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Legionnaires' disease is a severe type of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila. It primarily affects the lungs but can sometimes lead to more systemic illnesses. The infection is usually acquired by inhaling aerosolized water droplets containing the bacteria, often from sources such as hot tubs, cooling towers, and large plumbing systems.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila, typically acquired by inhaling aerosolized water droplets containing the bacteria. |
| Risk Factors | - Health-Related: Smoking, weakened immune system, chronic diseases (COPD, diabetes, etc.), age (50+) - Environmental and Situational: Exposure to contaminated water systems, hospital settings, travel, occupational exposure - Behavioral and Lifestyle: Heavy drinking, aspiration |
| Initial Symptoms | - High fever (>104°F/40°C) - Severe headache - Muscle aches (myalgia) |
| Respiratory Symptoms | - Dry cough, may progress to productive with mucus or blood - Shortness of breath (dyspnea) - Pleuritic chest pain |
| Gastrointestinal Symptoms | - Nausea - Vomiting - Diarrhea - Abdominal pain |
| Neurological Symptoms | - Confusion - Lethargy - Mental changes |
| Physical Examination Findings | - Crackles or rhonchi on lung auscultation - Hypoxia - Tachycardia - Dehydration |
| Laboratory Findings | - Elevated white blood cell count... |
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