PNEUMONIA. Your Treatment and Recovery

Transcription

1 PNEUMONIA Your Treatment and Recovery

2 Understanding Pneumonia Symptoms of Pneumonia Do you feel feverish and tired, with a cough that won t go away? If so, you may have pneumonia. This is a lung infection that can become serious if not treated. People over age 65 or who have chronic health problems or weakened immune systems are most at risk. If you think you have pneumonia, see your healthcare provider right away. He or she can confirm a diagnosis and start you on treatment, if needed. Causes of Pneumonia Most cases of pneumonia are caused by germs such as bacteria or viruses. In some cases, they are caused by fungi. Pneumonia may also appear after another illness, such as a cold, flu, or bronchitis (a type of lung infection). Symptoms of pneumonia can come without warning. At first, you may think you have a cold or flu. But pneumonia symptoms may quickly worsen. Common symptoms include: Fever Chest pain or discomfort when Shaking chills breathing in or coughing Cough with mucus Fatigue (extreme tiredness) Shortness of breath or fast breathing Some people may also have symptoms such as headache, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. Get Prompt Treatment! Pneumonia always requires medical care as soon as possible. Treatment can help relieve symptoms and clear the infection. It may also help prevent more serious problems. These can include lung abscess (when pus forms in a lung) or pleural effusion (when fluid builds up around the lungs). In severe cases, a hospital stay may be needed. It may take a few weeks or longer to fully recover. 2

3 Healthy Airways Air travels to the lungs through the trachea (windpipe). Oxygen-rich air is breathed in through the nose or mouth. The air travels into the lungs. When You Have Pneumonia Pneumonia causes the bronchioles and the alveoli to fill with excess mucus and become inflamed. The excess mucus may make it hard to breathe. The body s response may be to cough. This can help clear out the mucus. The fluid (or mucus) that is coughed up may appear green or dark yellow. The inflammation and infection may cause a fever. The lungs are made up of branching airways called bronchial tubes. Bronchioles are the smallest airways. Alveoli are sacs at the ends of the bronchioles. Oxygen passes from the alveoli to the bloodstream. Inflamed bronchiole Excess mucus Mucus is a sticky substance made by the lining of the airways. 3

4 Diagnosing Pneumonia Your healthcare provider will take a detailed health history and perform a physical exam. You will also have some tests. These can confirm that you have pneumonia and what type you have. You and your healthcare provider can then plan treatment. Physical Exam Tests You May Have You will likely have a chest x-ray. This image of your lungs can show how severe the infection is. A sputum (mucus) sample may be taken and sent to a lab for testing. This can help check what type of infection you have. You may also have blood tests. Other tests to monitor the level of oxygen in your blood may be done as well. Health History Try to answer any questions your healthcare provider may have about your health history. Be sure to mention: All of your symptoms and when they first began The color and amount of mucus you cough up Other health problems you have All medications you re taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and supplements Whether you smoke or used to smoke The health of others at home Any recent trips you ve made, particularly overseas Your healthcare provider will listen to the front and back of your chest and observe your breathing pattern. You may be asked to cough. Your heart rate, temperature, and blood pressure will also be checked. A C B 4 This chest x-ray shows a pneumonia infection. A: Infected lung B: Normal lung C: Heart

5 Medications May Be Needed Medications treat most cases of pneumonia. These often include medications to fight infection. Your healthcare provider may also recommend medications to help relieve symptoms. For your health, take all medications exactly as directed. Taking Antibiotics Because pneumonia is most often caused by bacteria, antibiotics are usually prescribed. These medications help kill bacteria. Antibiotics must be taken correctly to work right. Follow these tips when taking them: Fill your prescription and start taking your medication right away. Take your dose at the same time each day until the prescription is gone. Do not stop taking the medication, even if you feel better. Let your healthcare provider know if you have side effects that bother you. He or she may be able to change the dose or switch you to a different antibiotic, if needed. Note that antibiotics do not work against viruses. For pneumonia caused by a virus, medications called antivirals are sometimes prescribed instead. You ll be told more about this, if needed. To Relieve Symptoms There are many medications that can help relieve symptoms of pneumonia. Some are prescription and some are over the counter. Depending on your needs, your healthcare provider may recommend: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lower your fever and to lessen headache or other pain. Cough medication, such as an expectorant, to help loosen mucus. Do not use other cough medication, such as a cough syrup or suppressant, without talking to your healthcare provider first. In certain cases, these may make symptoms worse. 5

6 Your Recovery Taking medications is just one part of treatment. To aid your recovery, you also need to care for yourself. Follow your healthcare provider s instructions closely. It may take a few weeks or longer for your energy level to return to normal. Drink Fluids and Eat Healthy Fluids help thin and loosen mucus, so your healthcare provider may advise you to increase your fluid intake. Drinking water is best. To help fight infection, you may also be advised to make healthier eating choices. This generally involves eating more lean proteins, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. If you don t feel hungry, try to eat small meals or healthy snacks spread throughout the day, rather than three large meals. Learn the Best Ways to Cough Your healthcare provider may teach you ways to cough more effectively. This can help clear your lungs of excess mucus. One way to improve your cough is described here: Sit in a chair with both feet on the floor. Fold one arm across your abdomen. Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose. Lean forward slightly. Cough 2 short, sharp coughs into a tissue. As you cough, gently push your arm against your abdomen. (You can also hold a pillow against your abdomen.) Relax for a moment, then take in another slow, deep breath and repeat. Other Treatments For severe cases of pneumonia, a hospital stay or other treatments may be needed. These can include: Inhaled medications to open your airways. Oxygen to help make breathing easier for you. Methods to loosen and drain excess mucus from your lungs. This may include postural drainage (lying with your chest lower than your abdomen) or using a handheld positive expiratory pressure (PEP) device. 6

7 Get Plenty of Rest and Sleep You may be more tired than usual for a while. This is normal. To help your body recover, be sure to get plenty of sleep at night. Also, take frequent breaks, and rest throughout the day. Be patient with yourself. As you get stronger, you may ease back into your usual activities. Wash Your Hands Often Most germs spread through touch. To prevent pneumonia from spreading to others, wash your hands often. Use warm water and plenty of soap. Work up a good lather. Clean your whole hands, under your nails, between your fingers, and up your wrists. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Rinse completely. Then dry your hands with a clean cloth or paper towel. When you re not near a sink, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Then wash your hands the first chance you get. In general, it s a good idea to always keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you. When to Call the Healthcare Provider Call right away if you have any of these problems after starting treatment: You don t begin to feel better within 72 hours Fever rises or goes away and comes back Chest pain or shortness of breath worsens Mucus changes color or increases Coughing becomes more severe Lips or fingertips turn blue (this shows a lack of oxygen) You have side effects from your medication 7

8 Also available in Spanish TAKE OUR PATIENT SURVEY. Help us help other patients. Please visit to provide your feedback on this booklet. This booklet is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem The StayWell Company, LLC All rights reserved. Made in the USA. Preventing Pneumonia Pneumonia is a lung infection that can cause serious problems. But you can take steps to help keep it from returning. To stay well, try the following: Stay up to date on immunizations. These help prevent infections that can cause pneumonia. The pneumonia vaccine and yearly flu vaccine are recommended. Ask your healthcare provider for more information. Wash your hands often. This reduces your risk of getting or spreading germs that cause infection. Don t smoke. Smokers have a much higher risk for pneumonia. Stay away from places where people are smoking. Avoid people who are sick with a cold or flu. Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of fluids. Be active. Even light physical activity can help you be healthier