Monday, June 17, 2013

Identifying The Existence Of Community Acquired Pneumonia And Its Medical Care

By Creola Dannenberg


Pneumonia is a condition of the lungs that develops as a result of a bacterial or viral infection. It is characterized by its unique set of symptoms ranging from chills, fever, chest pain and a phlegm related cough. In the event that such effects are noted, it is of the utmost importance that appropriate medical attention is sought before hospitalization is required.

Although individuals presenting with such symptoms may be treated at home in rare instances, especially related to children, hospitalization may be necessary. When the air sacs of the lungs become infected it will produce a set of uncomfortable effects that requires appropriate medical treatment. It is mostly attributed to the streptococcus pneumonia bacteria.

There are a number of individuals with a compromised immune system that may be more at risk for developing the disease. Smokers, individuals with colds and flu, chronic lung illnesses and exposure to a medical environment can result in contamination. In the event that one breathes in moisture droplets containing the organism or ingests the virus from the mouth, an infection may result.

There are a number of ways to discern the virus from the bacteria. In the case of a viral infection one will notice the development of symptoms over a few days in comparison to the bacterial disorder that will develop within a single day. Once you identify signs such as a painful cough, pains across the chest, blood phlegm and breathlessness.

Some of these effects will be experienced differently in very young toddlers and children that will often involve a fever, lethargy, illness and the formation of a blue color around the mouth in severe cases. You may hear a characteristic rattling noise coming from the chest as well as difficulty breathing. Where any form of dark coloration around the mouth becomes prominent it should have a medical practitioner attend to the condition immediately.

X-rays of the chest area and a physical assessment are often required to diagnose the disease. With the range of treatments that are available, strong antibiotics are most commonly implemented where the condition is detected at its earliest possible stage. Where babies and children are believed to display symptoms, they will need to be assessed by a doctor.

Pneumonia can be appropriately managed when it is detected in the earliest possible stages. In the event that symptoms of shortness of breath, chest pain, discolored phlegm and excessive coughing are experienced, medical assistance should be sought. Children should receive the necessary care in a short period of time in order to prevent the experience of its debilitating and possibly life threatening effects.




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