Legionnaires' disease | What is Legionnaires disease?

 Legionnaires' disease

What is Legionnaires disease?

Legionnaires disease is considered a severe type of pneumonia or lung infection. The bacteria called Legionella cause this infection. The bacterium was discovered after an outbreak in the US Army's Philadelphia Convention in 1976. Those affected developed a form of pneumonia that eventually became known as Legionnaires' disease.

Legionella bacteria live in warm water. People become infected with the Legionella virus by inhaling contaminated water droplets in the air. Outbreaks have been linked to water systems at whirling hospital and spa buildings in hotels and cruise ships.

Nearly 5,000 people: He is hospitalized in the United States each year for Legionnaires' disease. However, the number of infections is likely to be higher, because many infections go undiagnosed or reported. Some cases are so mild that affected individuals never seek treatment.

Not many people who are exposed to Legionella bacteria get sick. When disease occurs, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Legionnaires' disease is a serious, life-threatening disease that requires prompt treatment.

Legionella may also cause a milder condition referred to as Pontiac fever. Pontiac fever does not cause pneumonia and is not life threatening. It has mild flu-like symptoms and usually goes away on its own. Pontiac fever and legionnaires 'disease are sometimes called legionnaires' disease.

What are the symptoms of Legionnaires' disease?

Legionnaires' disease usually begins to cause symptoms within 2 to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria. This period is called the incubation period. Legionnaires' disease symptoms are similar to those of other types of pneumonia.

The most common symptoms include:

Fever over 104 degrees Fahrenheit

shudder

A cough with or without mucus or blood

Other symptoms may include:

Shortness of breath

Headache

Muscle pain

Anorexia

Source

fatigue

Vomiting and nausea

Diarrhea

confusion

Seizures

What causes Legionnaires disease?

Legionella causes Legionnaires' disease. The bacteria invade the lungs and cause an infection known as pneumonia.

Legionella usually lives in warm fresh water. Popular sites include:

Hot tubs

Whirlpool resorts

Swimming pool

Cooling systems or air-conditioning units for large buildings such as hospitals

Public showers

Refreshments

Fountains

Natural bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and streams

Bacteria can live outdoors, but they have been known to reproduce quickly in indoor water systems. People become infected by inhaling water droplets or air droplets contaminated with bacteria. The disease cannot be spread directly from person to person.

Who is at risk of Legionnaires disease?

Not everyone who breathes polluted air drops will get sick. However, you are more likely to develop Legionnaires' disease if you:

Over the age of fifty

You have a weak immune system due to another disease

You have chronic lung disease

Had cancer

Smokes cigarettes

What are the complications of Legionnaires' disease?

When Legionnaires' disease is not treated, life-threatening complications can occur. These include:

Respiratory failure from pneumonia

Kidney failure, which develops when the kidneys do not function properly

Septic shock, which is when a serious infection leads to organ failure and very low blood pressure

This complication can develop rapidly, especially in people who already have a weakened immune system.

How is Legionnaires disease diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose Legionnaires' disease by testing your blood or urine for the presence of Legionella antigens. Antigens are substances that your body considers harmful. Your body produces an immune response to antigens to fight infection. Your doctor may also test a sample of sputum or sputum for Legionella bacteria.

Your doctor may also perform a chest X-ray. Although X-rays cannot be used to confirm Legionnaires' disease, they can help determine the severity of your lung infection.

How is Legionnaires disease treated?

Legionnaires' disease is always treated with antibiotics. Treatment usually begins as soon as a disease is suspected without waiting for confirmation. Prompt treatment greatly reduces the risk of complications.

Many people recover completely with treatment, but most will need hospital care. The elderly and those with other health conditions are especially vulnerable to the effects of Legionnaires' disease. While in the hospital, they may receive oxygen or other breathing support. They may also be given fluids and electrolytes through a vein in their arm (IV) to treat dehydration.

What are the outlook after treatment?

The outlook is usually good for healthy people who receive prompt treatment. However, the length of the recovery period depends on the severity of the disease and how quickly you receive treatment. Faster treatment means better results.

Legionnaires' disease is usually more serious in older people with weak immune systems or other medical conditions. If you are elderly, you are more likely to develop complications and may need to stay in hospital for a long time.

How can Legionnaires disease be prevented?

There is no vaccine available for Legionnaires' disease. However, it is possible to prevent disease by disinfection and properly cleaning the potential sources of Legionella bacteria. Preventive measures include:

Cooling tower disinfection and cleaning

Dry and clean swimming pools and hot tubs regularly

Using chemical treatments, such as chlorine, in swimming pools and spas

Keeping hot water systems above 140 degrees Fahrenheit and cold water systems below 68 degrees Fahrenheit

Avoiding smoking can also greatly reduce the risk of infection. Smokers are more likely to develop
Legionnaires' disease if they are exposed to Legionella bacteria.

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