How to avoid pneumonia after a common cold



How to avoid pneumonia after a common cold

Common cold

A Common cold, also known simply as a cold, is a viral infection disease of the upper respiratory tract that primarily affects the nose. Sometimes the throat, sinuses, and voice box may also be affected.

More than 200 virus strains are the cause of the common cold. The rhinoviruses are the most common of them.They spread through the air during close contact with the infected people.

Signs and symptoms
  
Symptoms may begin less than two days after exposure to the virus. It includes coughing, runny nose, sneezing, headache, and fever.

         Treatment

         There is no vaccine for the common cold. The primary methods of prevention are hand washing, not touching the eyes, nose or mouth, with unwashed hands: and staying away from other sick people. 

A common cold usually clears without treatment or a visit to a doctor. However, sometimes a common cold can develop into a health complication such as Pneumonia. The persons in the risk group are in more danger of getting complications.

Newborn babies, young children’s, older adults, and persons with low immunity are most likely to experience complications. They should take care of their common cold symptoms carefully and should visit a doctor at the first sign of a complication.


Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung affecting mainly the microscopic air sacs known as alveoli. It is a lung infection that can make you very sick. You may cough run a fever, and have a hard time breathing. For most people, pneumonia can be treated at home. It often clears up in 2 to 3 weeks. But older adults, babies, and people with other diseases can become very ill. They may need to go to the doctor.


Signs and symptoms

  • Typical signs and symptoms include a varying severity and    combination of
A productive or a dry cough
  • High fever greater than 102°F
  •  Chest pain
  • Breathing problem, depending on the underlying cause
  • severe cough with large amounts of colored mucus
  • shortness of breath
  • sharp pain when you take a deep breath
  • sharp chest pains
  • severe chills or sweating

It can be especially dangerous and sometimes deadly for people in high-risk groups. These groups include young children, older adults, and people with existing conditions. Therefore, people in these groups should see their doctor at the first sign of pneumonia symptoms.
  
Treatment

Treating pneumonia depends on what caused the infection, and can range from outpatient treatment to surgery.

Treating bacterial pneumonia

Pneumonia is usually well treated with antibiotics and supportive therapy. However, smokers, older adults, and people with heart or lung problems are especially prone to complications from pneumonia. These groups should monitor their cold symptoms closely and seek medical care at the first sign of pneumonia.


Treating Viral Pneumonia

Viral types of pneumonia are more likely to be treated at home. Viral pneumonia caused by the flu can be treated with an antiviral medication.

Treating Fungal Pneumonia


You may also be a victim of fungal pneumonia. These cases of pneumonia can be diagnosed with a blood test that shows your body is making antibodies to the fungus.
More than 10 types of fungi can cause fungal pneumonia, which is more common in people with weakened immune systems. Several antifungal medications serve as the treatment for pneumonia and can be administered whether orally or intravenously.



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