Legionellosis – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Legionellosis, also known as Legionnaires’ disease, is a type of pneumonia caused by the bacteria called Legionella. These bacteria are found naturally in freshwater environments, such as lakes and streams. When they grow and spread in human-made water systems, such as showers and faucets, hot water tanks and heaters, fountains, and large plumbing systems, they become a health concern. A person can get the disease by breathing in mist from water that contains the bacteria. The bacteria do not spread from person to person. People who are at an increased risk of getting sick due to the bacteria are those who are older than 50, smoke, have a chronic lung disease, and have a weak immune system.

Known side effects of legionellosis

The known side effects of legionellosis typically include a high fever, chills, a cough, muscle aches, headaches, confusion, and agitation. These usually manifest between two and 10 days after initial infection. When the bacteria enters the lungs, persistent cough, shortness of breath, and chest pains occur. Some patients also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also cause other complications, such as respiratory failure, wherein the body does not get enough oxygen from the lungs to function properly; kidney failure, due to an accumulation of fluids and waste in the blood; and septic shock, if the infection reaches the blood.

Body systems harmed by legionellosis

The body systems harmed by legionellosis are the immune and respiratory systems.

List of foods or nutrients that prevent legionellosis

There is no information on what foods or nutrients that prevent legionellosis.

Treatments, management plans for legionellosis

The common treatment for legionellosis is the immediate application of various antibiotics. Yet, there are home remedies available for legionellosis. These include avoiding damp or wet locations, drinking herbal teas, such as catnip, echinacea, and chamomile teas, eating olive leaves, using hot and cold packs, eating citrus and ginger, and consuming anise seed tea.

Where to learn more

• Deadly Legionella bacteria found on medical equipment at University of Washington Medical Center
• Deadly Legionella bacteria found to proliferate at car washes, where they can become airborne and be inhaled
• Legionella bacteria in municipal water systems has killed or sickened thousands – is anything being done to address the problem?
• Legionnaires’ in the water: Proximity to Connecticut watersheds linked to increased risk of infection
• RV Water Tanks May Cause Avoidable Legionella Infections

Summary

Legionellosis is a type of pneumonia caused by the bacteria called Legionella.

Legionellosis is also known as Legionnaires’ disease.

Legionellosis causes high fever, chills, a cough, muscle aches, headaches, confusion, and agitation.

Legionellosis can also cause persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pains, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Legionellosis can cause other complications, such as respiratory failure, kidney failure, and septic shock.

Sources include:

MedlinePlus.gov

CDC.gov

MedicalNewsToday.com

Healthline.com

OrganicFacts.net