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PLEURISY AND PNEUMONIA
Pleurisy
Pleurisy implies infection of the lungs\' peripheral tissues. It involves the outer lining of the lungs and classically produces a severe, sharp, stabbing pain which is worse on coughing or with the taking of a deep breath. Where pleurisy is related to infection it commonly resolves with the introduction of appropriate antibiotics.
Home Remedies
Take Paracetamol and Codeine for pain and go to the doctor for antibiotics.
Pneumonia
Before the introduction of antibiotics, Pneumococcal Pneumonia was fatal in 50 per cent of cases. Even with the use of modern antibiotics, mortality from pneumonia can still be as high as five per cent.
The symptoms of pneumonia include a high fever, cough, sputum and marked malaise. Pain may be present and in severe cases, pneumonia can be associated with acute shortness of breath. Untreated Pneumococcal Pneumonia resolves in a classical \"crisis\" where the victim turns the corner and begins to cough up \"rusty\" sputum.
Pneumonia has been called \"the old persons friend\" because it carries away debilitated, elderly persons. It is always a dilemma for the attending doctor whether to treat these cases of pneumonia or not. Most doctors do, although often without conviction.
A more subtle decision relates to the need for vaccination. There is a Pneumococcal Vaccine which can be provided to the sick and the elderly. Considerable thought is given to annual flu vaccinations in nursing homes prior to the winter. A bad winter without vaccinations creates many spare beds. Beds which people on long waiting lists are not slow to fill.
Home Remedies
Faith, hope and charity do not compare with modern antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial pneumonias. If you are elderly, infirm or suffer from diabetes or chronic disease of the heart and lungs don\'t forget the pneumonia vaccine once every five years. Submit to a flu vaccination each year in March, before the winter arrives.
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GENERAL HEALTH
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