Pneumonia

Overview

Pneumonia is defined as an infection of air sacs of the lung. It causes the air sacs to be filled with fluid or pus causing productive cough, fever, chills, and difficulty in breathing. All bacteria, virus, and fungi can cause pneumonia.

Signs and Symptoms

Chest pain when you breathe or cough (pleurisy), Cough which may produce phlegm, Shortness of breath, Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older), Fatigue, Fever with chills and rigor, Lower than normal body temperature (in adults older than age 65 and people with weak immune systems), Nausea and vomiting, Diarrhea,

Common Causes

Bacteria, Virus, Fungi, Parasites

Risk Factors

Hospitalisation, COPD, AIDS, Smoking, Long term steroid uses, On chemotherapy treatment,

Investigation Techniques

Full blood test, Serum urea and electrolytes, Arterial blood gases, ESR, CRP, Sputum culture, Blood culture, Urine culture, Chest x-ray, Bronchoalveolar lavage by bronchoscopy, Nasal or throat swab

Treatment and Prevention

Antibiotics, Cough medicine, Fever reducers/pain relievers such as Paracetamol, Maintain hydration