BACTERIAL PNEUMONIA
PROBLEM
Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes fluid to collect in the air sacs. You may have a fever, a cough, or trouble breathing.
CAUSE
Respiratory bacteria or viruses cause pneumonia.
PREVENTION
A.Although the flu vaccine will not keep you from getting bacterial pneumonia, a flu vaccine is recommended every year.
B.There are two types of pneumonia vaccines. People older than 65 years of age, people who smoke, younger people with chronic lung disease, and people with other medical conditions may receive vaccines to prevent pneumococcal pneumonia.
C.You may be given one of the pneumonia vaccines at the same time as you get the flu vaccine.
D.Avoid contact with people with respiratory illnesses.
TREATMENT PLAN
A.Use a cool-mist humidifier. Clean the humidifier daily.
B.Do not smoke, and avoid smoke-filled rooms.
C.Cover your mouth when you cough and cover your nose when you sneeze.
D.Use tissues when you blow your nose. Throw away tissues as soon as they are used.
E.If no tissue is available, do the elbow sneeze
into the bend of your arm/sleeve of your shirt.
F.Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
Activity: Rest during the early phase of the illness.
Diet: Eat a nutritious diet. Drink eight to 10 glasses of water a day.
Medications:
A.Do not use cough suppressants if your cough produces sputum. Use them only for a dry, nonproductive cough.
B.Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used for fever or body aches.
C.Antibiotics are given for pneumonia that is caused by bacteria. Take your medication as directed.
D.Finish all of your antibiotics even though you may feel better.
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Notify the Office If You Have:
A.Increased difficulty breathing.
B.Fever after 48 hours on an antibiotic.
C.Blood in your sputum.
D.Worsening discomfort or fatigue.
E.Trouble keeping your antibiotic down.
F.Diabetes and your blood sugars are elevated, or you notice ketones in your urine while you are sick.
G.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
Follow-up appointment on: ___________________________________________________________
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE