The diagnosis of pneumonia often is associated with feelings of uncertainty and fear for a number of reasons. Many cases of upper respiratory infections can transform into lower respiratory infections leading to bronchospasm or bronchitis. If left untreated, bronchitis may turn into pneumonia. The symptoms of pneumonia vary by individual although there are many classic symptoms. Children, adults, and elderly patients are all susceptible to pneumonia and must be monitored for symptoms. It is very important to recognize that there are two types of pneumoniaseparated by significant differences. Viral pneumonia and bacterial pneumonia are treated differently due to the source of infection. Viral pneumonia cannot be treated with antibiotics because the source of the infection is a virus. Bacterial pneumonia is treatable by antibiotics. Understanding the difference in symptoms is critical to help make a prompt diagnosis and begin the best treatment option. In severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalized for treatment and observation.The most common symptoms of viral pneumonia include a previous respiratory infection, low grade fever, productive cough, and general fatigue. Manypatients with viral pneumonia report feeling flu-like symptoms.
Patientswith other medical conditions including asthma, allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiac conditions need to be extremely carefulwith pneumonia symptoms.If youhave ahistory of pre-existing medical conditions and you are experiencing pneumonia symptoms, seek medicalattentionimmediately.The longer it takes to receive aconfirmeddiagnosis of pneumonia results a delayed treatment plan.Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs, caused by a bacteria or a virus, or in rarer cases a fungus or parasite, and frailer seniors are especially at risk. The infection causes inflammation and a range of pneumonia symptoms, and can spread to the whole body with serious consequences. As a rule, the more health problems a person has, the more the chance of contracting pneumonia, and the more chance there is of its proving fatal.Pneumonia is the fifth most common cause of death in the elderly, and the most common cause of death of people with dementia. Anyone who is getting on in years or responsible for the care of an older person should be careful to look out for the symptoms of pneumonia whenever illness occurs.Parents of small children, caregivers for the elderly or special needs individual, and anyone with a history of respiratory conditions need to be aware of the symptoms of pneumonia.
Pneumonia is a very serious diagnosis associated with significant consequences if left untreated. Patients with asthma or cardiac problems must be cautious not to confuse their pre-existing respiratory symptoms with symptoms of pneumonia. The symptoms of pneumonia generally include an overall feelingof weakness, muscle aches, fever, chills, and coughing. Asthe condition worsens, some patients report having a hard time breathingand shortness of breath. In most cases, patients report coughing upthick mucus that starts off being yellow in color and progresses to green. Patients with asthma, allergies, and allergy-induced asthma may experiencea more difficult time breathing with an upper or lower respiratory infection as well as pneumonia.
by Tonny Kien
