COPD increases the risk of bacterial pneumonia and makes it harder to diagnose and treat due to similar symptoms. Patients with COPD have reduced immune function, making it harder to fight off harmful bacteria. Quitting smoking and getting the pneumonia vaccine can reduce the risk of pneumonia. Immediate medical attention is required for both conditions. Antibiotics and breathing support are common treatments.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is linked to pneumonia in various ways. First, it can make patients more prone to getting pneumonia than those who don’t have the condition. It also makes diagnosing and treating pneumonia more difficult since the two have similar symptoms.
Pneumonia is a condition that causes difficulty breathing and a severe cough along with heavy mucus production and infection within the lungs. It is often caused by bacteria, although viruses, parasites and irritants can cause pneumonia. COPD is a chronic lung condition that shares many of these symptoms but is most commonly caused by cigarette smoking. Symptoms include chronic cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and excess mucus.
COPD and pneumonia often occur together because those with COPD are much more likely to get bacterial pneumonia, the most common type. This form is the result of bacteria normally found in the throat making its way into the lungs. The most common strain found in bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae. There is also a drug resistant form of this strain which is much more difficult to treat.
Having COPD can make treating pneumonia much more difficult. Patients with this condition have reduced immune function, so the body is unable to fight off harmful bacteria. Inflammation and irritation already in the lungs from COPD can make it take longer to heal. Because COPD and pneumonia are both serious conditions that can make breathing difficult, patients often need to use a respirator and oxygen.
Both conditions can make treating the other much more difficult. Those newly diagnosed with COPD may have fewer complications than those with a further advanced form of the disease. There are also ways for those with COPD to reduce their risk of pneumonia, such as quitting smoking and getting the pneumonia vaccine.
COPD and pneumonia both have similar symptoms, so it can sometimes be difficult to make an early diagnosis of pneumonia. Patients who have had breathing problems for a while may not notice it until the pneumonia becomes more severe. For this reason, any decrease in respiratory function should be reported to a doctor to rule out infection.
Those with COPD and pneumonia require immediate medical attention. Antibiotics are the most common treatment for bacterial pneumonia, and breathing difficulties can be treated using a ventilator or respirator. Additional medications may also be used to help open the airways and allow for easier breathing.
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