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MARC McLEARY , MD Clinton County Rural Health. What is Pneumonia and How Do I Prevent it?. What is Pneumonia ? Inflammation of the lower air way (lungs). Can be caused by several different sources. Bacteria Viruses Fungi The source of the pneumonia play a major role in treatment.
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MARC McLEARY, MD Clinton County Rural Health What is Pneumonia and How Do I Prevent it?
What is Pneumonia? • Inflammation of the lower air way (lungs). • Can be caused by several different sources. • Bacteria • Viruses • Fungi • The source of the pneumonia play a major role in treatment. • Community • Hospital • Aspiration
Community Acquired Pneumonia Facts • It affects about 6 out of every 1000 people per year. • 1 out every 160 people • It is #8 cause of death in the United States. • If hospitalized with CAP, the mortality (death) rate is up to 23%
What are some risk factors? • Smoking Tobacco • Age over 65 • COPD • Previous pneumonia • Severe esophageal reflux • Influenza • Lung Cancer
How is Pneumonia Diagnosed? • Clinical Signs • Cough • Fever • Pleuritic chest pain (hurts to take deep breath) • Difficulty breathing • Sputum Production • X-ray • Must see an infiltrate on X-ray
Treatment of Pneumonia: • First step is to determine if patient needs to be admitted to hospital • CURB-65 • PSI • Antibiotic Therapy • Usually a single antibiotic for a minimum of 5 days (normally longer) • Resolution of symptoms • Symptoms should start to improve very quickly although the cough and fatigue can persist for 2-4 weeks after treatment is started
Prevention of Pneumonia: • Good hand hygiene • Soap and water or alcohol based cleanser • Stop smoking • Flu shot • Pneumonia vaccine
Pneumonia Vaccine: • Who gets it? • Everyone over age 65 • People less than 65 at higher risk for Pneumonia • Diabetes • Heart Disease • No spleen • Smokers • Do I need to get it again? • If you received the shot before age 65, you need a one time booster 5 years after the first shot. • If you received the shot after age 65, you will not need another
Summary: • Pneumonia is a common disease that is more common in people that smoke and who are over 65. • A single antibiotic for 5-7 days is the first line treatment for most outpatient pneumonias • You can help to prevent pneumonia by stopping smoking and getting the flu and pneumonia vaccine