Pneumonia is classified as a lung infection. It is caused by different organisms. Fungi, viruses, and bacteria are usually what caused Pneumonia. When examined by the doctor it’s usually abnormal sounds in the chest that lead the doctor to suspect that it could be Pneumonia. It’s diagnosed with an x-ray and the bacterium that’s causing the problem is diagnosed with a sputum culture. The condition can be treated with antibiotics in many instances. The doctor will determine the severity of the condition and determine the best treatment option. There are many symptoms of Pneumonia and it acts much lie a common cold at ties although the symptoms are usually worse. The condition can be treated with antibiotics in many instances.<
Symptoms
One symptom of the condition is coughing. This can be mild to severe and it can last for several days or longer. Often there’s a lot of phlegm associated with the coughing episodes or there can be a dry hacking type of cough present as well. This is more severe than a common cough you would get with a cold. Often the person needs to go to the hospital due to the severity of the coughing and other symptoms. Pneumonia can also be fatal in about 5% of cases. Muscle aches, headaches, and general tiredness are other common Pneumonia symptoms.
Other symptoms of the condition are like the symptoms of the common cold with an upper respiratory infection, sore throat, sneezing, and on occasion a high fever. The fever can be quite high and sometimes even over 100 F. There’s shaking and chills associated with the condition. The fever may require hospitalization if it is severe enough or doesn’t go away quickly. Babies and children are also susceptible to Pneumonia and may require hospital care.
If the as the infection can coughing is sever enough the patient can experience shortness of breath as the infection can get into the air passages. There can be less oxygen getting to the lungs and the skin color of the person may change color as their blood isn’t getting the oxygen that it needs. Some people may develop chest pain if the pain fibers called the pleura on the lung surface get involved in the infection. This ain can be sharp and severe and is called pleuritic pain or pleurisy. In very severe cases fluid may need to be drained form the lungs with surgical procedures.