Saturday 26 October 2013

Legionella Pneumonia

Caused by an aerobic bacteria belonging to the genus Legionella, which contains 20-30 species. Most commonly cause by Legionella pneumophilia, a gram negative bacteria. The bacteria can be found in any freshwater environment but in low numbers due to the low temperature. It is when the water is taken into artificial water systems and the temperature arises to around 20-45 degrees with impurities such as rust, limescale or algae that they start to multiply. 

 Vulnerable water systems include:
  • Cooling towers
  • Air conditioning systems
  • Water systems for large buildings, such as hospitals, hotels or sports complexes

Symptoms
  • Flu like symptoms including mild headaches, fever, muscle pain and chills.
  • As the disease progresses to the lungs, a persistant cough appears with chest pains and shortness of breath.
  • Cough progresses from dry to mucus filled, possibly with blood
  • Approximately 30% of people also encounter D&V
  • Around 50% show signs of mental confusion

Risk Factors
  • Aged over 50 years
  • Smoking
  • Kidney Ulcer
  • Diabetes
  • COPD

Patients commonly end up on ICU, sometimes with a tracheostomy and the use of the Bird (IPPB) with vibs.
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2 comments:

  1. Unknown23 August 2016 at 06:40

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  2. Florence29 May 2021 at 00:12

    I started on COPD Herbal treatment from Ultimate Health Home, the treatment worked incredibly for my lungs condition. I used the herbal treatment for almost 4 months, it reversed my COPD. My severe shortness of breath, dry cough, chest tightness gradually disappeared. Reach Ultimate Health Home via their website at www.ultimatelifeclinic.com I can breath much better and It feels comfortable!

    ReplyDelete

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