No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, the health of the U.S. presidential candidates is a serious matter and may influence the way you vote Nov. 8.
Pneumonia is the latest health issue to make its way into the 2016 presidential race, with Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton coming off the campaign trail to rest and recover at home with less than two months to go before the election.
What is pneumonia?: Pneumonia is an infection of one or both of the lungs. According to the American Lung Association, over thirty different bacteria, viruses, fungi and mycoplasmas can cause pneumonia. Coupled with influenza, pneumonia is the 8th leading cause of death in the United States. Between 5 million and 10 million cases of pneumonia occur in the U.S. yearly.
Symptoms: Fever, wheezing, cough, chills, rapid breathing, chest pains, loss of appetite and malaise can all indicate pneumonia. Additional signs include sharp chest pain that gets worse when you breathe or cough, headache, excessive sweating and clammy skin, and confusion.
Diagnosis: A physical examination is the place to start. A clinician uses a stethoscope to listen for crackling, bubbling or rumbling sounds in the lungs. Additional diagnostic testing, such as chest X-rays and blood work, help confirm the findings of the physical exam and determine the type of pneumonia.
Treatment: Bacterial pneumonia patients respond well when prescribed antibiotics. Typical antibiotics will not work for viral pneumonia, though antiviral medications may be effective for some patients. Fluids and rest will help with recovery. Severe cases require hospitalization.
Vulnerable populations: Children under age 2 and adults over 65 are at higher risk. People who smoke, or those with underlying chronic diseases (for example: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer or HIV/AIDS) are also more susceptible.
Prevention: General precepts of health and wellness apply, including:
- Rest
- Exercise
- Stress reduction
- Healthy diet
- NOT smoking
- Regular washing of hands
- Avoiding others who are ill
Because the flu is a common cause of pneumonia, getting your annual flu vaccination is a good way to reduce your risk of pneumonia. In addition, those at risk should speak with their physicians about being vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia.
The flu vaccine is now available at all Hartford HealthCare Medical Group offices. Get your flu vaccination today at one of our urgent care locations or schedule an appointment in the near future at a Hartford HealthCare Medical Group location near you by calling 877.707.4442.
SOURCES:
http://www.webmd.com/lung/how-common-is-pneumonia
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htm
http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/pneumonia/prognosis.html