THE MESSAGE. BRINGING INTO FOCUS FILIPINO PRESENCE IN AUSTRALIA
www.kalatas.com.au | Volume 7 Number 1 | OCTOBER 2016
PNEUMONIA
Healthwise
FE
WATMORE
Registered Nurse
Pneumonia is an infection or inflammation of the lungs.
The lungs are filled with thousands of tubes, called bronchi,
which end in smaller sacs called alveoli. Each one has a fine
mesh of capillaries. This is where oxygen is added to the
blood and carbon dioxide is removed.
If a person has pneumonia, the alveoli in one or both
lungs fill with pus and fluids, which interferes with the gas
exchange.
Pneumonia can be a serious illness. Anyone of any age
can contract pneumonia, but it tends to be common in very
young children, and in the elderly or people with pre-existing
medical health problems.
SYMPTOMS OF PNEUMONIA:
The symptoms depend on the age of the person,
the cause and severity of the infection, and any existing
problems with immunity:
l Breathing difficulties
l Fever
l General malaise
l Loss of appetite
l Abdominal pain
l Headache
l Chest pain
l Cough
l Blue colouration of the skin around the mouth
(cyanosis), caused by lack of oxygen
CAUSES OF PNEUMONIA:
Pneumonia can be triggered off by a cold or bout of flu,
which allows germs to gain access to the alveoli.
l Bacteria – symptoms can appear suddenly and be
very severe or may appear more gradually. Symptoms
can include:
1. rapid increase in breathing and pulse rate
2. fever and chills
3. productive cough with green or yellow mucus, or
mucus which is red or brown from blood
4. chest pain
5. tiredness
6. mental confusion
7. slightly blue lips and nail beds due to lack of
oxygen
l Viruses – symptoms are similar to a bout of flu. Many
cases of viral pneumonia are not serious and only last
a short time. The influenza virus can cause serious
pneumonia especially in older people or people with
impaired immunity. Symptoms include:
1. headache
2. fever
3. dry cough
4. shortness of breath
5. tiredness
6. muscle pains
l Mycoplasma (special kind of bacteria) – can occur
as an epidemic in confined groups such as families,
students and military personnel. It is usually mild but
can be severe. Symptoms include:
1. sore throat
2. dry cough
3. fatigue
4. nausea and vomiting
5. joint pain and muscle aches
6. in some people, a skin rash
DIAGNOSIS OF PNEUMONIA:
l Chest X-ray
l CT scan of the chest
l Sputum samples
l Blood tests
l Nose and throat swabs (if required)
TREATMENT OF PNEUMONIA:
The treatment will depend on what is causing the
pneumonia and how severe it is.
l Hospital admission
l Antibiotics
l Pain and fever relief
l Oxygen therapy
l Self-care/rest/plenty of fluids
PREVENTION:
Vaccines are available that can protect against infection
with several common causes of pneumonia.
l Pneumococcal vaccination
l Flu vaccination
l Other vaccines preventable infections that can result
in pneumonia include:
1. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
2. Pertussis (whooping cough)
3. Varicella (chicken pox)
4. Measles
Always consult with your doctor for any severe
symptoms indicated above.
References:
The Heinemann New Family Medical Encyclopedia
www.mydr.com.au/respiratory-health/pneumonia-symptoms
Better Health Channel/Victoria/Pneumonia
FOOD & HEALTH
19
‘PAN DE MALUNGGAY’
A new favourite in Sydney west
The love for pandesal has
not really left many FilAussies but this love is now
biting on a new flavor –
malunggay pandesal.
In Sydney west especially, this native
bread with a modern healthier twist is fast
becoming a top buy.
Malunggay Pandesal has been in the
Philippines for some time now. It has
been promoted even by health authorities
because of the benefits that malunggay
gives to body. Malunggay is rich in antioxidents, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin
C and all other nutrients that is good for
the body.
It’s almost becoming a craze around
town now – with at