One of the most prevalent lung illnesses is pneumonia, which can be brought on by bacteria, viruses (such as the respiratory syncytial virus or influenza), fungi, or parasites. The air sacs in one or both lungs become inflamed due to pneumonia, filling them with pus or liquid. Cough, fever, chills, and trouble breathing are some of the symptoms.
This lung infection can affect anyone. However, those over 65 and little children under two are more vulnerable. This is due to the possibility that their immune systems are weak enough to combat it. Certain lifestyle choices, such as heavy alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking, might also increase your risk of developing pneumonia.
One or both lungs may become infected with pneumonia. Bilateral or double pneumonia are terms occasionally used to describe pneumonia affecting both lungs. It is possible to develop pneumonia without realizing it. This is referred to as walking pneumonia at times.
Causes
Infectious Causes
Bacteria
Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae are the most prevalent bacteria that cause bacterial pneumonia. A high temperature, chills, productive cough (frequently with yellow or greenish mucus), chest pain, and trouble breathing are common symptoms of bacterial pneumonia.
Viruses
Adenovirus, coronavirus (including SARS-CoV-2), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza viruses (including seasonal flu and pandemic strains like H1N1), and other viruses can cause viral pneumonia. Similar to bacterial pneumonia, viral pneumonia usually presents with a more slow onset and more noticeable symptoms such as headache, sore throat, and muscle soreness.
Fungi
People with compromised immune systems are the main victims of fungal pneumonia, which is less prevalent. Pneumonia can be caused by fungi such as Histoplasma, Coccidioides, and Cryptococcus, particularly in areas where these fungi are endemic.
Parasites
Although uncommon, parasitic pneumonia can strike those with weakened immune systems. Pneumocystis jirovecii, formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii, is one parasite that can cause pneumonia, especially in HIV/AIDS patients.
Non-Infectious Causes
- Aspiration: Aspiration pneumonia can result from inhaling food particles, liquids, vomit, or other materials. People who have reduced swallowing reflexes (due to stroke, neurological problems, or drowsiness) are more likely to experience this.
- Chemical Pneumonitis: Toxic gases, chemicals, or fumes can induce lung irritation and inflammation that mimics the symptoms of pneumonia.
- Autoimmune Conditions: In rare cases, lung inflammation brought on by autoimmune disorders like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can mimic the symptoms of pneumonia.
Risk Factors
All ages are susceptible to pneumonia, a dangerous lung infection, but some variables can raise one’s risk of contracting the illness. By being aware of these risk factors, one can seek early medical attention and take preventative steps.
The following are some typical pneumonia risk factors:
Age
Due to weakened immune systems or underlying medical disorders, pneumonia is more common in older individuals (over 65) and very young children (under 2).
Weakened Immune System
A person’s immune system can be weakened by conditions including HIV/AIDS, long-term corticosteroid usage, organ transplantation, cancer treatments (chemotherapy or radiation), and autoimmune disorders. This makes a person more vulnerable to infections like pneumonia.
Chronic Illnesses
A number of chronic illnesses, including diabetes, asthma, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can raise the risk of pneumonia.
Smoking
Smokers are more prone to pneumonia because cigarette smoke harms the lungs and reduces the body’s ability to fight off infections.
Hospitalisation
The risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia (nosocomial pneumonia) is increased by being hospitalized for any reason, particularly if you are on a ventilator.
Living in a Nursing Home or Long-Term Care Facility
Living in a nursing home or long-term care facility increases your chance of contracting pneumonia and other respiratory infections because of the close quarters and shared amenities.
Recent Respiratory Infections
The lungs can become weaker and more vulnerable to bacterial pneumonia if someone has recently had a cold, the flu, or another respiratory infection.
Aspiration
Aspiration pneumonia is a form of pneumonia that is more common in individuals with swallowing difficulties, altered consciousness (due to alcohol or drugs), or neurological abnormalities. Aspiration is the inhalation of food, liquids, saliva, or vomit into the lungs.
Malnutrition
A person’s immune system may be weakened by inadequate nutrition, leaving them more vulnerable to illnesses like pneumonia.
Exposure to Certain Chemicals or Pollutants
Long-term exposure to certain chemicals or pollutants, such as fumes, chemicals, or air pollution, can irritate the lungs and raise the risk of pneumonia.
Close Contact with Someone Suffering from Pneumonia
Pneumonia can spread easily, particularly in crowded and close-knit environments like homes, schools, and nursery schools.
Maintaining good overall health practices, such as giving up smoking, getting vaccinated (particularly against influenza and pneumococcal infections), washing your hands frequently, managing chronic conditions well, and seeking immediate medical attention for respiratory infections or symptoms, all help lower the risk of pneumonia.
Symptoms
The following are typical signs of a lung infection:
- Cough: Frequently resulting in phlegm or mucous.
- Fever: In cases of bacterial illnesses, such as pneumonia, a high fever is occasionally experienced.
- Breathing difficulties: Include dyspnea or fast breathing.
- Chest pain: Particularly when inhaling deeply or coughing.
- Fatigue: Experiencing lethargy or weakness.
- Wheezing: Is the sound made during breathing.
- Sweating and chills: More so when there’s a fever.
Treatment
The kind of pneumonia (community-acquired, hospital-acquired, or aspiration pneumonia), the intensity of symptoms, the general health of the patient, and the suspected or confirmed cause (bacterial, viral, fungal, etc.) all influence how the disease is treated. An outline of the standard protocol for treating pneumonia is provided below:
Antibiotics
Bacterial pneumonia
Antibiotics are the cornerstone of treatment if the aetiology of the pneumonia is considered to be bacterial (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, among others). The severity of the infection, local resistance trends, and any underlying medical issues all play a role in the antibiotic decision. Amoxicillin, azithromycin, and fluoroquinolones are common antibiotics that are used in more severe situations.
Viral pneumonia
Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses while treating viral pneumonia. Antiviral drugs may be recommended for viral pneumonia patients (such as influenza) if treatment begins early in the illness. It is usually advised to provide supportive treatment, which includes rest, drinks, and over-the-counter drugs to lower temperature and discomfort.
Supportive Care
Handling fever
Over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help lower temperature and ease pain.
Fluids
Drinking lots of water helps the lungs’ mucous to relax and prevent dehydration.
Rest
In order to aid in the body’s healing, enough rest is necessary.
Oxygen Therapy
Supplemental oxygen may be given in extreme circumstances or when oxygen levels are low.
Hospitalization
Certain individuals suffering from pneumonia, particularly those who are elderly, have underlying medical disorders, or are very sick, might need to be admitted to a hospital for more attentive care, intravenous antibiotics, or other therapies.
Prevention
Vaccination
Some bacterial and viral illnesses that can cause pneumonia can be prevented using vaccines. Examples of these include the pneumococcal and influenza vaccines.
Good hygiene
Can help stop the spread of respiratory infections. This includes frequently washing your hands, covering your cough and sneeze, and avoiding close contact with sick people.
Follow-up
It’s important to follow up with healthcare providers as advised to monitor recovery and ensure the infection has resolved completely.
Treatment of pneumonia should always be guided by a healthcare professional based on the specific circumstances of the individual case. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can lead to faster recovery and reduced risk of complications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pneumonia is a dangerous lung infection that manifests as cough, fever, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. It is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that inflame the lungs’ air sacs. Extremes of age, compromised immune systems, long-term medical conditions, tobacco use, and recent respiratory infections are risk factors. For bacterial pneumonia, treatment consists of supportive care, antibiotics, and occasionally hospitalization for more severe cases. It is essential to prevent by immunization, proper cleanliness, and risk factor management. Appropriate diagnosis and prompt treatment greatly enhance results and minimize side effects.
