RESPIRATORY MANAGEMENT IN SPINAL CORD INJURY: BREATHING AND THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM IN SCI: RESPIRATORY TRACT COMPLICATIONS: PNEUMONIA

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. The symptoms include:

• Pain (if able to feel it; pain is sometimes "referred" to shoulder in quadriplegics).
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling of tightness in the chest
• Cough that produces secretions
• If tracheotomy is present, may have changes in secretions, such as increased amount and a change in color to green or yellow, and/or
• Weakness, fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite.

The treatment of pneumonia includes:

• Contact your physician
• Begin procedures to drain the particular area of lung involved, such as:
  • Respiratory treatments if prescribed by physician
  • Postural drainage
  • Percussion
  • Assisted coughing and/or increased suctioning if you have tracheostomy
  • Vaporizer to loosen congestion (cool mist type is preferred)

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