Pneumonia

Phlegm and fever chills: Know all about pneumonia

About

Pneumonia is inflammation of the tissue in either one or both the lungs. Caused by a bacterial infection, it inflames the air sacs in one or both the lungs, which may fill with fluid.

In the United Kingdom, pneumonia affects around 8 in 1,000 adults every year. It is extreme in autumn and winter [1] .

- Some types preventable by vaccine
- Treatable by a medical professional
- Requires medical diagnosis
- Lab tests or imaging are always required
- Spreads by airborne droplets
- Short-term: Resolves within days to weeks

Pneumonia can affect people of any age. However, the elderly and young people are more prone to to the same when compared to the other age groups.

Symptoms

A lasting cough with phlegm, fever, chills and difficult breathing are characteristic symptoms of pneumonia.
Patients may experience sharp pain in the chest, fever, chills, dehydration, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
Respiratory symptoms: Fast breathing, shallow breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing. Increased heart beat is another specific symptom.

Treatment

Self-care
Take proper rest and stay warm.
Medication
Antibiotics may be prescribed by the doctor.
Specialists
Lung specialist and respiratory therapist can help in the treatment of pneumonia. You can consult with expert physicians of the field through mfine.