LEGIONNAIRE'S DISEASE

 Basic information

description

Legionnaire's disease is a form of lung infection. It is named after an epidemic that affected people attending an American Legion convention in 1976. It can affect all ages, but is more common in older adults. It occurs more often in the summer and early fall seasons.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• General ill feeling.
• Headache, muscle aches, and chest pain.
• Chills and fever up to 105°F (40.6°C).
• Cough without sputum that progresses to one with gray or blood-streaked sputum.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and tiredness.
• Mental changes such as disorientation or confusion.

causes

• Infection from Legionella bacteria. The bacteria are found in wet or moist environments. They have been found in hot water tanks, in water from shower-heads or faucets, cooling towers, air conditioners, whirlpool spas, soil, potting soil, and other locations.
• People become infected when they breathe in a mist or vapor (small droplets of water in the air) that is contaminated with the bacteria (germs). Symptoms begin 2 to 10 days after exposure. The germs are not spread from one person to another, or from drinking infected water. The risk of getting the infection is quite low, especially in healthy persons. The germs also cause a milder illness called Pontiac fever.
• Outbreaks are when two or more persons become ill in the same place at about the same time. This may happen in a hospital, on a cruise ship, or in a hotel.

risk increases with

• Older adults.
• Chronic illness (e.g.,diabetes or emphysema).
• Weak immune system due to illness or drugs.
• Smoking. This increases the risk 3 to 4 times over.
• Drinking alcohol to excess.
• Working with cooling towers or air conditioners.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• No specific preventive measures. Take steps to reduce risk factors where possible.
• Don't smoke.
• Avoid alcohol or limit it to 1 to 2 drinks a day.

expected outcomes

Usually curable with prompt diagnosis and treatment.

possible complications

• Respiratory failure (lungs are unable to function).
• Septic shock.
• Kidney failure.
• Can be fatal.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and activities. Medical tests may include blood and urine studies, sputum culture, and other testing to confirm the diagnosis.
• Treatment is with antibiotics and supportive care.
• Hospital care may be needed.
• The following apply to mild cases or to care after a hospital stay:
  • Use a cool-mist humidifier to increase air moisture and thin lung secretions so that they can be coughed up more easily. Clean humidifier daily.
  • Use warm compresses or a heating pad on the chest to relieve chest pain.
  • Practice deep-breathing exercises as often as your strength allows.
  • Avoid talking loudly, laughing, or singing. They may trigger excessive coughing.
  • Don't smoke.

medications

• Antibiotics. Be sure to finish all the dosage prescribed.
• If the cough is painful and doesn't produce sputum, you may use nonprescription drugs to suppress it. If the cough produces sputum, don't suppress it.
• You may take aspirin (not for children) or acetaminophen to reduce fever.

activity

Rest in bed until completely well. Allow 2 to 4 weeks for recovery.

diet

No special diet. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluid daily.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of Legionnaire's disease.
• The following occur during or after treatment:
  • Higher fever occurs.
  • Severe chest pain, despite treatment.
  • Increased shortness of breath.
  • Dark or bluish nails, lips, or skin; bloody sputum.

Special Notes: