There are a variety of factors which can impact a pneumonia prognosis. The patient’s overall health is one of the main considerations, as well as his or her age. Occasionally certain complications can arise, and these may also affect the prognosis of any individual. The period of time between the onset of symptoms the time when medical care was sought is also important.
The most important factor in pneumonia prognosis is the patient’s health at the time of diagnosis. Those with additional illnesses, lung conditions, or heart problems are at a much higher risk for complications and even death. Patients who have a compromised immune system, for instance, are more likely to succumb to pneumonia-related infections. For these individuals, special care and immediate treatment are required to reduce the risk for serious problems.
Those within certain age brackets are also more likely to have a poor pneumonia prognosis. The elderly are at higher risk for serious health complications because they often have other conditions and their bodies are less able to combat infection. Infants and very young children may also be at a higher risk because their immune systems are not fully developed. This can lead to a greater chance of infection.
When complications do arise, those who are in good health otherwise are more likely to survive with no long-term health problems than those who are older or ill. This does not mean that all elderly patients will succumb to serious problems, since the quality and timeliness of care are also important. Many young individuals hold off on receiving treatment until the illness has taken a stronger hold, while older adults are more likely to see a doctor at the first sign of symptoms.
Overall, with early treatment, pneumonia prognosis is good. The illness can often be treated and cured with no long-term ill effects. The most common complications are infection and trouble breathing, and these can be remedied with antibiotics and breathing aids. Sometimes serious infections can occur and spread to other areas of the body. These are more difficult to treat, so early intervention is crucial for preventing severe medical problems in those with pneumonia.
Symptoms of pneumonia include shortness of breath, heaviness in the chest, fever, chronic cough, and pain. It often comes as the result of another illness or aspiration of food into the lungs. When it is caused by bacterial growth, antibiotics are the primary treatment option. Other types may be treated with breathing machines until the body fights off the infection, or fluid, mucus, and food may have to be removed from the lungs.
