lightbox[Pneumonia]Pneumonia

 

Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of one or both lungs, which is usually caused by infection of viruses (such as the flu virus) or bacteria (the most common cause is a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae) and less commonly other microorganisms (fungi), certain drugs and other conditions such as autoimmune diseases. This inflammation causes the microscopic air sacs known as alveoli inside lungs to fill with fluid. This makes it harder for the lungs to work properly.

In winter the number of cases of pneumonia rises. This is because of infection spreading from person to person, and also because other infections are more common in the winter, such as influenza (flu). An infection with flu can lower your immune system, increasing your risk of picking up pneumonia.

 

 

 

The most common symptoms of pneumonia are:

• Cough (with mucus (sputum) from lungs, which may be rusty or green or tinged with blood);
• Fever;
• Fast breathing and feeling short of breath;
• Shaking and "teeth-chattering" chills;
• Chest pain that often feels worse when you cough or breathe in;
• Fast heartbeat;
• Feeling very tired or very weak;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Diarrhea.

 

There are a number of steps you can take to help prevent getting pneumonia.

• Stop smoking. You're more likely to get pneumonia if you smoke.
• Avoid people who have infections that sometimes lead to pneumonia.
• Stay away from people who have colds, the flu, or other respiratory tract infections.
• If you haven't had measles or chickenpox or if you didn't get vaccines against these diseases, avoid people who have them.
• Wash your hands This helps prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria that may cause pneumonia.

Treatment of pneumonia consists of oral antibiotics, rest, simple analgesics, and fluids usually suffice for complete resolution. However, those with other medical conditions, the elderly, or those with significant trouble breathing may require more advanced care. If the symptoms worsen, the pneumonia does not improve with home treatment, or complications occur, hospitalization may be required.

Antibiotics such as amoxicillin, doxycycline (Doxyderma), clarithromycin, azithromycin (Zitara) or erythromycin (Eritromicine) improve outcomes in those with bacterial pneumonia. Antibiotic choice depends initially on the characteristics of the person affected, such as age, underlying health, and the location the infection was acquired.

Typical antibiotics will not work for viral pneumonia; sometimes, however, your doctor may use antiviral medication. Viral pneumonia usually improves in 1 to 3 weeks.

 

The best way to maintain a healthy body during the cold winter season

 

The cold winter, limited movements and staying in open spaces are the reason of winter depression.

Walking for 30 minutes every day relieves immediately all negative energies and transforms them into positive energy.

Activities outside during the winter have wonderful advantages on health. Scientific research provides facts that prove the increasing of the availability and productivity of winter activities.

Natural light and cold or fresh air strengthen blood circulation immune system and improve the physical, emotional and spiritual health.

Cold air balances hormones and assists in the loss of kilograms that are necessary to strengthen the heart and respiratory system; speeding metabolism because the body expends extra energy to warm the temperature.

Do not forget family friendly events, which include throwing snowballs and sliding on skis, conclude with hot winter drinks that warm the body and soul, they are experiences that leave traces in memory and remembered long.