to reduce the risk of pneumonia and its complications. People in these high risk groups include:

People with long-term heart, lung and kidney, and those with diabetes

People with cancer, especially those who received chemotherapy or with leukemia or lymphoma

People who smoke and those who drink alcohol in excessive >> << People who receive drugs that suppress the immune system, and those with HIV / AIDS >> << In addition to these groups of people who are in hospital for other problems sometimes develop pneumonia while they are available. This does not mean that unhygienic hospital, but their resistance to germs that can cause pneumonia has been weakened by other medical problems. Preventing pneumonia As smoking is very important to reduce the risk of pneumonia. Smokers have an increased risk of developing pneumonia and other infections, chest - and so do children whose parents smoke. Viral infections are common in winter can increase the risk of pneumonia, so it's important for people to practice hygiene and to use tissues when you cough or sneeze and get rid of it immediately. There are two types of vaccines, but they only protect against cases caused the most common form of pneumonia bacterium pneumococcus. Pneumococcal conjugated vaccine (PCV) is a British calendar of vaccinations for children from the first dose given at two months and is currently licensed for protection against invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumonia in adults aged 50 years and older. The second type of vaccine, pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV), is available to anyone over 65 years or over two years that fall into the category of high risk. Most adults will only need it once. As a simple influenza may be complicated by a pneumonia develops, it is also a good idea for those at risk have the flu vaccine. This should be given every winter. Diagnosis and treatment of a doctor can diagnose pneumonia, often based on symptoms described in this paper and the examination of the chest, but some evidence of pneumonia need chest x-ray. Antibiotics are the main treatment and rest and enough fluids to drink. Most people can manage at home with treatment from the GP, especially if they are otherwise fit and well and has support from family and friends. However, one in four people will be sick enough need hospitalization, where, as antibiotics and fluids can be given by drip into a vein and oxygen can be provided. Sometimes additionally need help with breathing and the person will be transferred to the intensive care unit, where they can be sedating and put on a breathing machine. People who were hospitalized with other medical problems, but then developed pneumonia, are at particular risk to become very sick and may need another, more powerful antibiotics. Recovering After a few days before antibiotics often fatal pneumonia. Currently, the vast majority of people do a simple restore health. However, some people with severe pneumonia really still die despite the best available care. Light pneumonia usually means only a few days a week malaise, and permanent return to normal activity. Severe pneumonia requiring hospitalization, may mean that takes several weeks or months to feel fully fit again, but long-term complications are very unusual. Code: Version: The latest medical reviews: After medical examinations: feedback BLF value to all its information. To inform your opinion. .