What does LD mean in MEDICAL
LD stands for Legionnaires' Disease, a serious type of pneumonia that is caused by the bacteria Legionella pneumophila. It is an airborne infection that usually affects the lungs and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath and muscle aches. LD is most commonly spread via inhalation of contaminated water droplets or aerosols in public places such as buildings with large air-conditioning systems, pools, hot tubs, and other places where people congregate. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and supportive care.
LD meaning in Medical in Medical
LD mostly used in an acronym Medical in Category Medical that means Legionnaires' disease
Shorthand: LD,
Full Form: Legionnaires' disease
For more information of "Legionnaires' disease", see the section below.
History
The first reported case of Legionnaires' Disease occurred in 1976 when a group of American Legion members attending a convention in Philadelphia were stricken with severe pneumonia symptoms. The mysterious cause was eventually traced to a bacterium known as Legionella pneumophila which thrives in warm water sources such as air-conditioning cooling towers, hot tubs, fountains and swimming pools. Since then, over 300 cases have been reported each year in North America alone.
Transmission
Legionnaires' Disease can be spread through aerosolized droplets produced by contaminated water sources such as cooling towers or showers that are not properly circulated through ventilation systems or routinely cleaned and monitored for bacteria growth. Exposure to these aerosolized droplets can occur through inhalation or direct skin contact from contaminated water sources. It is important to note that direct person-to-person transmission does not occur with this disease since it is not contagious.
Symptoms
The symptoms of LD usually begin within two to ten days after exposure to the bacteria and may include fever, chills, cough with mucus production and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include muscle pain and headache. In some cases chest pain may also occur along with confusion or neurologic dysfunction.
Diagnosis & Treatment
To diagnose LD testing should be done early on as soon as possible once symptoms are recognized since treatment must begin immediately upon diagnosis for it to be successful. Common tests used for diagnosis include sputum culture examination and urinary antigen test which identifies presence of the Legionella antibodies in urine samples that were taken from patients who had recently acquired this type of pneumonia infection To treat LD doctors will prescribe antibiotics which work best when administered early on during the disease’s development stage. Patients should also receive supportive care such as oxygen therapy or even mechanical ventilation if needed.
Essential Questions and Answers on Legionnaires' disease in "MEDICAL»MEDICAL"
What is Legionnaires' disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by the inhalation of contaminated aerosolized water droplets. It is caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila. Symptoms include coughing, muscle aches, headache, fever and chills. If left untreated, infection can lead to respiratory failure resulting in death.
How do people acquire Legionnaires' disease?
People contract Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in small droplets or vapors containing the bacteria. These droplets are released through air conditioning systems, fountains, hot tubs and other sources that contain standing water and air of contaminated with the bacteria.
Are certain people more likely to get infected with Legionnaires' disease than others?
Yes, certain individuals are at greater risk for contracting Legionnaires’ disease including those over 50 years old, current or former smokers, those with weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder), and those who take immunosuppressant drugs such as chemotherapy medications for cancer treatment.
Are there steps that can be taken to prevent infection from the bacteria associated with Legionnaires' disease?
Yes, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of being infected with this bacterial cause of pneumonia. First, avoid exposure to aerosolized water from sources such as hot tubs and fountains by using them cautiously if you must use them at all. Additionally, have air conditioning units inspected and maintained regularly as they may harbor spores of legionella bacteria which could become airborne under certain conditions if not properly maintained. Finally it is important to maintain good overall health including healthy diet and exercise regimen which can help boost your immunity against any pathogenic organisms such as legionella bacterium.
Can I catch Legionnaires' Disease from another person?
No, you cannot contract the infection directly from another individual nor through contact with any bodily fluids; rather it is transmitted through contact with contaminated aerosols that have been generated from sources such as hot tubs or fountains.
What are common symptoms associated with Legionnaires' Disease?
Common symptoms include fever, chills, cough (usually dry), shortness of breath (dyspnea), muscle aches (myalgias), head-aches and fatigue; however other less frequent flu-like signs may also appear including nausea/vomiting and chest pains.
Does everyone that contracts this infection require hospitalization?
While many individuals who contract this infection will experience mild symptoms that often resolve themselves without medical treatment; however anyone displaying severe symptoms such as abnormal lab results indicating an infection in their lower respiratory system or severe dehydration visit an emergency room immediately for further diagnosis and treatment.
Can I protect myself while travelling abroad if I know the area has had cases of this illness?
Yes absolutely! To reduce your risk it would be beneficial to avoid any contact with indoors hot tubs or pool areas where contamination could occur; furthermore make sure all recreational swimming venues visited are regularly maintained as proper chlorine levels should mitigate any infections present within these waters.
Final Words:
LD is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila which can spread through inhaling aerosols from contaminated water sources like cooling towers or hot tubs if they are not properly maintained and sanitized regularly . Its symptoms include fever , chills , cough , shortness of breath , muscle aches , chest pain , confusion & neurological dysfunction among other things . Early diagnosis & treatment with antibiotics & supportive care is imperative for successful recovery .
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