An infection of the lungs, pneumonia can be caused by fungi, bacteria, as well as viruses. It is a respiratory infection, whose intensity ranges from mild to severe. It causes the lung to be inflamed and filled with fluids. Along with influenza, pneumonia is known to be one of the leading causes of death in the country. Globally, this lung infection is a leading cause of death among children who are younger than five years.
What causes pneumonia?
Pneumonia is caused by germs including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These germs are usually airborne and enter the body as we breathe. In most cases, the body fights off these infection-causing microbes. However, those who are at risk usually have a weak immune response to these germs. In such cases, the pneumonia-causing germs overpower the body’s immune system. Once the germs enter the body, they settle in the lungs and begin to multiply. They fill the alveoli (air sacs) with pus and fluids. The body responds by producing more white blood cells to fight off the infection, which leads to inflammation.
Who is at risk?
Pneumonia can affect any person. However, there are certain groups that are more susceptible to this lung infection than others. They are:
- Babies younger than two years
- Adults who are 65 years old or more
- Those with weak immune systems
- Those with chronic health disorders, such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and cystic fibrosis
- Those with pre-existing respiratory infections
- Those who have been hospitalized and kept under ventilators
- Those with mobility issues and swallowing problems
- Those who have had too much exposure to fumes, pollutants, and other lung irritants
- Those who smoke and drink excessively
Is pneumonia contagious?
The bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia are contagious. These germs are present in respiratory droplets and can quickly spread from one person to the other. When a person with pneumonia sneezes or coughs, these droplets become airborne. Breathing these droplets in can spread pneumonia. Furthermore, touching surfaces and objects that have been contaminated with these germs can also lead to transmission. Fungal pneumonia, on the other hand, spreads through the environment. One usually doesn’t get this type of pneumonia from another person.
What are the common symptoms of pneumonia?
The initial symptoms of pneumonia are similar to that of the common cold and flu. As the infection progresses, the person experiences chills and becomes feverish, and their cough will contain sputum. Symptoms of pneumonia vary depending on the cause and one’s underlying health conditions. Some common ones are:
- Green or rust-colored phlegm or sputum
- Shortness of breath
- Quick breathing
- Pleuritic pain, which is chest pain that becomes severe with deep breaths
- Weakness and fatigue
- Vomiting and nausea
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Delirium
- Skin turning purplish
How is pneumonia diagnosed?
The initial diagnosis involves physical examination. A doctor or physician will check for coarseness in breathing, crackling, wheezing, as well as lowered sounds of breathing. Using a pulse oximeter, the oxygen levels in the blood will also be monitored. Chest X-rays may follow too. This is a sure-shot way of determining whether a person has pneumonia. X-rays will also show which parts of the lungs are affected. Other tests include CT scan, blood tests, blood culture, arterial blood gas (ABG) test, and sputum culture. In some cases, bronchoscopy is also used for diagnosis.
What are the treatment options for pneumonia?
Pneumonia treatments are geared towards the curing of the infection and prevention of further complications. If the symptoms are not intense, then patients can be treated using home remedies and certain medications. However, in case of severe pneumonia, especially for those in high-risk groups, hospitalization is required.
