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Legionnaires' Disease

Also called: Legionellosis

Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia caused by bacteria. You usually get it by breathing in mist from water that contains the bacteria. The mist may come from hot tubs, showers, or air-conditioning units for large buildings. The bacteria don't spread from person to person.

Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include high fever, chills, a cough, and sometimes muscle aches and headaches. Other types of pneumonia have similar symptoms. You will probably need a chest x-ray to diagnose the pneumonia. Lab tests can detect the specific bacteria that cause Legionnaires' disease.

Most people exposed to the bacteria do not become sick. You are more likely to get sick if you

  • Are older than 50
  • Smoke
  • Have a chronic lung disease
  • Have a weak immune system

Legionnaires' disease is serious and can be life-threatening. However, most people recover with antibiotic treatment.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Symptoms of Legionnaires' Disease

The following features are indicative of Legionnaires' Disease:
  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • fever
  • muscle ache
  • headache
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • confusion

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Common Causes of Legionnaires' Disease

The following are the most common causes of Legionnaires' Disease:
  • legionella bacteria

Risk Factors for Legionnaires' Disease

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Legionnaires' Disease:
  • older age
  • history of smoking
  • chronic lung disease
  • poor immune function

Prevention of Legionnaires' Disease

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Legionnaires' Disease. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • avoid smoking
  • do meticulous cleaning
  • disinfecting water systems

Occurrence of Legionnaires' Disease

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Legionnaires' Disease cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Rare between 10K - 50K cases

Common Age Group

Legionnaires' Disease can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Legionnaires' Disease can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Legionnaires' Disease

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Legionnaires' Disease:
  • Blood tests:To examine the legionella antigens
  • Chest X-ray: To determine the extent of infection in your lungs
  • Tests on a sample of your sputum or lung tissue: To diagnose the legionnaires' disease
  • Lumbar puncture: To assess the neurological symptoms

Doctor for Diagnosis of Legionnaires' Disease

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Legionnaires' Disease:
  • Pulmonologist
  • Primary care provider

Complications of Legionnaires' Disease if untreated

Yes, Legionnaires' Disease causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Legionnaires' Disease is left untreated:
  • septic shock
  • respiratory failure
  • acute kidney failure
  • can be fatal

Self-care for Legionnaires' Disease

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Legionnaires' Disease:
  • Quit smoking: Avoid smoking reduces the chances of getting disease

Time for Treatment of Legionnaires' Disease

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Legionnaires' Disease to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • Within 1 week

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Legionnaires' Disease.

Related Topics

Legionnaires' Disease

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