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RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS - Pneumonia |
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| Pneumonia is brought about
by sudden (acute) infection and inflammation of the alveoli.
The alveoli gradually fill up with fluid and dead white blood cells in the
form of pus and swelling caused by fluid (oedema). This build up of fluid increases the distance through which
oxygen and carbon dioxide must diffuse into the blood. This causes a fall in
the amount of oxygen in the body (hypoxia). Pneumonia is the most common
cause of death by infection in the UK. |
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Signs & Symptoms
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- Flu-like symptoms
- Weakness
- Productive cough
- Fever
- Chest pain on coughing
- Some respiratory distress
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Difficulty breathing except in an upright position (Orthopnea)
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Treatment |
- Keep calm and reassure the casualty
- Let the patient adopt the position most comfortable
- usually sitting
- Ask him to breath slowly and deeply
- Give oxygen therapy (Note:
@ 15 litres per
minute)
- Constantly monitor the situation: record breathing
and pulse every 10 minutes
- Be prepared to ventilate or carry out CPR
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