Pneumonia Season is Around the Corner
Although it’s possible to contract pneumonia all year round, you are more vulnerable to pneumonia during flu season. If you have a cold or the flu, it is more likely for you to develop pneumonia since your immune system is already compromised. Conditions such as chronic asthma, cancer, diabetes, or heart…
Pneumonia Season is Around the Corner
Although it’s possible to contract pneumonia all year round, you are more vulnerable to pneumonia during flu season. If you have a cold or the flu, it is more likely for you to develop pneumonia since your immune system is already compromised. Conditions such as chronic asthma, cancer, diabetes, or heart disease also make it more likely for pneumonia to develop in the lungs.
The Beginning Stage of a Pneumonia Infection
Everyone has good and bad bacteria in their body. Researchers say that bacteria outnumber human cells 10:1 in healthy bodies. Pneumonia begins to develop when you inhale bad bacteria or viruses into your lungs. Pneumonia is a respiratory tract infection; the most common form of pneumonia is community-associated pneumonia. The type of pneumonia contracted at the hospital or any healthcare facility is called healthcare-associated pneumonia.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
- Fever
- Feeling tired or weak
- Shortness of breath
- Unusually fast heartbeat
- Cough (especially when you’re coughing up colored mucus)
- Shaking and “chattering†chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Delirium
New Research on Pneumonia
The scientific community is continually researching bacteria and their relationship to the environment. A study done at Yale University School of Medicine revealed that bacteria evolve over their short lifetime. The bacteria evolution associated with pneumonia bacteria is found in the mouth during early stages.
Oral Hygiene Curbs Pneumonia Risk
Another study indicated that good oral hygiene reduces the risk of pneumonia in elderly patients. The risk of contracting a fatal case of pneumonia in elderly persons is reduced by three times with good oral health care practices such as brushing and flossing daily, and visiting Dr. Erpenbach for regular six-month cleanings.
Did you know that your mouth contains over 600 bacteria? By keeping your mouth clean by brushing and flossing daily, and visiting Dr. Erpenbach for regular six-month cleanings and checkups, you will reduce the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth.
Talk to Dr. Erpenbach today about the symbiotic relationship your mouth has with the rest of your body. Call 865-584-8630 to schedule your appointment at your local Knoxville dentist office. We serve the greater Knoxville area and the Bearden area.
