PNEUMONIA
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
What is Pneumonia?
The History of Pneumonia
Throughout the years, advancements in technology and medicine gave us the ability to analyze pneumonia and its causes. Doctors have since then discovered that pneumonia is caused by bacteria and needs to be treated with medicine. Not until the 1900's did doctors develop antibiotics to treat pneumonia and decrease the death rates due to it.
You may be wondering how doctors treated pneumonia before antibiotics. Frankly, there wasn't much doctors could do to treat it. Zinc and vitamin C was sometimes used to help, but most of the victims died from the infection.
Symptoms
- high fever
- shaking chills
- cough with phlegm
- shortness of breath with normal daily activities
- chest pains when you breathe or cough
- feel suddenly worse after a cold or the flu
If you have any of these symptoms you should see your doctor promptly.
Can I catch Pneumonia?
Pneumonia Treatments and Cures
If you want to prevent getting pneumonia stop smoking, stay away from people with colds, the flu, or any respiratory infections, get your vaccines, stay away from people who have had diseases like chicken pox or measles, and be sure to wash your hands often.
Most people don’t need surgery for pneumonia but if you do you will either get a Thoracotomy or a chest tube procedure. This procedure allows the surgeon to remove dead or damaged lung tissue and observe the lungs.