About this topic
Legionnaires disease is a lung infection. It is caused by a germ called Legionella. This infection is a kind of pneumonia, which is a serious lung infection with swelling and inflammation of the lung tissues. The same germ also causes a milder illness. It has signs more like the common flu. This mild form may go away without treatment. The more serious breathing problems will need treatment for you to get better. ‚
What are the causes?
The infection is caused by the Legionella germ. It lives in warm water. You take in the germ by breathing infected water droplets or drinking infected water. This infection is not passed from person to person. You may breathe in the germ from: ‚
- Showers
- Hot tubs and steam rooms
- Creeks and ponds
- Water tanks
- Swimming pools
- Water in air conditioning cooling towers
- Heaters
- Evaporative condensers
- Damp soil
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are at a higher risk for having this infection if you are over 50 years of age. People who smoke or who have smoked in the past are also at a higher risk. Having a lung problem makes you more likely as well. A person with a weak immune system, like someone with cancer or HIV, has a higher chance of becoming sick. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fever and chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Belly pain
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and may ask you if you have traveled anywhere recently. The doctor will listen to your lungs with extra care. Your doctor may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- X-ray
- CT or MRI scan
- Sputum exam
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
This illness is treated with drugs. Some people are so sick they need a machine to help them breathe. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
- Breathing problems
- A sudden drop in your blood pressure called shock
- Kidney problems
- Heart problems
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor will order drugs to: ‚
- Treat the infection
- Ease pain
- Control lung swelling
- Make breathing easier
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Be mindful of travel advisories when going on trips.
- If you have a weak immune system, avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and steam rooms.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/legionella/about/index.html ‚
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/193/viewAbstract ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Legionnaires-disease/Pages/Symptoms.aspx ‚
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. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚