PRESENTATION OUTLINE
What Is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs. The infection may be caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. Pneumonia causes inflammation in your lung’s air sacs, also referred to as alveoli. The alveoli fill with fluid or pus, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild to life threatening. In fact, pneumonia causes more deaths worldwide than any other illness. The severity of pneumonia usually depends on the cause of the inflammation or by the type of organism causing the infection, a person’s age, and their general health.
Bacterial Pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia can affect anyone at any age. It can develop on its own or after a serious cold or flu. The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia is streptococcus pneumoniae. Bacterial pneumonia can also be caused by Chlamydophila pneumonia or legionella pneumophila. Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia is sometimes seen in those who have weak immune systems, due to illnesses like AIDS or cancer.
Viral Pneumonia
In most cases, respiratory viruses can cause pneumonia, especially in young children and the elderly. Pneumonia is usually not serious and lasts a short time. However, the flu virus can cause viral pneumonia to be severe or fatal. It’s especially harmful to pregnant women or individuals with heart or lung issues. Invading bacteria can cause complications with viral pneumonia.
Mycoplasma Pneumonia
Mycoplasmas are not viruses or bacteria, but they have traits common to both. They are the smallest agents of disease that affect humans. Mycoplasmas generally cause mild cases of pneumonia, most often in older children and young adults.
Other Types of Pneumonia
Many additional types of pneumonia affect immune-compromised individuals. Tuberculosis and pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) generally affect persons with AIDS. In fact, PCP can be one of the first signs of illness in people with AIDS.
Less common types of pneumonia can also be serious. Pneumonia can be caused by inhaling food, dust, liquid, gas, and by various fungi.
Who Is at Risk for Developing Pneumonia?
No one is immune to pneumonia, but there are certain factors that can raise your risks:
previous stroke or problems swallowing: People who have had a stroke, have problems swallowing, or are bedridden can easily develop pneumonia.
age: Infants from birth to age two are at risk for pneumonia, as are individuals age 65 or older. weakened immune system: This includes people who take medications that weaken the immune system and people with HIV, AIDS, or cancer. drug abuse, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking. certain medical conditions: Asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and heart failure raise your risks for pneumonia.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia?
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia can develop quickly and may include
-chest pain -shaking chills -fever -dry cough muscle aches -nausea/vomiting -rapid breathing -rapid heartbeat -difficulty breathing -SOB
-Feel suddenly worse after a cold or the flu
-Have a cough with phlegm (a slimy substance), which doesn't improve or worsens
Some symptoms may indicate a medical emergency.
These symptoms include:
skin with bluish tone (from lack of oxygen)
blood in sputum (coughed-up mucus)
labored breathing
high fever (103 °F or higher)
confusion
rapid heartbeat
Pneumonia can be easily overlooked as the cause of an illness because it often resembles a cold or the flu. However, it usually lasts longer and symptoms seem more severe than these other conditions.
How Is Pneumonia Treated?
The type of treatment prescribed for pneumonia primarily depends on what type of pneumonia is present and its severity. In many cases, pneumonia can be treated at home.
General Treatment
The typical treatment plan for pneumonia includes taking all prescribed medications and participating in follow-up care. A chest x-ray may be ordered to ensure your pneumonia has been successfully treated.
Treating Bacterial Pneumonia
Antibiotics are used to treat this type of pneumonia. Antibiotics should be taken as directed. If antibiotics are ceased before treatment is complete, the pneumonia may return. Most people will improve after one to three days of treatment.
Treating Viral Pneumonia
Antibiotics are useless if a virus is the cause of pneumonia. However, antiviral drugs can help treat the condition. Symptoms usually improve within one to three weeks.
Can Pneumonia Be Prevented?
Anyone with diabetes, asthma, and other severe or chronic health problems, is at risk for pneumonia. However, in many cases, it can be prevented with vaccines against bacterial pneumonia and flu. Quitting smoking will definitely lower the risk of pneumonia
Causes of Pneumonia
The most common causes of pneumonia are infections caused by:
bacteria - the most common cause of pneumonia in adults
viruses - often responsible for pneumonia in children
mycoplasma - organisms that have characteristics of bacteria and viruses that cause milder infections
opportunistic organisms - a threat to people with vulnerable immune systems (e.g., Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in people who have AIDS)
Psw role for helping someone for pneumonia
To help the client give them a blanket when they get the shakes and chills to keep them warm. Give them Tylenol, gravel and any prescribed medications/puffers. This will help with the nausea, vomiting, fever, muscle aches and chest pains. Make food that they can eat and will help with their mucus and symptoms. Give them their medications and puffers on time and the right doses, also make follow up doctor appointments to better ensure they are progressing not declining. Educate them on their illness. Tell them to drink plenty of fluids and to get lots or rest. Keep and eye on their symptoms and makes sure they don't worsen if they do seek medical attention.