Description A serious lung infe...
Description
A serious lung infection (pneumonia) caused by the bacteria, Legionella pneumophila. The bacteria may involve other parts of the body including the gastrointestinal tract, the kidneys and central nervous system. Occasionally the kidneys fail requiring dialysis. Without antibiotic treatment this infection can be fatal. The bacteria grow in moist, warm environments and have been associated with hot tubs, fountains, evaporative coolers, air conditioners, misting systems and swimming pools.
Symptoms
Cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and stiffness, , loss of energy, general discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise), headache, shaking chills, coughing up blood, chest pain, diarrhea, ataxia (lack of coordination).
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A chest x-ray and tests of urine, blood and sputum are helpful to establish the diagnosis and rule out other possible causes of symptoms.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Sputum cultures, sputum direct fluorescent antibody test, Cultures of the blood and urine
Specialists:
Pulmonology, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Pulmonology, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A chest x-ray and tests of urine, blood and sputum are helpful to establish the diagnosis and rule out other possible causes of symptoms.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Sputum cultures, sputum direct fluorescent antibody test, Cultures of the blood and urine
Specialists:
Pulmonology, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Pulmonology, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Treatment
Therapy depends on the severity of the disease. A number of antibiotics can be effective, including: quinolones (such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, or gatifloxacin), and macrolides (such as azithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin). Other therapy includes intravenous fluids, oxygen, and the correction of any blood chemistry abnormalities. Severe cases may require mechanical ventilation and dialysis.