Photo from infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com
Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia characterized by lung inflammation induced by infection. It is caused by the legionella bacterium.
The majority of people contract Legionnaires' disease through breathing germs from water or dirt. Legionnaires' disease is especially dangerous for the elderly, smokers, and persons with compromised immune systems.
Pontiac fever, a milder sickness similar to the flu, is also caused by the legionella bacterium. Pontiac fever normally resolves on its own, but Legionnaires' disease can be lethal if left untreated. Although rapid antibiotic treatment usually cures Legionnaires' disease, some persons experience complications after treatment.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE?
Legionnaires' illness often manifests itself two to ten days following exposure to legionella bacteria. It usually starts with the following signs and symptoms:
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) or higher
Other indications and symptoms that may appear by the second or third day include:
- Coughing, which may result in the production of mucus and, in some cases, blood
- Breathing difficulty
- Chest ache
- gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Confusion or other types of mental changes
Although Legionnaires' disease mostly affects the lungs, it can also infect wounds and other regions of the body, including the heart.
Pontiac fever is a minor type of Legionnaires' disease that causes fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches. Pontiac fever does not infect the lungs, and symptoms typically resolve within two to five days.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE?
Most cases of Legionnaires' illness are caused by the bacteria Legionella pneumophila. Legionella bacteria thrive in soil and water outside, but they rarely cause diseases. However, legionella bacteria can multiply in human-made water systems, such as air conditioners.
Although Legionnaires' disease can be contracted through residential plumbing, most outbreaks have happened in large buildings, possibly because complicated systems allow the bacteria to grow and spread more easily. Furthermore, air conditioning devices in homes and cars do not need water to chill.
How does the disease spread?
The majority of people become infected by inhaling minute water droplets carrying legionella bacteria. This could be water from a shower, faucet, or whirlpool, or water from a large building's ventilation system. Outbreaks have been connected to the following:
- Whirlpools and hot tubs
- Air conditioner cooling towers
- Heaters and hot water tanks
- Fountains for decoration
- Swimming pools
- Birthing pools
- Drinking water
Aside from inhaling water droplets, the virus can be spread in a variety of ways, including:
Aspiration: This happens when liquids enter your lungs by unintentionally, usually when you cough or choke while drinking. Legionnaires' disease can be contracted if you aspirate water contaminated with legionella bacteria.
Soil: A few people have become infected with Legionnaires' disease after working in the garden or using contaminated potting soil.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE?
Not everyone who comes into contact with legionella germs becomes ill. You're more likely to develop the infection if you:
- Smoke. Smoking causes lung damage, making you more vulnerable to all forms of lung infections.
- Have a compromised immune system. This can be caused by HIV/AIDS or by some medications, particularly corticosteroids and pharmaceuticals used to avoid organ rejection following a transplant.
- Have a persistent lung disease or another major medical condition. This covers conditions such as emphysema, diabetes, kidney disease, and cancer.
- Are at least 50 years old.
Legionnaires' disease can be an issue in hospitals and nursing homes, where germs can spread quickly and individuals are readily infected.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE?
Legionnaires' disease can cause a number of potentially fatal consequences, including:
- Respiratory failure: This happens when the lungs are unable to give enough oxygen to the body or eliminate enough carbon dioxide from the blood.
- Septic shock: This happens when a quick, significant drop in blood pressure restricts blood flow to essential organs, including the kidneys and brain. The heart tries to compensate by pumping more blood, but the added stress gradually weakens the heart and lowers blood flow even more.
- Acute kidney failure: This is the abrupt inability of your kidneys to filter waste from your blood. When your kidneys fail, your body accumulates toxic levels of fluid and waste.
Legionnaires' illness can be lethal if not treated promptly.
HOW IS LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE DIAGNOSED?
The symptoms of Legionnaires' disease are similar to those of other kinds of pneumonia. Your doctor may employ a test that tests your urine for legionella antigens — foreign chemicals that cause an immune system reaction — to help identify the presence of legionella bacteria rapidly. Other possible tests include:
Urine and blood tests
A chest X-ray can show the degree of infection in your lungs but does not establish Legionnaires' illness.
Tests on a sputum or lung tissue sample
HOW IS LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE TREATED?
Antibiotics are used to treat Legionnaires' disease. The sooner therapy begins, the less likely major complications may emerge. In many circumstances, hospitalization is required for therapy. Pontiac fever resolves on its own without treatment and has no lasting effects.
HOW CAN LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE BE PREVENTED?
Legionnaires' disease outbreaks are preventable, but prevention needs water management systems in buildings that ensure water is monitored and treated on a regular basis.
Avoid smoking to reduce your personal risk.