By Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A.
Associate Professor of Family Medicine
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

PNEUMONIA RX: REST, NUTRITION -- AND SOMETIMES ANTIBIOTICS

Question: My doctor told me I had pneumonia a couple of weeks ago. I was on antibiotics for about ten days. I feel better now, but I am still tired and cough quite a bit. Can you tell me more about pneumonia? Should I still be tired and coughing?

Answer: Pneumonia is an infection or inflammation of the lungs or part of the lungs. It is a relatively common affliction and has many causes. Several different bacteria and viruses cause pneumonia. Most cases of pneumonia are easily treatable if they are caught early in an otherwise healthy person.

The symptoms of pneumonia can also vary depending on the causative agent. With bacterial pneumonia, the most common symptoms are chills, fever, productive cough and pain in the chest. These symptoms can come on gradually or abruptly. Some people can become hypoxic – that is, they lack adequate oxygen in the blood -- and require supplemental oxygen to help them breath.

The viral form of the disease represents almost half of all cases of pneumonia. While the symptoms are generally mild and a full recovery is the norm, viral pneumonia can be a life-threatening illness in very old and very young patients, and in people whose immune systems are weak. The symptoms are dry cough, high fever, weakness, and headache.

Another type of pneumonia is mycoplasma pneumonia. This is usually mild and can affect all ages -- but it is particularly common in people under the age of 40. Studies indicate that it causes between 15 and 50 percent of all pneumonia in adults and an even higher percentage of pneumonia in school-aged children. The primary symptom is a cough that persists for a long time and weakness. The cough is usually dry. There are many other causes of pneumonia that are rare and usually quite severe.

Treatment of pneumonia depends on the type of pneumonia. Bacterial and mycoplasma pneumonias usually respond well to antibiotics. Some viral pneumonias are treated with antiviral agents, but in most cases supportive care, such as rest, fluids and cough syrup, will allow for resolution of the infection in a week or so. It is not unusual for a person with mycoplasma pneumonia to cough and be weak for a considerable time after the infection has cleared. In fact, it takes a while for most people with any type of pneumonia to bounce back and feel like themselves again.

Don’t try to rush your body’s healing process. It’s vital to get adequate rest and nutrition for full recovery.

There are also several preventive steps that can be taken. Pneumonia caused by the influenza virus can be prevented by getting an influenza vaccine. Pneumonia vaccine prevents the disease when it is caused by the Streptococcus bacterial strain. Both of these vaccines are recommended for older people. The Hib vaccine can prevent some pneumonia in children. Good hand-washing and not smoking also help prevent pneumonia, and covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze will help prevent the spread of the infection to others.

If, during the treatment or recovery phases of your pneumonia, you feel you are getting worse instead of better, you should contact your physician immediately for follow-up care and advice.

Family Medicine® is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, P.O. Box 110, Athens, Ohio 45701, or via e-mail to readerquestions@familymedicinenews.org. Medical information in this column is provided as an educational service only. It does not replace the judgment of your personal physician, who should be relied on to diagnose and recommend treatment for any medical conditions. Past columns are available online at www.familymedicinenews.org.