Released Dec. 24, 2007
AMARILLO, Texas – Every year, more than 60,000 Americans die from pneumonia – an inflammation of the lungs usually caused by infection from bacteria, viruses or other organisms, a Texas Cooperative Extension specialist said.
Pneumonia is a particular concern for older adults and people with chronic illnesses or impaired immune systems, said Andrew Crocker, Extension gerontology specialist in Amarillo. But it can also strike young, healthy people.
There are many kinds of pneumonia, ranging in seriousness from mild to life-threatening, Crocker said. Infection often follows a cold or flu but can be associated with other illnesses or occur on its own.
Symptoms of pneumonia caused by bacteria usually come on quickly and include: cough with mucus; fever; fast breathing, heart rate and/or shortness of breath; shaking and chills; chest pains that worsen with coughing or breathing; tiredness; weakness; nausea and vomiting; and/or diarrhea.
Symptoms caused by viruses are usually the same as those caused by bacteria, but they may come on slowly and often are not as obvious or as bad, Crocker said.
“Ironically, high-risk groups such as older adults may have fewer or milder symptoms than less vulnerable people do,” he said.
Instead of high fever that often characterizes pneumonia, older adults may have a lower than normal temperature, Crocker said. Or they may have a cough, but not bring up mucus. Another sign of pneumonia in older adults may be a change in how well they think – confusion is common.
“If you think you may have pneumonia, do not hesitate to get medical care,” he said. “See your health provider right away if you have a persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain that fluctuates with breathing, an unexplained fever, or if you suddenly feel worse after a cold or the flu.”
A health provider will ask about the symptoms, do a physical exam and may order a chest X-ray and blood tests. This is usually enough to know if pneumonia exists, Crocker said.
“You may need more tests if you have bad symptoms, are an older adult or have other health problems,” he said. “Your health provider may also test mucus from your lungs to find out what germ is causing your pneumonia.”
Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat bacterial pneumonia, Crocker said. Patients should not stop taking them because they feel better. Stopping medication too soon can cause the infection to come back and contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
And call the doctor if improvement is not seen after two or three days of antibiotics, or if symptoms worsen, he said.
Antibiotics are usually not effective against viral forms of pneumonia, he said. Although a few viral pneumonias may be treated with antiviral medications, the recommended treatment is generally the same as for the flu – rest and plenty of fluids.
Hospitalization may be required for people with severe pneumonia, Crocker said.
“You usually do not catch pneumonia from someone else,” he said. “Instead, you develop the disease because your immune system is temporarily weakened.”
The following suggestions can help reduce the risk of getting the infection:
-- Get vaccinated. Because pneumonia can be a complication of the flu, getting a yearly flu shot is a good way to prevent viral influenza pneumonia, which can lead to bacterial pneumonia. In addition, get a vaccination against pneumonia at least once after age 55. Medicare may pay for this for Medicare beneficiary with Part “B” coverage.
-- Wash your hands. Hands are in almost constant contact with germs that can cause pneumonia. Washing them thoroughly and often can help reduce risk.
-- Don't smoke. Smoking damages the lungs' natural defenses against respiratory infections.
-- Plenty of rest with a healthy diet along with moderate exercise can help keep the immune system strong.
-- Protect others. Try to stay away from anyone with a compromised immune system while personally infected.
Crocker said people with pneumonia can recover more quickly and decrease the risk of complications by getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of fluids, taking the entire course of any prescribed medications and keeping all follow-up appointments, even if they are feeling better.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, a division of the National Institutes of Health can provide more information at http://www.niaid.nih.gov/.
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http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=232
Contacts: Andrew Crocker, (806) 677-5600, abcrocker@ag.tamu.edu
Kay Ledbetter, (806) 677-5600, SKledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
