All you need to know about Pneumonia

Whether you have a chronic or a non-chronic condition, the best nebulizer for
home use from the best nebulizer brands would be the perfect device you need
to feel better.

Now what exactly is a Nebulizer?

Also called at times a nebulizer for cough and cold, a nebulizer is a machine
similar to a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) that distributes breathable medications’
into the body.

When it comes to Pneumonia, what role does the best nebulizer for home use
play?

The best nebulizer for home use helps to loosen the mucus in the lungs. This will allow you to feel better. But a nebulizer by itself cannot treat pneumonia. It can help you to just breathe better for a temporary period of time but cannot help to get rid of its symptoms. The pneumonia symptoms will keep coming back until the infection clears.

ALL ABOUT PNEUNOMIA

Is PNEUMONIA no big deal or deadly?

It is no big deal as it’s fairly common. The vast majority of healthy patients generally recovers from it and resumes their normal activities within a few weeks.

At the same time, it can be deadly, especially for those who have a weakened immune system; or a chronic or acute health condition. What compounds the problem for these people is the infection turns severe at the last minute. By that time, they may not receive the care that they need.

Is pneumonia by itself a deadly disease?

The answer lies somewhere in between. 

It can affect any person but there are some categories of people who face increased risk of developing a severe or life-threatening infection. They include children below 2 years of age; adults aged 65 years and above; people with chronic disease like asthma or diabetes or chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease; people with a weak immune system that’s induced by chronic health issue or chemotherapy or an organ transplant; and people who are hospitalized and placed on a ventilator. People who smoke a lot also stand at increased risk of contracting severe of life-threatening infection.

Pneumonia can also worsen pre-existing chronic conditions, especially those related to the heart and lungs. This will accelerate a rapid decline in the condition.

In terms of pneumonia disease burden and the largest number of deaths, India ranks in the top bracket in the world. According to reports, around 30 million cases of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI)/pneumonia is reported in India every year. And pneumonia is the leading infectious cause of death among children. Worldwide, pneumonia is the leading cause of death for children under 5 years of age.

WHAT’S PNEUMONIA & WHAT CAUSES IT?

It is an infection that usually begins as an upper respiratory tract infection in the nose and throat; and then after a few days develops into a lower respiratory tract infection in the lungs. When the fluid and pus fill the lungs, the condition can turn serious than a regular cold.

Some medical experts term it as an infection that occurs in one or both of the lungs, caused by a bacterial organism or viral organism (it can also be caused at times by fungi or parasites). The organisms group together in the lungs along with immune cells that are trying to battle the infection or interfere with normal lung function. This in turn can block the flow of oxygen.

SYMPTOMS

Pneumonia symptoms depend on the age of the person and the agent causing it, that is, bacteria or virus.

While bacterial pneumonia sprouts quickly with a high fever, viral pneumonia grows more gradually, but is usually less serious.

The symptoms can be a combination of one or more of the following – Abdominal pain or vomiting; chest pain; congestion with a lot of mucus; coughing; difficulty in breathing; headache; loss of appetite; low-grade or high-fevers; rapid breathing; runny nose; and wheezing or other type of funny sounding breathing.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

DIAGNOSIS:

Pneumonia is diagnosed through a combination of a chest x-ray and physical examination.

TREATMENT : 

• Simple course of antibiotics with ample rest and fluids will be enough for most people, especially for those without any other serious medical condition.
• Inhaler or nebulizer for cold and cough treatment. This will help to loosen the mucus in the lungs and breathe better.

People with severe forms of pneumonia or underlying conditions resulting in complications from pneumonia more likely, will require hospitalization. During hospitalization, they receive intravenous (IV) medications and/or breathing treatments. This will help them to breathe better and easily; reduce coughing and other forms of irritation; and improve oxygenation.

With other types of pneumonia, the affected person may require supplemental oxygen. In some cases that are rare, a ventilator will be required to help breathe freely.

HOW TO PREVENT LIFE-THREATENING PNEUMONIAS?

Life-threatening pneumonias can be prevented in the following ways.

• Regular monitoring of health and keeping a watch for any worrying symptoms; this is required especially if you have risk factors. Pneumonia can at times follow other respiratory infections and as such one needs to be watchful.
• Getting vaccinated with the right vaccine; they help prevent infections that can potentially cause pneumonia.   
• Maintaining proper hygiene environment and habits; this includes regular washing of hands after using the bathroom; or before and after eating; or before touching face, mouth, and hands. 
•  Adhering to a healthy lifecycle; this can be ensured by avoiding smoking or drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
• Ensuring a healthy immune system; this can be achieved with regular exercise and proper diet regimen.

FINAL POINT

Pneumonia is a lung infection. At times, it can get serious or life-threatening and even cause death.

Hence, during the flu season, stay watchful for symptoms; and maintain the best nebulizer for home use from the best nebulizer brands. If you have certain risk factors, go see a doctor. Else, if untreated, the infection can turn worse and become life-threatening and cause death.

Early diagnosis remains important. It leads to better outcomes and ultimately, eliminate pneumonia from your body system.