Pneumonia is not one of the more well-known diseases such as liver problems, a heart attack, or an accident that can cause patients to be admitted to intensive care. But it is different when pneumonia in aids patients happen. Pneumonia is one of the top reasons why patients with AIDS/HIV are treated in intensive care. It’s also because there should be precautions when treating HIV patients.
More than 75% of Aids patients will develop Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP) unless action is taken to counter the disease. PCP can be a major threat to Aids sufferers as it takes advantage of a weakened immune system. HIV, the virus that causes Aids weakens the immune system.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is often considered to be a disease that primarily affects elderly people, and in the general population that is certainly the case. Often an elderly patient sickens with other issues and once they are weak, along comes pneumonia to take advantage of their reduced immunity.
Tens of thousands of pneumonia sufferers in the USA die every year. The majority of these will be aged over 65.
People suffering from Aids already have a weakened immune system that is not related to age, and so Pneumonia can be fatal in this population at any age.
Pneumonia is a disease that not many people really think about much. It is very common, and in the USA millions catch it every year. It is usually caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses living in the nose or mouth transferring to the lungs, but it can also be caused by breathing in a virus directly.
The most common cause is the bacteria Streptococcus Pneumoniae (pneumococcus).
Treatment of Pneumonia
The symptoms of pneumonia include fever, chills, coughing that produces phlegm, short breath, and pains in the chest area.
In some cases, pneumonia can be treated at home with antibiotics. However, occasionally cases require hospital treatment.
Home treatment includes aspirin, ibuprofen, and Tylenol; together with cough medicine to make the patient more comfortable by reducing the coughing.
Since people carrying HIV already have compromised immune systems they should immediately seek medical help. Pneumonia in Aids patients is potentially fatal, as it is with sufferers of the following medical conditions: diabetes, asthma, and heart problems. Those over 65 are also at greater risk from the disease.
If in doubt about your condition you are advised to get a medical opinion.
