Tennova Healthcare Offers Tips for Identifying and Avoiding Pneumonia This Winter

12/20/2016

KNOXVILLE, TN (December 21, 2016) – Cold and flu season can hit your family hard in the winter. As the months of chilly and damp weather wear on, immune systems become more compromised and serious illnesses can occur. Nearly three million cases of pneumonia are reported in the U.S. each year, with the highest percentages of cases found in small children and the elderly.

“Children under age 12 are still developing their immune systems, making them more susceptible to pneumonia,” said Christian Terzian, M.D., a primary care physician with Tennova LaFollette Medical Center Clinic. Dr. Terzian is board certified in internal medicine, infectious diseases and geriatric medicine. "They are also less likely to be vigilant about handwashing and nose blowing, making them more prone to contract the viruses and bacteria that can lead to pneumonia.”

The majority of pneumonia cases in children and younger adults are known as “community acquired pneumonia,” and are separated into two categories—viral and bacterial. Learning how to prevent, identify and treat the different types of pneumonia will help you and your family to breathe easier this winter.

• Viral pneumonia. As the name suggests, viral pneumonia is caused by some form of viral infection. According to the American Lung Association, most pneumonia in children is caused by viral infections. In children under age one, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is the most common cause of viral pneumonia. Because viral pneumonia cannot be cured with antibiotics, the virus must run its course and may take longer to resolve than the bacterial form. Supportive treatments can be very effective, including the use of nebulizers for easier breathing, and steroid intervention to speed healing and bring relief to the lungs. Antibiotics should only be used if there are signs of a secondary infection, such as an ear infection.

 

• Bacterial pneumonia. There are many different bacterial infections that can lead to pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumonia is the most common cause of community acquired bacterial pneumonia. Mycoplasma pneumonia, also known as “walking pneumonia,” is caused by bacteria called mycoplasmas. While the symptoms of this strain can be milder and less debilitating, mycoplasma pneumonia is contagious and can last much longer than other forms of the illness. Antibiotics are typically prescribed for bacterial pneumonia, and a return to health can be expected in 1 to 2 weeks (4 to 6 weeks for mycoplasma pneumonia).

“Initial symptoms of pneumonia often look much the same as the flu or common cold and include fever, cough, and nasal and chest congestion,” Dr. Terzian said. “In some patients, however, the only symptom is unusually rapid breathing and/or breathing accompanied by a wheezing or grunting sound.”

If your physician suspects pneumonia, he or she will likely order a chest X-ray for confirmation before prescribing additional tests and treatment.

Most healthcare providers agree that immunizations are the best line of defense for preventing pneumonia and are highly recommended for those with more fragile or compromised immune systems. “In many cases, pneumonia can be prevented by ensuring that your child’s vaccines are current,” Dr. Terzian said. “The pneumococcal, pertussis and flu vaccines all help you avoid some of the most common illnesses that can lead to pneumonia.”

There are two different types of pneumococcal vaccine. One that protects adults against 23 strains of streptococcus pneumonia bacteria is called pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). The other is pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), which is routinely given to infants and toddlers, but was approved by the FDA in 2011 for use in adults ages 50 and older. It protects against up to 13 strains of pneumococcal bacteria.

“During cold and flu season, it’s also important to be more vigilant about hygiene habits,” Dr. Terzian said. “Washing hands, cleaning household and workplace surfaces, and using tools like humidifiers to enhance proper breathing will all work to eliminate germs and prevent their spread. Maintaining a proper diet and exercise habits are also important in the winter months.

“These basic lifestyle choices will give your immune system an edge and make you less likely to contract a virus of any sort,” he said. “If you do get a cold or virus, be sure to aggressively treat it and eliminate mucus before it can fester into an infection.”

For a referral to a physician who can help you prevent or diagnose winter illnesses, call 1-855-TENNOVA (836-6682) or visit Tennova.com.

Tennova Healthcare offers preventive, diagnostic and treatment services at Physicians Regional Medical Center, Turkey Creek Medical Center, North Knoxville Medical Center, Jefferson Memorial Hospital, Lakeway Regional Hospital, LaFollette Medical Center and Newport Medical Center. With more than 200 primary care physicians working in collaboration with other medical specialists at multiple locations across the region, the health system is dedicated to offering quality care for every member of the family—close to home.

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