Pneumonia: The Importance of an Early Diagnosis
Pneumonia: The Importance of an Early DiagnosisTranscript (page 1 of 2)“Mr. Copley, can you tell me a little bit about the trouble breathing you’ve beenhaving?”Pneumonia is a serious lung infection affecting one or both of your lungs. When youhave pneumonia, some of the millions of microscopic air sacs deep within your lungs,called alveoli, fill with fluid and mucus. Breathing can become difficult and painful.But if treated promptly and correctly, your chances for a complete recovery are high.However, if left untreated, pneumonia can lead to serious complications, including anincreased risk of re-infection, and possible permanent damage to your lungs.One complication from bacterial pneumonia is the infection can enter your bloodstream and infect other systems in your body. This can lead to other health issues.Another risk of untreated pneumonia is fluid build-up within the space betweenthe lungs and the chest wall, due to inflammation. This is called a pleural effusion.Breathing becomes painful because the lungs can’t fully expand.If the pleural effusion becomes infected, you have an empyema. The combination ofinfected fluid and pus puts pressure on the lungs, again making it more difficult andpainful to breathe.Untreated pneumonia can also lead to a lung abscess, where part of the lung tissuedies. And, in very rare cases, respiratory failure can occur. These complications can bereduced, or avoided altogether, with prompt diagnosis and proper treatment.Your doctor relies on several tools to help diagnose pneumonia. The first is a physicalexam. He will ask questions about your medical history and your symptoms.“It’s just been hurting right in my chest, and I’ve been spitting up a lot of browncolored sputum.”20% gradient meshHe will listen for abnormal sounds in your chest and back as you breathe, check forfever, and look for a slight blue tint to your fingernails and skin. X-rays may betakenhealthclipsto confirm the diagnosis. The infected area of your lungs can clearly be seen on x-rays.healthclipsYou may be asked to cough or spit up a sputum sample. Sputum is phlegm or mucusthat is found in your airways and lungs. The sputum is tested to determine thekind ofhealthclipsinfection you have.healthclips(cont. next page)4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_pd_10032_98_en_t00002.pdf © Milner-Fenwick, Inc.healthclips5% gradient meshPneumonia: The Importance of an Early DiagnosisTranscript (page 2 of 2)Other lab tests may be ordered. On rare occasions, a CT scan or an MRI is used to helpin the diagnosis. All of these test results will help your doctor confirm your diagnosis,and determine which treatment methods and medications to prescribe.If you have any questions about the diagnostic tests your doctor orders, just ask. Thesooner your doctor confirms your pneumonia, the faster you can begin to receivetreatment.And that will help put you on the road to a healthy recovery.20% gradient meshhealthclipshealthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_pd_10032_98_en_t00002.pdf © Milner-Fenwick, Inc.healthclips5% gradient mesh
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