Pneumonia cases on the rise worldwide

In January 2013, entertainment writers reported Jennifer Lawrence had walking pneumonia when she attended the SAG awards that month. She is one of many this season who suffered, or are still suffering, from pneumonia, as doctors have seen a rise in cases this year, even in areas like Hawaii that don't have the cold, wet weather experienced in the rest of the United States.

A rise in pneumonia is being seen in countries other than the United States, as doctors from Australia report a rise in influenza cases, not just among young children, but the elderly and other age groups as well.

Ordinary citizens are noticing more people reporting pneumonia and many with prolonged illness from this season's flu. Marie Hatfield, owner of Hatfield Realty in Hawaii tells us, "We are seeing a lot of people sick here. One of my realtors has been sick several weeks, and her son has Type A flu, which is very infectious. So we have had the realtor stay home from work."

Diabetics and those with respiratory ailments such as asthma are particularly at risk. Whether the condition is viral or bacterial in origin the symptoms include fever, shortness of breath, tiredness, coughing and a sharp knife-like pain in the chest.

Treatment ordinarily includes antibiotics and medications to open up the breathing passages. Pneumonia remains a leading cause of death in all age groups. Dr. Hemley, an Australian physician, tells us:

"It doesn't necessarily need hospital admission but you need to get on to it and you need to treat it with high-dose antibiotics for a minimum of 10 days as a rule."

Experts in natural medicine tell us pneumonia can last for a few days, weeks, months, or even on and off for the rest of one's life, especially if one has bacterial pneumonia. Treatment is varied, and when a patient will recover depends upon other factors as well as the pneumonia itself. Those with re-existing conditions that depress the immune system are more at risk. So some experts stress the importance of strengthening the immune system.

Most people will find they have symptoms for several weeks, especially the fatigue that is associated with the disease, so if you are one of those with the condition, the reminder remains from health professionals to be cautious, rest, drink plenty of liquids and expect to be sick for some time, as the disease can be fatal for some people if not managed effectively.