Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or puss, causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills and difficulty breathing.
People over the age of 45 may be more susceptible to contracting pneumonia, and in some cases, it can be deadly. This article will explore what pneumonia is, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and risks associated with it.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
The symptoms of pneumonia can be mild or severe and can occur suddenly or gradually. The symptoms include;.
- Fever
- Chest pain when breathing or coughing
- Cough that produces phlegm or pus
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating and shaking chills
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Causes of Pneumonia
Pneumonia can be caused by different organisms, including;.
- Bacteria
- Virus
- Fungi
- Parasites
Bacterial pneumonia is the most common form of pneumonia in adults. Pneumonia caused by viral infections tends to be less severe than bacterial pneumonia. Both bacteria and viruses can spread through droplets when a person sneezes or coughs.
People can also contract pneumonia by touching a surface contaminated with the bacteria or virus and then touching their mouth or nose.
Diagnosis of Pneumonia
If a person has symptoms of pneumonia, a doctor will perform a physical examination to check for signs of infection. The doctor may listen to the lungs with a stethoscope to check for abnormal sounds, such as crackling or wheezing.
If the doctor suspects pneumonia, they may order a chest X-ray or a CT scan to see how much of the lungs are affected by the infection.
The doctor may also order a sputum test to check for the type of bacteria that is causing the pneumonia. A blood test may also be taken to check the person’s white blood cell count.
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A high white blood cell count may indicate that the body is fighting the infection.
Treatment of Pneumonia
The treatment of pneumonia depends on the cause of the infection. If the pneumonia is caused by bacteria, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If the pneumonia is viral, antibiotics will not be effective, and the infection will need to run its course.
The doctor may prescribe antiviral medications to ease the symptoms and speed up recovery.
If the pneumonia is severe, the person may need to be hospitalized for treatment. Treatment may involve oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and breathing treatments to help the person breathe easier.
In some cases, a person may need to be placed on a ventilator to help with breathing.
Prevention of Pneumonia
There are ways to lower the risk of contracting pneumonia, including;.
- Get vaccinated – Vaccines can prevent infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria and some types of viral pneumonia.
- Wash hands regularly – Regular hand washing with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer can prevent the spread of germs.
- Avoid smoking – smokers have a higher risk of contracting pneumonia.
- Avoid exposure to pollutants – Airborne pollutants can increase the risk of developing pneumonia.
- Eat healthy – Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can boost the immune system and help fight infections.
- Exercise – Regular exercise can improve lung function and reduce the risk of pneumonia.
Risks Associated with Pneumonia
Pneumonia can be deadly, particularly in people over the age of 45, young children, and people with weakened immune systems. Complications associated with pneumonia include;.
- Bacteremia – bacteria from the lungs can enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs in the body.
- Pleurisy – inflammation of the lining of the lungs.
- Lung abscess – pus-filled pockets in the lung tissue.
- Respiratory failure – A severe form of pneumonia can cause respiratory failure, making it difficult to breathe.
- Organ failure – Severe cases of pneumonia can lead to multiple organ failure and death.
It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect that you have contracted pneumonia. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and reduce the risk of serious illness or death.
