pneumonia

introduction

Pneumonia is usually caused by pathogens (Viruses or bacteria) triggered Inflammation of the lungs. One distinguishes one classical pneumoniacaused by certain bacteria (most commonly Pneumococci) is triggered by the atypical pneumoniawhich is often caused by viruses.

Classic pneumonia goes along with it to cough, Expectoration, strong feeling of illness and fever concomitantly, whereas atypical pneumonia leads to milder symptoms.

In addition, a distinction is made between pneumonia that occurs in the Acquired everyday life and those related to a Hospitalization occur. The pathogens, depending on where you are, can be very different. This has immediate consequences for the therapy.

Pneumonia develops Basis of a previous illness how asthma or Difficulty swallowing after a strokethis is also known as secondary pneumonia. Pneumonia can be mild and can be cured at home, but it can also be severe and life-threatening that requires intensive medical treatment.

causes

Pneumonia is usually caused by bacteria or viruses. The transmission path typically takes place via airborne droplets. Often there is a weakness of the immune system, for example with certain diseases such as diabetes mellitus, asthma, heart failure or alcohol dependence.

Elderly people are also at an increased risk of developing pneumonia. If there is a mostly mild viral infection, it is possible that a so-called superinfection with bacteria occurs, which can lead to severe pneumonia. If a patient in an intensive care unit is mechanically ventilated for a long time, this also increases the risk of developing pneumonia. In general, lack of mobility increases, e.g. bedridden and the risk of pneumonia. People who suffer from swallowing disorders after a stroke are also at risk. Gastric juice can flow into the lungs and cause pneumonia.

Read more on the topic: Causes of Pneumonia

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of pneumonia are a sudden onset With strong feeling of illness, Cough with sputum (often green-yellowish), fever or chills. Often exist Painful breathing. Breathing may be accelerated and the breathing rate increased. A simultaneous occurrence of Herpes is not uncommon.

In atypical pneumonia, the onset is rather insidious. Patients often overcomplain head- and Body aches, dry cough and rather mild fever. In elderly patients, sudden loss of consciousness or disorientation can also be signs of pneumonia.

diagnosis

In order to be able to reliably diagnose pneumonia, typical symptoms that are consistent with changes in the lungs on the X-ray must be recorded during the questioning and physical examination by the doctor. The examiner can provide information about the presence of pneumonia, for example, if typical noises can be heard in the area of ​​the lungs through listening with the stethoscope, such as a kind of bubbling in the deeper sections of the lungs. Increased body temperature and increased levels of inflammation in the blood can also be detectable. However, since these findings are less pronounced or even absent in some cases, an X-ray of the lungs is also necessary for a reliable diagnosis of pneumonia. During the evaluation, the doctor pays attention to whether there are any changes that are typical of pneumonia.

Read more on the topic:

• How do I recognize pneumonia?
• Diagnosis of pneumonia

therapy

The treatment of pneumonia depends on the one hand on the severity of the disease and on the other hand on the cause. If bacteria are responsible for the disease, treatment with antibiotics (often aminopenicillin) should be given.

Viruses as triggers are not specifically treated. A high fluid intake (2-3 liters of water or herbal tea per day), as well as physical rest, but not strict bed rest are important for recovery in any case. Pain when breathing, as well as fever, should be relieved, for example, with ibuprofen or paracetamol. A simple pneumonia with a mild course in younger patients can be cured in this way at home.

However, if the doctor finds poor circulatory values, inpatient treatment should be preferred, as the disease is serious. Also, patients over 65 years of age with pneumonia should be better treated in hospital.

For more information, read on here: The therapy of pneumonia.

roentgen

If pneumonia is suspected, this is usually followed up by an X-ray examination of the chest (chest X-ray). Evidence of typical changes is a prerequisite for the diagnosis of pneumonia. The examination is carried out, if possible, while standing and in two planes, i.e. one picture is taken from the front and one from the side so that a three-dimensional assessment can be made. If only one picture were taken, the two-dimensional display could cause structures to overlap and possible changes to be overlooked. In the best case scenario, an older X-ray that was taken before the disease is available for comparison. If typical shadows that have occurred in connection with the disease can now be detected, the diagnosis of pneumonia can be made, taking into account the symptoms and other findings.

Read more on the topic: Chest x-ray (chest x-ray)

Antibiotics

Due to the large number of possible bacteria that can lead to pneumonia, a wide range of possible antibiotics are available. In the case of simple pneumonia that did not occur in connection with a hospital stay, so-called calculated antibiotic therapy is usually carried out first, i.e. an antibiotic is prescribed that kills the bacteria that are responsible for the disease in most cases.

If the symptoms do not improve after two to three days, another antibiotic may be used. In some cases it can be useful to examine coughed up mucus for the pathogen and then to use an appropriately effective antibiotic.

Find out more about the topic here:

• Antibiotics for pneumonia
• Home remedies for pneumonia

How long does pneumonia last?

Pneumonia usually heals within 4 weeks. However, since this is a serious illness, the performance of young people can be restricted for months. After having suffered a very severe pneumonia, permanent functional restrictions can also occur.

Read more on the topic: Duration of pneumonia or pneumonia spread

prophylaxis

In medicine and nursing, pneumonia prophylaxis is a concept to prevent complications in those in need of care. For example, being bedridden due to illness increases the risk of pneumonia. Therefore, an essential measure of pneumonia prophylaxis is one possible early mobilization and or physiotherapy for example after an operation. If necessary, the patient can be instructed in specific breathing exercises. Pain that makes breathing difficult is treated with pain relievers. Adequate hydration through drinking and possibly infusions contribute to the fact that mucus can be liquefied and coughed up. In the long run, a good general condition with a good immune system is the best way to prevent a serious infection like pneumonia. The best way to achieve this is through adequate exercise, a balanced diet and refraining from smoking. Vaccinations can also be given against the most common pathogen causing pneumonia.

vaccination

It is possible to fight against the most common pathogen causing pneumonia (Pneumococci) to get vaccinated. The vaccination can thus protect against infection by these bacteria. However, the vaccination does not protect against pneumonia caused by other bacteria or viruses. The vaccination is particularly recommended for people who are particularly at risk of pneumonia due to a weaker immune system. These include older people over 60 years, diabetic and people with certain medical conditions like asthma, heart failure after going through it tuberculosis. Vaccinations, for example, are carried out by the family doctor. In contrast to the flu vaccination, which has to be renewed annually, a single vaccination is sufficient for vaccination against pneumococci. Refreshments may be necessary for certain illnesses. Children should also receive the vaccination as part of the primary vaccination. As with many other vaccinations, you may experience mild flu-like symptoms for a day or two, which are due to a normal immune system response to the vaccine.

Guideline

As with many common diseases, there are also guidelines for pneumonia that provide recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the disease. It is created on the basis of the current state of research and science by the Association of Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF) and is regularly updated (most recently in 2016). The AWMF is an amalgamation of scientific societies from all areas of medicine. The recommendations of the guideline are evidence-based, i.e. recommendations are made on the basis of current studies, e.g. determined the effectiveness of various antibiotics. In contrast to guidelines, guidelines are not binding but decisions must always be made in relation to the circumstances of the individual case and the wishes of the patient.