Everything You Need To Know About Pneumonia
Everything you need to know about pneumonia
Pneumonia does not fall under the category of unheard illnesses. It occurs when the airspaces in an individual’s lungs get inflamed because of an infection that may be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. People of all age groups can get affected by it at any point in their lives. Generally, it affects either one lobe of the lungs; however, if left untreated, it can get spread and affect both the lungs.
Continue reading below to learn more about pneumonia.
What is pneumonia?
- Pneumonia is basically a lung infection and it can be caused because of various reasons.
Is pneumonia contagious?
- A common question asked by many people, pneumonia is contagious.
How can pneumonia be managed?
- If an individual’s pneumonia is caused due to bacteria then it can be managed with the help of antibiotics.
- If it is caused due to the viral infections then he/she will be able to manage it with a good amount of rest.
- It is important to consume lots of fluids, as it helps in flushing out the virus from the body.
- Anti-fungal medication can help in managing pneumonia that is caused because of fungi.
- The pneumonia vaccine can also help in managing this illness.
How is pneumonia diagnosed?
If an individual experience common symptoms associated with pneumonia, he/she must consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. The diagnosis is made based on the following factors:
- The doctor understands the patient’s medical history before prescribing physical tests.
- The oxygen levels in the blood are checked using a pulse oximeter.
- X-Ray of the patient’s chest is the best way to diagnose pneumonia, as it indicates the exact area of the chest that may be affected.
- For detailed pneumonia information, a doctor may also prescribe a computed tomography (CT) scan.
- Alongside, blood tests are conducted to know the white blood cell count. These tests may also help in understanding the severity of the infection.
- A sputum analysis is commonly used for diagnosing pneumonia, to understand which organism is causing the illness.
Are any diet or lifestyle changes required for pneumonia patients?
Certain dietary and lifestyle changes can help a person suffering from pneumonia:
- Cutting back or completely quitting to smoke, if the patient is a smoker. Additionally, the patient should not be in the vicinity of cigarette smoke.
- Reducing the consumption of alcohol.
- Consuming a healthy and balanced diet composing of essential nutrients.
- Staying hydrated by drinking lots of water and juices and consuming fruits.
- Maintaining hygiene.
- Following the doctor’s instructions and prescribed medication in a timely manner.
- Rest.