About this topic
Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs. It is most often caused by the bacteria S. pneumoniae. It can make you have a fever, cough with more mucus, trouble breathing, feel weak, and have chest pain. This serious illness needs treatment and rest. ‚
Atypical pneumonia is a milder case of pneumonia. It is caused by different germs like Mycoplasma pneumoniae or a virus. In this condition, the signs are more mild. It is often mistaken for common colds and cough. You may not know that you have this infection. You may go about your normal activities like going to school or work. ‚
Any pneumonia could turn into a very bad illness if not treated right away. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your drugs as ordered. Do not skip doses. Do not take any other drugs without talking with your doctor.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day unless told not to. This helps loosen mucus so you can cough it up better.
- Use a cool-mist humidifier and be sure to clean it every day.
- Take deep breaths 2 to 3 times every hour to help open up your lungs.
- Gently tap your chest a few times each day and lie down with your head lower than your chest to help bring up mucus from the lungs.
- Get lots of rest at home. If you have trouble sleeping at night, take naps at day time.
- If you are smoking, stop. Stay away from places with smoke.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Control coughing
- Help with pain
- Lower fever
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Serious lung problems
- Loss of red blood cells in the blood (hemolytic anemia)
- Swelling and infection of the brain
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Always cover your cough with the inside of your arm.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill the virus.
- Do not get too close (kissing, hugging) to people who are sick. Ask visitors who have colds to wear a mask.
- If you have a cold, stay home from work or school. Wear a mask to help from spreading the infection.
- Do not share towels or hankies with anyone who is sick.
- Stay away from crowded places.
- Eat a healthy diet. If you do not get enough vitamin C or zinc in your diet, ask your doctor if you should take these supplements.
- Get a flu shot each year. Ask your doctor if you need a pneumonia shot.
- Do not smoke or be around smoke.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum.
- If you pass out or feel like you are going to pass out
- If you have problems thinking clearly
- Breathing problems get worse
- Cough does not get better with your drugs
- Coughing up blood
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what I can do to help avoid passing the infection to others.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more trouble breathing or my cough does not get better.
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/walking_pneumonia.html# ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚