Diseases
legionnaires disease
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Legionnaires' disease is a serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by Legionella (LEE-juh-nell-a) bacteria. People can get sick when they breathe in small droplets of water or accidently swallow water containing Legionella into the lungs.
Symptoms
- shortness of breath
- headache
- muscle aches
- fever that may be 104 f (40 c) or higher
- cough, which might bring up mucus and sometimes blood
Causes
- aspiration. this occurs when liquids accidentally enter your lungs, usually because you cough or choke while drinking.
- soil. a few people have contracted legionnaires' disease after working in a garden or using contaminated potting soil.
Risk factors
- smoking damages the lungs, making you more susceptible lung infections
- are 50 years of age or older.
- have a chronic lung disease or other serious condition.
Diagnosis
- blood and urine tests
- tests on a sample of your sputum or lung tissue
- chest x-rays
- lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is legionnaires disease?
Legionnaires' disease is a serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by Legionella (LEE-juh-nell-a) bacteria. People can get sick when they breathe in small droplets of water or accidently swallow water containing Legionella into the lungs.
What are the symptoms of legionnaires disease?
shortness of breath, headache, muscle aches, fever that may be 104 f (40 c) or higher, cough, which might bring up mucus and sometimes blood
What causes legionnaires disease?
aspiration. this occurs when liquids accidentally enter your lungs, usually because you cough or choke while drinking.; soil. a few people have contracted legionnaires' disease after working in a garden or using contaminated potting soil.
Which medicines are used for legionnaires disease?
erythromycin
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