Can pneumonia heal by itself?

Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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Pneumonia is generally not self-healing; only a few pneumonia cases caused by specific pathogens, which lead to milder infections, can heal by themselves, such as pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which is self-limiting and can heal. However, most cases of pneumonia require standard treatment, such as pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, if diagnosed with pneumonia, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention at a hospital. Relying on self-healing is unrealistic since self-healing cases are rare, and most pneumonia cases require standard treatment to recover.

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Written by Yang Feng
Pulmonology
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Symptoms of pneumonia in children

Pneumonia is a particularly common infectious disease of the respiratory system, and infants and young children are especially susceptible to pneumonia because their immune systems are much weaker than those of healthy adults. When infants and young children develop pneumonia, their symptoms differ from adults; they often exhibit only fever, crying, nausea, vomiting, etc. The symptoms of coughing and phlegm are relatively less obvious, making the diagnosis of pneumonia in infants and young children somewhat more difficult. If a patient exhibits fever, auscultation and routine blood tests can be used to preliminarily determine the presence of an infection. If pneumonia is suspected, further comprehensive imaging examinations can be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.

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Written by Yang Feng
Pulmonology
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symptoms of pneumonia in children

Pneumonia is a particularly common infectious disease of the respiratory system. Children, due to decreased disease resistance and low immunity, are especially susceptible to upper respiratory and lung infections. The main clinical symptoms of childhood pneumonia are fever and cough. Additionally, children may experience loss of appetite and vomiting. When these symptoms occur, it is advisable to take the child to the hospital for an examination. The doctor can perform auscultation and collect routine blood tests to preliminarily determine the presence of an infection. If pneumonia is suspected, further imaging studies are recommended for a definitive diagnosis.

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Written by Yang Feng
Pulmonology
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Are pneumonia symptoms contagious?

The main clinical symptoms of pneumonia include chills, high fever, cough, expectoration, shortness of breath, chest pain, etc. Pneumonia is a common infectious disease of the respiratory system, and it can be transmitted through the respiratory tract. However, pneumonia is not classified as a contagious disease; it is merely an infectious disease. It tends to be more prevalent during the flu season, so pneumonia is contagious, but it is not considered a contagious disease.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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How to take care of children with pneumonia

Children with pneumonia need comprehensive and general treatment, and care should be mindful of the following: First, indoor air should be circulated, with a temperature of 18~20°C and humidity at about 60%. Second, provide a nutrition-rich diet. For severe cases where the child has difficulty eating, parenteral nutrition can be given. Third, frequently change the child's position to reduce pulmonary congestion and facilitate the absorption of inflammation. Fourth, pay attention to isolation to prevent cross-infection. Additionally, it is important to monitor and supplement electrolytes and fluids, correct acidosis and electrolyte imbalances. Appropriately supplementing fluids helps moisten the airways, but care should be taken with the speed of fluid administration, as too fast a rate can increase the burden on the heart.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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The difference between interstitial pneumonia and pneumonia

Interstitial pneumonia, also known as diffuse pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, mainly refers to a disease characterized by the replacement of the lung interstitium with some invisible fibrous tissues, leading to lung atrophy and difficulty breathing as the main manifestations. The pathological site of pneumonia is mainly in the alveoli and lung parenchyma, and patients mainly show symptoms such as coughing, expectoration, and fever, generally not experiencing difficulty breathing. Additionally, interstitial pneumonia and pneumonia have typical and distinct changes in imaging. Through imaging, it is basically possible to differentiate almost completely between interstitial pneumonia and pneumonia without the need for any special techniques.