Pneumonia and Nutritional Needs

Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, virus or fungus to cause infection in one or both lungs. In the United States, approximately three million people will develop pneumonia each year, with about half a million has to be admitted to hospital for treatment. Five percent of those who die from pneumonia to the contract, the disease sixth leading cause of death in the United States. In this article we will look at how food, protein and a well balanced diet can help prevent lung infections.

Pneumonia may at first glance like a cold that can seem to get progressively worse with symptoms that can include high fever (which can rise as high as 104 degrees). Additional symptoms include shaking chills, productive cough (sputum is produced with every cough, and may be discolored or occasionally streaked with blood). Chest pain may develop if the outer area of the lungs (the pleura) is affected, this pain can be sharp and would be even worse during deep breaths, however, the pain is not always present. In some cases, pneumonia can be slower to develop in other cases, there May be a lot of coughing at all, especially if the infection is far from the major airways. Children, babies and the elderly can not display any particular signs or symptoms of pneumonia.

's pneumonia was diagnosed only after examining doctor detects cracking or coarse breathing sounds in the chest. May there also be a breath, wheezing or breathing sounds may be reduced in certain parts of the chest. chest x-ray is definitely the way to diagnose the pneumonia, however, sputum, blood, and bronchoscopies usually be ordered as well. Sputum samples can determine the exact cause of pneumonia and to determine a course of treatment. Blood work can help you determine how serious infection and can also provide a clue as to whether it is caused by a virus, bacteria or fungi.

In addition to medication, there are some treatments that May also need to be done. Pleural effusion is a collection of fluid in the pleural space that must be removed by inserting a needle into the chest in what is called thoracentesis. In serious cases, this fluid May need to be removed through surgery.

Generally speaking, most leading cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumonia, which causes a sudden onset of symptoms, including shaking, chills, fever and rusty colored sputum. This infection can spread through blood and it does in 20-30% of cases, with 20-30% of these cases resulting in death.

There are two vaccines that can be used to prevent pneumococcal disease and is recommended for all children between the ages of two and some children between two and four years who have additional medical risks to consider. It also recommends that adults who are at high risk for this disease, including the elderly, diabetics, those with kidney or lung disease, chronic heart disease, smokers, alcoholics and those who have had their spleen removed, to receive the vaccine.

Antibiotics can be used for bacterial pneumonia, however, it is important that the culture is completed to make sure that the bacteria in nature. Another type of pneumonia that would respond to antibiotics are often seen in those who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or alcoholism.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a bacterium that results in a very slow developing infection with symptoms including chills, fever, muscle aches, rash and diarrhea. This bacterium usually found in summer and autumn months and are usually called atypical pneumonia.

There are other conditions that are technically pneumonia variants, including Legionnaire's disease and others. Legionnaire's disease is often caused by water supplies that are contaminated and can potentially be fatal if not correctly diagnosed and treated. Pneumonia is the only part of the overall situation, which also includes high fever, diarrhea, very, slow heartbeat, vomiting, nausea and chest pain. It is more typical in smokers, older men and people with depressed immune systems.

It is important to note that the pneumonia caused by a virus will not respond well to antibiotics. body's own immune system will usually fight off infection by itself, however, it is important that the situation should be monitored, so that secondary infection does not develop or worsen the disease.

Fungal infections that cause pneumonia are very rare in the United States and each has specific types of drugs and treatments that are used to eliminate them.

must consider not only the type of organism causing pneumonia, but where it has been agreed before the drugs can be prescribed. In recent years, several strains of infections have become resistant to drugs that were once used them to heal. Of these, methicillin resistant Staph aureus or MRSA is most commonly known. It May be required for people with this type of infection is in contact isolation, especially in a hospital or long term care setting. It is also important to keep track of who comes in or out of your room if you are in hospital, not only for MRSA, but is called a super bug C.difficile. A recent survey found that one in five nurses uniforms are C.diff on them, as well as handrails, waiting rooms, plates and other hard surfaces.

It is important then to make sure that you do everything you can to stay healthy, especially during cold and flu season or for those who are at high risk for infection. Those who are in weakened health, including those that treat autoimmune conditions, using chemotherapy for cancer or other conditions, have chronic diseases, smoke or come into regular contact with those who may have pneumonia, the vaccine should be directed. Health professionals are particularly encouraged to take this vaccine.

to get the vaccine, there are other things you can do to protect yourself from a pneumonia infection: eating a healthy and balanced diet, getting enough rest each night and exercise at least thirty minutes every day. It is also important to make sure that you manage sources of stress in your life.

part of a well-balanced and healthy diet can protein supplements, especially those that can hide in a bag on your way to exercise.

part of a well-balanced and healthy diet can protein supplements, especially those that can hide in a bag on your way to exercise.

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