Pneumonia: symptoms, prevention and treatment in children and adults

Pneumonia is an infection that affects the airways and especially the lungs. How can we recognize the symptoms? And how to act in prevention to avoid the appearance of this problem that should not be underestimated and potentially dangerous in children and adults?

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La pneumonia it is an infection that affects the respiratory tract and particularly the lungs. How can we to recognize the symptoms? And how to act in prevention to avoid in children and adults the appearance of this problem absolutely not to be underestimated and potentially dangerous?



First of all it must be said that the pneumonia can strike only one or both lungs and be more or less serious depending on the microorganism that caused it (usually bacteria or viruses). Once the infection is triggered the pulmonary alveoli become inflamed and filled with fluid, which partially compromises the breathing.

Among the possible causes there are not only bacteria and viruses but also other microorganisms, the use of certain drugs, the radiotherapy or contact with some polluting substances or irritants. Let's find out now the symptoms that appear in case of pneumonia.

Index

SYMPTOMS

I symptoms of pneumonia they can be of different kinds: there are generic ones, which are easily exchanged with the presence of lighter infections and others considered instead real alarm bells not to be underestimated. Symptoms can also vary according to the organism that caused the pneumonia, if it is a bacterium they will be more violent (for example high fever, great exhaustion and difficulty in breathing) while an infection caused by a virus has a lighter course similar to that of a common flu.

Generic symptoms can be sore throat and cough o cold as well as fever, sweating, chills and loss of appetite. The most relevant symptoms to report immediately to your doctor are shortness of breath, breathing difficulties and asthma, may also appear abdominal or chest pain, excessive fatigue, nausea or vomiting.

Pneumonia: symptoms, prevention and treatment in children and adults

Pneumonia could also result in appearance of pleurisy.

Read also: PLEURITIS: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES AND SUITABLE THERAPY
In summary, the symptoms of pneumonia can be:

• Persistent cough

• Sore throat and cold

• Fever (even high)

• Tiredness and exhaustion

• Loss of appetite

• Pain in the chest or abdomen

• Respiratory difficulties

• Wheezing

• Asthma

• Pleurisy

PREVENTION

prevent pneumonia they can be put into action some good hygiene practices which generally help to avoid the risk of infections. It is in particular about wash your hands frequently with soap and water, do not share glasses and cutlery or toothbrush and avoid contact with people suffering from pneumonia or who suffer from general respiratory tract problems that are still undiagnosed. It is also important to always cover your mouth and nose with your hand in case of sneezing or coughing.

Essential not smoking and use masks if you are (for work or other reasons) often in contact with pollutants or irritants.

Strengthen the immune system for both adults and children it is always good advice not only to avoid the risk of pneumonia but also to avoid the appearance of other diseases. Many types of infections, in fact, have a greater free range in an organism whose immune defenses are weak. It is also important to follow a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet.

In case he then shows up persistent dry or oily cough that does not go away after a few days it's always good go to your doctor who will ausculate the lungs to see if there are any signs of an ongoing infection and if necessary will order an x-ray and blood test to find any circulating bacteria and viruses. Even bronchitis should never be underestimated since it is possible, if not adequately treated, that the inflammation will gradually also transfer to the lungs.

Pneumonia: symptoms, prevention and treatment in children and adults

In summary to prevent pneumonia and other infections it is good to:

• Wash your hands often

• Do not share with other items that you use for eating or drinking

• Do not come into contact with infected people (even when the diagnosis is not yet clear)

• Not smoking

• Use masks when in contact with pollutants or irritants

• Strengthen the immune system

• Healthy lifestyle and balanced diet

• Do not underestimate any respiratory tract infections (especially bronchitis)

However, it must be borne in mind that not all types of pneumonia are contagious. The doctor will determine this on a case-by-case basis.

CARE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS

First of all it is necessary determine which organism caused the pneumonia. In case of bacterial infection it will be necessary to undergo an antibiotic therapy on prescription which will indicate dosages and time of intake to be strictly followed. In the case of a virus, on the other hand, it is possible that the doctor prescribes antivirals but a rest period is more often sufficient.

Very important in case of pneumonia is the bed rest and attention to keeping a right degree of hydration of the body, therefore drinking plenty of water is a fundamental advice since liquids are able to help dissolve the mucus deposited in the lungs.

Generally with the right therapy in a maximum of 2 weeks you are completely cured of pneumonia. It must be said, however, that some categories of people particularly at riski might take a hospitalization, this is especially true if pneumonia affects infants, small children, the elderly or the sick, categories which are therefore already more fragile in themselves.

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