Pneumonia is a kind of lung infection that may require one to get hospitalized after a point. It occurs when an infection fills in the alveoli and the air sacs of the lungs. And the tubes that link them get filled with fluid or pus. Any person diagnosed with pneumonia may find it difficult to take in oxygen. Pneumonia can happen to anyone but children and the elderly are more vulnerable to it.
Simply because they have a weak immune system that finds it unable to combat the infection. Have you been thinking about how doctors diagnosed it? If there is any treatment available? and other related questions. Well, then read until the end to know more.
What are the Types and Symptoms of Pneumonia?
There may be several causes why a person may be diagnosed with Pneumonia including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. There are also types of pneumonia that one may be infected with including-
- Hospital-acquired pneumonia
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Healthcare-associated pneumonia, and
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia.
People who smoke, and consume alcohol or women who are pregnant are most likely to develop pneumonia. Also, the ones with weaker immune systems or neurological conditions are prone to it. Usually, the symptoms are very hard to detect as one may experience cold and flu commonly. But if any person undergoes a few things like those mentioned below then it can be taken as a symptom of this disease like
- Chest pain
- Congestion
- Breathing problem
- Fever
- Regular coughing
- Yellow, green or bloody mucus.
If you find any of these symptoms, then make sure to consult with a doctor right away instead of ignoring it.
How is Pneumonia Diagnosed?
When the patient visits a doctor, he or she would first inquire about the health history and then proceed with a physical examination. In the initial step, the doctor will use diagnostic equipment like a stethoscope to listen to the lungs. If any bubbling sounds or unusual crackling sounds appear, then it could be pneumonia.
To be more sure of it, several other tests may be asked by the doctor to be conducted by the patient. Some of these include blood tests, Chest X-rays, Sputum tests, CT scans, Pulse oximetry and Pleural fluid cultures. If the diagnostic tools results showcase that pneumonia has been detected, then the doctor would proceed with the treatment.
How Do Doctors Treat Pneumonia?
After relying on the diagnostic tools and knowing that a patient is suffering from pneumonia, the doctor may proceed with their treatment. To treat the patient, the doctor may begin with prescribing antibiotics and cough medicines. Apart from this, some other treatments that the doctor may suggest include
- Consuming fever reducers
- Pain relievers
- IV fluids
- Antifungal medications
- Antiviral medications
- Oxygen therapy and
- Draining of fluids
But if the situation gets worse, then the doctor may suggest the patient get hospitalized to get a quick recovery. It is important to know that if the pneumonia is viral, then it may go away on its own. However, it is still crucial to follow the healthcare professional's advice to reduce the risks of serious complications and recover soon.
When is a Patient Recommended to Get Hospitalized?
There may be instances when a patient may be suggested to get hospitalized because the pneumonia may have become severe. The times the chances of pneumonia becoming severe include
- The patient is either around 65 years of age or a child of two years old.
- Your temperature has decreased below the normal range.
- The patient has kidney function declined.
- You may be feeling rapid breathing problems.
- The heart rate of the patient is either below 50 or above 100
- There are low levels of oxygen in the blood of children.
- For toddlers, if they are excessively sleepy, then it could be a problem.
- The child may appear to be dehydrated and having problems in breathing.
Patients must follow the advice given by the doctor to overcome the risks. Apart from this, practising breathing treatments, exercises, using a humidifier and drinking plenty of fluids are also recommended.
Fight Against the Deadliest Lung Infection with the Right Tools
As mentioned above, you already know how deadly pneumonia can be, especially when it reaches a serious condition. As doctors, it is very important to carry out the right treatment by using the best diagnostic equipment to save a patient's life.
And to get access to the top quality equipment, you can come to us at MedGuard. We are the leading wholesalers and suppliers of medical supplies all over the UK. All our items have met the quality standard and you just have to browse through our website to place an order. The items would be delivered to your doorstep in no time.
Source of this Article: What Should You Not Overlook While Buying Medical Tools?
