What is Pneumonia?

The inflammation may give you a fever. 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 the following: Severe cough with uncontrolled spasms Fever and chills Coughing up mucus Shortness of breath Increased heart rate Chest pain or discomfort when breathing in or coughing. Signs of Severe Pneumonia (requires immediate medical attention)

such as diabetes or sickle-cell disease, and children under two years old
Other preventive measures include: Avoid smoking. Smoking weakens the lungs' resistance to infection. Avoid close contact with people who have respiratory infections. Wash hands often when coming in contact with infected people. Protect yourself from exposures on the job that affect the lungs. Eat a healthy diet. Get adequate rest. Exercise regularly.

Pneumonia is a serious lung infection. It is called community acquired when it happens in the community setting or in the first 48hours of hospitalization. Many cases of pneumonia are caused by bacteria or viruses. Other causes include fungi, chemicals, and gases. Pneumonia may also appear after another illness, such as a cold, flu, or bronchitis. Those most at risk include the elderly and people with chronic health problems. Pneumonia causes the bronchioles and the alveoli to fill with excess mucus and become inflamed. Your bodys response may be to cough. This can help clear out the fluid. The fluid (or mucus) you cough up may appear green or dark yellow. The excess mucus may make you feel short of breath.

Temperature that rises above 104F (40C) or falls below 95F (35C) Pulse equal to or greater than 125 beats per minute while at rest Breathing rate greater than 30 breaths per minute while at rest Falling blood pressure (systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg), causing dizziness, confusion or fainting

How is it acquired?
1. Cold weather- most of the microbes that cause pneumonia are active when the weather is cold. 2. Weak immune resistance- younger people can fight pneumonia but for older people, having weak immune resistance, they get easily infected. 3. Close contact with infected personspneumonia-causing microbes travel through droplets or air.

Prevent Pneumonia
Certain vaccines may prevent pneumonia: Flu shot for people at high risk, particularly the elderly, because pneumonia may be a complication of the flu Pneumococcal vaccine recommended for people over aged 65, or those who have a chronic illness,

Simple Things Can Help!

Chest Physiotherapy- performed to help excrete phlegm so that the patient will have a clear airway and will be able to breathe easily. It involves positioning, back tapping and deep breathing and coughing exercise.

Positioning- position the patient with the affected lung-lobe up. (Can be sitting or lying on side) Back tapping- performed to patient so that the retained sticky phlegm will loosen and will be expectorated easily. Step-by-step: 1. Position patient with the affected lobe of the lungs higher than the other lobes (ex.sitting position) 2. Cover the area or to be percussed with gown or towel. 3. Begin percussing the back from top going down then lower portion going up. Make sure that the hands are cupped and make a rhythmical popping sound resembling a galloping horse with alternate percussion. Deep breathing exercise- instruct client to inhale deeply with abdomen expanding out (while inhaling, resist chest of the patient) then exhale with pursed lip (while exhaling, vibrate with flat part of the hand). Repeat procedure as tolerated by the patient. Coughing Exercise- after the deep breathing exercise, instruct the client to do controlled coughing exercises such as cascade or quad (whatever is tolerated). Increase Hydration- Offer water and fluids to the patient because water reduces the stickiness of the phlegm making it thinner and easier to cough out. Administering prescribed medications- the doctors advice is usually the best thing and it is important to follow schedules of medications especially for antibiotics. Antibiotics are usually given

for at least 7days with or without the presenting symptoms. Never go against it! so that the patient will not develop resistance from the infecting microorganisms and prevent recurrence of pneumonia.

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