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Legionnaire' s Disease
Medical Questions » Legionnaire' s Disease
| Name: Legionnaire' s Disease |
| Also known as: |
| A serious form of bacterial pneumonia. |
Causes of Legionnaire' s Disease
Caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila. Usually spread by contamination of air-conditioning systems in large buildings with water cooling towers. Once an epidemic occurs, it is essential for the responsible building and air-conditioning system to be identified so that it can be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Victims inhale the Legionella bacteria into their lungs in microscopic droplets of water. |
Symptoms of Legionnaire' s Disease
Fever, productive cough and chest pains. Some patients may develop only a mild infection and recover without treatment, but others (particularly smokers) will rapidly deteriorate. |
Tests for Legionnaire' s Disease
Diagnosed by listening to the chest with a stethoscope, chest X-rays and tests on the sputum, to differentiate legionnaire' s disease from other types of pneumonia. |
Treatment for Legionnaire' s Disease
The antibiotic erythromycin will slowly cure most cases. Ancillary treatment, such as physiotherapy and expectorant medications, are also necessary.
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Complications of Legionnaire' s Disease of its treatment
Permanent lung damage such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema may occur. |
Likely Outcome of Legionnaire' s Disease
Even with good hospital care up to 15% of patients will die, particularly if they are elderly, smokers or have other lung disease. |
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