What Is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lung. It can be caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. Pneumonia causes inflammation in your lung’s air sacs, or alveoli. The alveoli fill with fluid or
pus, making it difficult to breathe.
Symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild to life-threatening. The severity of your pneumonia usually depends on:
the cause of your inflammation
the type of organism causing your infection
your age
your general health
Severe pneumonia is a medical emergency.
There are five major types of pneumonia. They
are:
Bacterial Pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia can affect anyone at any age. It can develop on its own or after a serious cold or flu. The most common cause of bacterial
pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae . Bacterial pneumonia can also be caused by
Chlamydophila pneumonia or Legionella
pneumophila . Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia is sometimes seen in those who have weak immune systems due to illnesses like AIDS or cancer.
Viral Pneumonia
In most cases, respiratory viruses can cause pneumonia, especially in young children and the elderly. Pneumonia is usually not serious and lasts a short time. However, the flu virus can
cause viral pneumonia to be severe or fatal. It’s especially harmful to pregnant women or individuals with heart or lung issues. Invading bacteria can cause complications with viral pneumonia.
Mycoplasma Pneumonia
Mycoplasma organisms are not viruses or bacteria, but they have traits common to both. They are the smallest agents of disease that affect humans. Mycoplasmas generally cause mild cases of pneumonia, most often in older
children and young adults.
Other Types of Pneumonia
Many additional types of pneumonia affect immune-compromised individuals. Tuberculosis and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP)
generally affect people with suppressed immune systems, such as those who have AIDS. In fact, PCP can be one of the first signs of illness in people with AIDS.
Less common types of pneumonia can also be serious. Pneumonia can be caused by inhaling food, dust, liquid, or gas, as well as by various fungi.
No one is immune to pneumonia, but there are certain factors that can raise your risks:
People who have had a stroke, have
problems swallowing, or are bedridden can easily develop pneumonia.
Infants from birth to age two are at risk for pneumonia, as are individuals age 65 or older.
People with weakened immune systems
are at increased risk of pneumonia. This
includes people who take medications that weaken the immune system, such as steroids and certain medications for
cancer, and people with HIV, AIDS, or
cancer.
Drug abuse increases risk. This includes
excessive alcohol consumption and
smoking.
Certain medical conditions raise your risks for pneumonia. These conditions include asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and heart failure.
The general symptoms of bacterial pneumonia can develop quickly and may include:
chest pain
shaking chills
fever
dry cough
wheezing
muscle aches
nausea
vomiting
rapid breathing
rapid heartbeat
difficulty breathing
Some symptoms may indicate a medical
emergency. You should seek immediate medical attention if you have any of these symptoms:
skin with bluish tone (from lack of oxygen)
blood in sputum (coughed-up mucus)
labored breathing
high fever (102.5°F or higher)
confusion
rapid heartbeat.
Pneumonia can be easily overlooked as the cause of an illness because it often resembles a cold or the flu. However, it usually lasts longer and symptoms seem more severe than these other conditions.
Detailed Patient History
To determine whether or not you have
pneumonia, your doctors will usually inquire about your signs and symptoms. Questions they may ask include:
What are your symptoms and when did
they begin?
What were your recent travels and
activities?
What was your recent exposure to
animals?
What was your recent exposure to
individuals who are sick?
What are your past and current medical
issues?
What medications are you currently
taking?
What is your smoking history?
Have you recently had any vaccinations or illnesses?
Physical Exam
Crackling and bubbling sounds in the chest during inhalation are usually indicators of pneumonia. Wheezing may also be present. Your doctor may also have trouble hearing normal
breathing sounds in different areas of your chest.
Diagnostic Tests
Chest X-rays can be used to determine if infection is present in your lungs. However, chest X-rays won’t show your type of pneumonia.
Blood tests can provide a better picture of the type of pneumonia. Also, blood tests are necessary to see if the infection is in your bloodstream.
Other Tests
The following are additional tests that may be
required:
A CT scan of the chest is similar to an X-
ray, but the pictures provided by this
method are highly detailed. This painless test provides a clear and precise picture of
the chest and lungs.
This sputum test involves examining the
sputum (the mucus you cough up) to
determine what type of pneumonia is
present.
If there is fluid apparent in the pleural
space (the space between the tissue that covers the outside of your lungs and the inside of your chest cavity), a fluid sample can be taken to help determine if the pneumonia is bacterial or viral.
A pulse oximetry test measures the level of oxygen blood saturation by attaching a small sensor to your finger. Pneumonia can prevent normal oxygenation of the blood.
When antibiotics fail, a bronchoscopy can be used to view the airways inside the lungs to determine if blocked airways are contributing to the pneumonia.
TREATMENT
The type of treatment prescribed for pneumonia mostly depends on what type of pneumonia is present, as well as how severe it is. In many cases, pneumonia can be treated at home.
General Treatment
The typical treatment plan for pneumonia includes taking all prescribed medications and
participating in follow-up care. A chest X-ray may be ordered to make sure your pneumonia has been successfully treated.
Treating Bacterial Pneumonia
Antibiotics are used to treat this type of
pneumonia. Antibiotics should be taken as directed. If you stop taking the antibiotics before treatment is complete, the pneumonia may return. Most people will improve after one to three days of treatment.
Treating Viral Pneumonia
Antibiotics are useless if a virus is the cause of pneumonia. However, certain antiviral drugs can help treat the condition. Symptoms usually clear
within one to three weeks.
Anyone with diabetes, asthma, and other severe or chronic health problems is at risk for pneumonia. However, in many cases, it can be prevented with vaccines against bacterial pneumonia and flu. Quitting smoking will definitely lower your risk of pneumonia.
