The symptoms of pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila are similar to those of influenza and may take up to 10 days to manifest after the entry of this bacterium into the respiratory system.
Your symptoms may be:
- Chest pain;
- High fever;
- Dry cough but 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 the observation of the symptoms and through examinations of respiratory secretions, X-ray of the chest, examination of the urine and the blood count, which may show an increase in White blood cells.
What causes legionella
Legionella, or legionnaire's disease, is an infection caused by the entry of the bacterium Legionella pneumophila into the respiratory system. This type of bacteria multiplies easily in humid and hot environments, such as bathtubs and air conditioners, and therefore keep these places well washed or with the current revision.
Legionella infection is more frequent in public places where there are large air conditioning systems that are not properly inspected. Learn more about how Legionella contamination happens.
Who is at increased risk of having legionella
Although legionella can affect people of any age, 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 pneumonia caused by Legionella can be done at the hospital with the use of antibiotics prescribed by the physician. In addition to antibiotics, the doctor may prescribe serum in the vein and use an oxygen mask to help the individual breathe more easily.
The length of hospital stay varies according to the patient's recovery. In some cases, the disease can be cured within 10 days, but in more severe cases, which occurs when the patient is old enough, smokers or other respiratory diseases, and the weakened immune system may take longer to heal. Learn more about the treatment and antibiotics used.
