The Truth about Pneumonia

We all know pneumonia is an infection of the lungs.  However, there are a few erroneous myths out there about pneumonia.  We've all heard our mothers or grandmothers say, "put a coat on before you catch pneumonia".  This is a popular old wives tale that being in the cold actually causes pneumonia.   Another one is that when you have pneumonia you need to stay in bed.  My own husband believed that since my son has pneumonia after his surgery he needs to stay in bed.  The purpose of this blog is to educate the reader on the symptoms, causes and prevention of pneumonia. 
Pneumonia symptoms can vary and are difficult to recognize at times.  In the elderly, they may not even run fever or they may have a low temperature.  However, the typical symptoms are productive cough, fever, shortness of breath, chills, and chest pain during respiration.  If the pneumonia is severe you may experience low oxygen levels which manifest as blue tinged lips or pale or dusky nail beds.  In small children watch for sucking in around the ribs, sternum, and clavicle or nostril flaring.  If you notice any of these things in an infant or child please take them to the emergency room right away. 
Pneumonia is most commonly caused by bacteria but it can also be caused by viruses, fungi, and aspiration.  Aspiration is when something foreign is inhaled into the lungs.  An example of this would be someone who has been drinking too much, passes out, vomits, and then breaths in the vomit. (A good reason not to drink).  This can be a very difficult type of pneumonia to treat and is very dangerous.  Pneumonia can be acquired in the community or in the hospital.  Typically, pneumonia is not "caught".  What I mean is you don't catch pneumonia from your friend, you catch the cold, flu or bacteria that they have.  I might get the flu from my friend and end up with pneumonia while my friend is better in a few days.  Similarly, I may have pneumonia and my friend may drink out my cup and end up with a cold.  So, it is not the location of the infection that is contagious as so much it is the actual bacteria or virus. 
The number one way to prevent pneumonia and other types of contagious illnesses is hand washing.  Hand washing is surprisingly the most effective and simplest way of preventing the spread of disease.  One way to prevent pneumonia specifically is to keep moving.  When you are sick with the flu it's not a good idea to lay in one spot for days and have your spouse wait on you hand and foot.  When you move around you help keep those alveoli (tiny air sacs in your lungs) open.  When you stay in one spot fluid can accumulate in the alveoli and become a breeding ground for bacteria.  Coughing and deep breathing is another way of helping prevent pneumonia when you are sick with the flu or laying in bed for an extended period of time for other reasons such as surgery.  Coughing and deep breathing also help to keep those alveoli open.  If you must stay in bed, make sure to change positions frequently and do cough and deep breathing exercises. 
If you suspect you or your loved one has pneumonia seek prompt medical attention.  The doctor will listen to your chest with a stethoscope and possible take xrays.  They will also check your oxygen level.  If the doctor feels that you need intravenous antibiotics or oxygen then you will be hospitalized.  If the doctor does not feel this is necessary then you will be sent home with oral antibiotics.  Be sure to take all your antibiotics until they are gone.  you also need to drink plenty of fluid and get plenty of rest.  Like I said before, do not lay in bed for days without moving as this will only make the pneumonia worse.  If you smoke you need to quit.  I will probably make that the topic of my next blog.  We all know how bad smoking is for you but if you have pneumonia and smoke you will have a more difficult and possibly complicated recovery.  I hope you or your loved ones are never sick with pneumonia but if you do I hope this information helps!