Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can make you very sick. You may cough, have a fever, and have trouble breathing. It often clears up in a few weeks with treatment. It can usually be treated at home. But some people, like older adults and babies, may need to go to the hospital.

Symptoms of pneumonia may include:

• A cough. You may cough up mucus from your lungs. Mucus may be rusty or green or tinged with blood.
• Fever, chills and sweating.
• Fast breathing and feeling short of breath.
• Chest pain that often feels worse when you cough or breathe in.
• A fast heartbeat.
• Feeling very tired or very weak.

Older adults may have different, fewer, or milder symptoms. They may not have a fever. Or they may have a cough but not bring up mucus. The main sign of pneumonia in older adults may be a change in how well they think (confusion or delirium). Or, if they already have a lung disease, that disease may get worse.

Symptoms caused by viruses are the same as those caused by bacteria.

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical exam. Your doctor may order a chest X-ray and a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). This is usually enough for your doctor to know if you have pneumonia. You may need more tests if your symptoms are bad, you are an older adult, or you have other health problems. In general, the sicker you are, the more tests you may need.

Your doctor may also test mucus from your lungs to find out if bacteria are causing your pneumonia. Finding out what is causing your pneumonia can help your doctor choose the best treatment for you.

If pneumonia is caused by bacteria, your doctor will give you antibiotics. They almost always cure pneumonia caused by bacteria. Be sure to take the antibiotics exactly as instructed. Don't stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics. (If pneumonia is caused by a virus, antibiotics don't help.)

There are things you can do to feel better during your treatment. Get plenty of rest and sleep, and drink lots of liquids. Taking medicine to reduce fever can also help. Don't smoke. If your cough keeps you awake at night, talk to your doctor about using cough medicine.

You may need to go to the hospital if your symptoms are bad, you have a weak immune system, or you have another serious illness.

In some cases, you may need oxygen or medicines you breathe using an inhaler or nebulizer to help shortness of breath and wheezing.

• If the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Be careful with cough and cold medicines. Don't give them to children younger than 6, because they don't work for children that age and can even be harmful. For children 6 and older, always follow all the instructions carefully. Make sure you know how much medicine to give and how long to use it. And use the dosing device if one is included.
• Watch for and treat signs of dehydration, which means that the body has lost too much water. Your child's mouth may feel very dry. Your child may have sunken eyes with few tears when crying. Your child may lack energy and want to be held a lot. Your child may not urinate as often as usual.
• Give your child lots of fluids. This is very important if your child is vomiting or has diarrhea. Give your child sips of water or drinks such as Pedialyte or Infalyte. These drinks contain a mix of salt, sugar, and minerals. You can buy them at drugstores or grocery stores. Give these drinks as long as your child is throwing up or has diarrhea. Do not use them as the only source of liquids or food for more than 12 to 24 hours.
• Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for fever or pain. Do not use ibuprofen if your child is less than 6 months old unless the doctor gave you instructions to use it. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Use the correct dose for your child's age and weight. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.
• Make sure your child rests. Keep your child at home until any fever is gone.
• Place a cool-mist humidifier by your child's bed or close to your child. This may make it easier for your child to breathe. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine.
• Keep your child away from smoke. Do not smoke or allow anyone else to smoke in your house. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Make sure everyone in your house washes their hands several times a day. This will help prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria.