Pneumonia care: How long does the condition last?

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Pneumonia is considered as a debilitating condition that makes it hard and painful to breathe. Some individuals who acquire the condition might require hospitalization. It is often a complication or occurs after an upper respiratory infection such as the flu or common cold.

How long do the symptoms last?

The exact length of pneumonia varies depending on the type and overall health of the individual before acquiring the condition. Most healthy individuals recover from pneumonia in 1-3 weeks but it can also be life-threatening.

  • Most cases of bacterial pneumonia resolves with treatment in 1-3 weeks.
  • Mycoplasma or walking pneumonia can last for 4-6 weeks
  • Viral pneumonia can last longer but not as severe as the bacterial type
    Pneumonia
    The exact length of pneumonia varies depending on the type and overall health of the individual before acquiring the condition.

Always bear in mind that pneumonia is dangerous among adults over 65 years old, young children and those who have chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or chronic lung conditions.

Prevention

Among those who are not included in the high-risk group, there are simple measures to protect the body against illness such as proper hand washing, avoiding exposure to those who are seriously sick and receiving the yearly flu vaccine. These can go a long way in providing protection from the disease.

Even though the flu vaccine does not prevent pneumonia, it can provide some protection since pneumonia is often a complication of the flu. If the flu can be avoided, the chances of acquiring pneumonia can be reduced.

Those who are included in the high risk groups must be vaccinated against the disease aside from receiving the flu vaccine. There is a pneumonia vaccine for children is given as a component of the recommended childhood vaccinations for children below 2 years old. Another type of vaccine is available for adults and children over 2 years old as well as ideal for those who have chronic health issues that puts them at risk for pneumonia as well as adults over 65 years old.

What to do if pneumonia is suspected?

If the individual suspects that he/she has pneumonia, a doctor should be consulted or seek medical care. The doctor can properly diagnose the condition and determine the appropriate treatment. Take note that the treatment is usually based on the exact cause and the severity of the condition.

If the individual has been diagnosed with the condition and being treated yet he/she does not feel any better after a few days on antibiotics or new symptoms developed, a doctor should be consulted for further assessment.

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