Humberto Choi, a pulmonologist at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Choi was not involved with Aschoff's case. What to expect from your airline and airport of choice this holiday travel season. Avalanche at Swiss ski resort Andermatt buries 'a number' of people. Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs.
These air sacs, called alveoli, can fill with fluid, making it difficult to breathe. The disease can be fatal, especially this time of year, when respiratory infections are more common, Choi said. If you are sick, stay away from others as much as possible to keep from getting them sick. Wash your hands regularly. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow or sleeve. Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched a lot. Limit contact with cigarette smoke or quit smoking. Take good care of medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
Certain people are more likely to become ill with pneumonia: adults 65 years or older; children younger than 5 years old; people who have ongoing medical conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart disease ; and people who smoke cigarettes. Encourage friends and loved ones to make sure they are up to date with their vaccines. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all cause pneumonia. In the United States, common causes of viral pneumonia are influenza and respiratory syncytial virus RSV.
A common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumococcus. People may have a higher risk of getting pneumonia, or more serious cases of pneumonia, in the following circumstances:. Smoking and excessive use of alcohol or drugs can increase the risk of getting pneumonia or more life-threatening cases of pneumonia. If people have regular exposure to toxic chemicals, pollutants, or secondhand smoke, they may be more at risk of pneumonia, including more life-threatening cases.
If people notice the above symptoms, they should see their doctor. People should see a doctor immediately if they have:. Anybody who is at higher risk of pneumonia should see a doctor immediately if they notice any signs of pneumonia. This applies to infants, people over 65 years old, and anyone with a chronic health condition or weakened immune system. To diagnose pneumonia, a doctor will take a medical history and carry out a physical examination.
They will use a stethoscope to listen to the lungs for sounds of pneumonia when a person inhales. They may also take request a chest X-ray and blood test. If bacteria are the cause of pneumonia, people can take oral antibiotics. Many people respond well to treatment at home and recover quickly. If people notice their symptoms are getting worse, they should see their doctor immediately. People can treat viral pneumonia with antiviral medicines and will usually get better in 1 to 3 weeks. People with more severe symptoms, existing health conditions, or who fall into a higher risk category, may have to stay in the hospital.
Recovery rates will vary depending on how healthy a person is generally, their age, and any lifestyle factors. Some people with pneumonia can recover in a few weeks, while for others it can take 6 to 8 weeks to return to normal. People who might be at a higher risk of getting pneumonia or complications from the infection can get a vaccine to lessen the risk.
There are two types of pneumococcal vaccinations. There are also simple steps and lifestyle adjustments that people can make to help prevent pneumonia. People can wash their hands regularly, particularly during cold and flu season, to help prevent the spread of infections.
They can use soap and hot water or antibacterial hand gels to kill germs, especially before eating or touching the face and mouth.
A healthy immune system is essential to allow people to better fight off infections.
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