Pneumonia is an infection that can affect one or both lungs. The most common causes of pneumonia are bacterial or viral infections. Depending on the factors triggering this disease, pneumonia may or may not be contagious. While bacterial and viral pneumonia can spread from one person to another, if breathing in toxic fumes is the primary cause of pneumonia, it is not contagious. A bad lifestyle that involves drinking too much alcohol and smoking cigarettes can also increase your risk of suffering from this condition.
Pneumonia symptoms can develop gradually or have a sudden onset. The most common symptoms of this disease include:
• High fever
• Phlegm that is yellow or greenish in color
• Bloody mucus
• Chills
• Breathlessness
• Fatigue
• Reduced appetite
• Sharp pains in the chest especially when coughing or deep breathing
• Excessive sweating
• Fast heartbeat
• A blue color on the nails and lips
Infants suffering from pneumonia may appear weak and listless, while elderly patients may show symptoms of mental changes such as confusion.
If not addressed in time, pneumonia can spread to the bloodstream and cause sepsis, which further keeps oxygen from being transported to the other organs of the body and reduces blood pressure. Pneumonia can also lead to the accumulation of fluid between the chest wall and lung tissue. This is known as a pleural effusion.
The first step towards diagnosing pneumonia is a thorough physical examination and understanding of the patient’s medical history. To treat this disease, the doctor must determine the cause of pneumonia. For this, you may need to undergo tests such as a chest X-Ray or CT scan, pulse oximetry, bronchoscopy and blood tests. Mild attacks of pneumonia do not usually last longer than two to three weeks, while if it attacks a person with a weakened immune system, recovery can take as long as eight weeks.
Most cases of pneumonia can be treated with oral antibiotics. For this, the patient may or may not need hospitalization. Hospitalization is usually suggested only in cases where intravenous antibiotics are required.
It is not possible to prevent all types of pneumonia, but one can get vaccinated against bacterial pneumonia caused by streptococcus pneumonia. These vaccinations may not completely protect you against pneumonia but can prevent complications if you do begin to show symptoms of the disease. You can also reduce your risk of suffering from this disease by avoiding contact with people who are suffering from viral infections or flu and by quitting nicotine. Washing your hands after you come indoors and before eating can also help reduce your risk of pneumonia.
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The Evolution of the Ugly Christmas Sweater
Read moreFor anyone who has been noticing it, the fact that ugly Christmas sweaters have become a trend is probably a cause for no small hilarity. These garments, for ages considered an eyesore, are now making an appearance in wardrobes as a fashion apparel. No longer can one associate them with one’s great aunt or their second grade teacher. With Christmas symbolisms depicted in a manner nothing less than cartoonish, the snowman, reindeer or elf Christmas sweater, with felt appliqus and pompoms for the added amusement of the observer, is taking the country by storm during the holiday season.
Though the ugly Christmas sweater has been in existence from way before the 20th century, people sat up and took notice of its hideousness only in the last few decades. One of the first few people responsible for making it trendy is probably Bill Cosby. He is, in fact, looked up to as an ugly sweater icon. But in the beginning of the ’90s, these Christmas jumpers lost popularity.
However, in the last decade, these cheap Christmas sweaters is back again. There were books published on this even. The Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Book: The Definitive Guide to Getting Your Ugly On, for one, thanks to which, around the year 2001, these sweaters came into the limelight in a huge way. Now the sweaters are bigger, louder and trendier than ever before with even high-end fashion shops like H&M showcasing them.
With people of all ages wanting to get in on the fashion train with the cheap ugly holiday sweaters, sweater themed parties have become the most popular during the Christmas season, with Christmas suits, and Christmas pajamas as viable alternatives for themed Christmas party wear. The sweaters are embellished with bows and frills and various form of decorations in an attempt to increases its tackiness. It has become so popular that the late night talk show host, Jimmy Fallon formed a segment around the theme called “The 12 Days of Christmas Sweaters.”
They are now trending in pop culture, fashion runways, and MTV documentaries. And this is not just limited to the United States alone. Thanks to Coin Firth and his cringe-worthy Christmas sweater from Bridget Jones’ Diary, the ugly holiday sweater has risen in popularity in the United Kingdom too.
Naturally, more than it looks, what the cheap ugly Christmas sweater has going for – is the warm, fuzzy feeling along with the fun memories of Christmas which makes it all worthy.
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The best alcohol treatment centers in the US
Read moreWhen battling with drug or alcohol addiction, it is essential to avail the best treatment you can afford. This article compiles some of the well-known, best alcohol rehab centers across the country:
Addiction Solutions of Florida: It is a specialized and one of the best drug and alcohol treatment centers. It is located in South Florida. This is a private facility where they offer a tranquil environment that helps start the healing process. They also offer individual and affordable treatment options. It is a small 24-bed, male-only guest center. Treatment is done on a one-on-one basis and is completely personalized. The clients are not left alone. They can opt to also go home with their solutions facilitator to help them integrate into the community again.
Hawaii Island Recovery: It is an 8-bed, luxury alcohol rehab and treatment facility located in Hawaii. The staff includes highly trained and licensed professionals. They utilize evidence-based treatment protocols and treat patients dealing with opiate, opioid, alcohol, cocaine, and many other illicit substance abuse. They also treat behavioral addictions for food, sex, pornography, and gambling. They encourage and support AA and NA fellowship.
Sober College: This rehab is for young adults, aged from 18 to 26. This is a long-term treatment facility which provides an academic experience with comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment. The college has a dual purpose addressing every part of the young adult’s life. The youngsters are given individual attention. They accept health insurance plans; programs are gender specific and designed for young adults.
APEX Recovery Rehab: They offer a holistic and psychological approach to treat addiction. The addiction treatment programs consist of yoga, meditation, dietician counseling, physical fitness, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and much more.
Northeast Addictions Treatment Center: This is a private treatment center located in New England. With a highly qualified and professional team, this center stands tall.
Broadway Treatment Center: Based out of Huntington Beach, it has the highest standards of addiction treatment. They have designed their program to help clients to recover from drug and alcohol addiction by providing daily support and treatment. Clients are supervised 24 hours and have programs for male and females.
Indiana Center for Recovery: Located in Indiana, they are bang in the center of luxurious addiction treatment centers. Here, they make sure that you spend your time to focus on recovery. They have a five-pronged approach physical fitness, mentally sound, emotionally mature, socially responsible, and spiritually resilient.
Arrow Passage Recovery: This is a small, intimate facility that offers luxurious treatment facilities to their clientele. They have medical detox to Residential Treatment services and have all levels of outpatient care. This is a secluded mansion-style home providing comfort, elegance, and a friendly staff. The clinical team is skilled with a minimum of Masters Degrees and licensed professionals.
The Ranch at Clear Springs: They offer full service care beginning with medical detox, residential care, and outpatient care. The Ranch has one of the finest treatment facilities in the country.