Legionnaires Disease
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
Legionnaires disease (LD) is a lung infection caused by Legionella bacteria. Legionella bacteria can be found in many water sources. You can get LD by breathing in steam or water droplets that contain Legionella bacteria. LD cannot be passed from one person to another.
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is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
An IV
is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
Medicine:
Antibiotics help treat a bacterial infection.
Tests:
- Blood and urine tests will show if you have an infection.
- A sputum sample is collected in a cup when you cough. The sample is sent to a lab to be tested for the germ that is causing your infection.
- Bronchoscopy is a procedure to look inside your airway and learn the cause of your airway or lung condition. A bronchoscope (thin tube with a light) is inserted into your mouth and moved down your throat to your airway. Tissue and fluid may be collected from your airway or lungs and sent to a lab for tests.
- A chest x-ray may be used to look for signs of pneumonia (lung infection) that can occur with LD.
RISKS:
Without treatment, your lung problems may worsen. Your lungs may fill up with fluid and make it hard for you to breathe. The infection may spread to other parts of your body and cause damage to other organs, such as your heart and kidneys. This can be life-threatening.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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