The symptoms of pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila are similar to those of influenza and can take up to 10 days to manifest after the entry of this bacterium into the respiratory system.
Its symptoms can be:
- Chest pain; High fever; Dry cough, but which may contain blood; Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath; Chills; Malaise; Headache; Vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Legionella is not transmitted from person to person and its diagnosis can be made by the pulmonologist through observation of symptoms and through analysis of respiratory secretions, chest X-ray, urine and blood test, which may show increased blood pressure. White blood cells.
What causes legionella
Legionella, or Legionnaire's disease, is an infection caused by the entry of the Legionella pneumophila bacteria into the respiratory system. This type of bacteria multiplies easily in humid and hot environments, such as bathtubs and air conditioners, so it is necessary to keep these places well washed or with the revision up to date.
Legionella infection is more frequent in public places, where there are large air conditioning systems that are not properly inspected. Find out more about how Legionella contamination happens.
Who is most at risk of having legionella
Although legionella can affect people of any age, the infection is more common in people with:
- Over 50 years; Chronic lung diseases such as emphysema or asthma; weakened immune system; Secondary diseases such as diabetes or liver failure.
In addition, smokers also have an increased risk of having legionella.
How to treat legionella
Treatment of Legionella pneumonia can be done at the hospital using antibiotics prescribed by the doctor. In addition to antibiotics the doctor may prescribe the serum in the vein and the use of an oxygen mask to help the individual to breathe more easily.
The length of hospital stay varies according to the patient's recovery. In some cases the disease can be cured in 10 days, but in the most severe cases, which occurs when the patient is old, smokers or has other respiratory diseases and the weakened immune system, it can take longer to heal. Find out more about the treatment and antibiotics used.
