1. What is Pneumonia and How Do I Prevent it?
MARC McLEARY, MD Clinton County Rural Health

2. What is Pneumonia? Inflammation of the lower air way (lungs).
Can be caused by several different sources.
Bacteria
Viruses
Fungi
The source of the pneumonia play a major role in treatment.
Community
Hospital
Aspiration

3. Community Acquired Pneumonia Facts
It affects about 6 out of every 1000 people per year.
1 out every 160 people
It is #8 cause of death in the United States.
If hospitalized with CAP, the mortality (death) rate is up to 23%

4. What are some risk factors?
Smoking Tobacco
Age over 65
COPD
Previous pneumonia
Severe esophageal reflux
Influenza
Lung Cancer

5. How is Pneumonia Diagnosed?
Clinical Signs
Cough
Fever
Pleuritic chest pain (hurts to take deep breath)
Difficulty breathing
Sputum Production
X-ray
Must see an infiltrate on X-ray

6. Infiltrate

7. Treatment of Pneumonia:
First step is to determine if patient needs to be admitted to hospital
CURB-65
PSI
Antibiotic Therapy
Usually a single antibiotic for a minimum of 5 days (normally longer)
Resolution of symptoms
Symptoms should start to improve very quickly although the cough and fatigue can persist for 2-4 weeks after treatment is started

8. Prevention of Pneumonia:
Good hand hygiene
Soap and water or alcohol based cleanser
Stop smoking
Flu shot
Pneumonia vaccine

9. Pneumonia Vaccine: Who gets it? Do I need to get it again?
Everyone over age 65
People less than 65 at higher risk for Pneumonia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
No spleen
Smokers
Do I need to get it again?
If you received the shot before age 65, you need a one time booster 5 years after the first shot.
If you received the shot after age 65, you will not need another

10. Summary:
Pneumonia is a common disease that is more common in people that smoke and who are over 65.
A single antibiotic for 5-7 days is the first line treatment for most outpatient pneumonias
You can help to prevent pneumonia by stopping smoking and getting the flu and pneumonia vaccine