What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs (alveoli) in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia can range from mild to severe and affects people of all ages, but it is particularly serious in infants, elderly adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
What causes Pneumonia?
Pneumonia can be caused by various organisms, including:
- Bacteria (most commonly Streptococcus pneumoniae)
- Viruses (such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus)
- Fungi (more common in people with weakened immune systems)
- Other microorganisms
The infection typically starts when these organisms enter the lungs through inhalation or from an infection elsewhere in the body.
Risk factors include:
- Age under 2 years or over 65 years
- Smoking
- Chronic lung diseases like COPD or asthma
- Weakened immune system (due to illness or medication)
- Hospitalization or use of mechanical ventilation
- Difficulty swallowing or aspiration of food/liquids
What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms of pneumonia include:
- Cough, often producing phlegm (mucus)
- Fever and chills
- Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- Chest pain that worsens with coughing or breathing deeply
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (sometimes)
How is Pneumonia diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves:
- Physical examination, including listening to the lungs
- Chest X-ray to identify infection and its extent
- Sputum test to detect the causative organism
- Blood tests to check for infection and inflammation
- In severe cases, pulse oximetry to measure oxygen levels
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity:
- Antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia
- Antiviral medications for some viral pneumonias
- Antifungal treatment for fungal pneumonia
- Supportive care such as rest, fluids, fever reducers, and oxygen therapy if needed
- Hospitalization in severe cases for intravenous antibiotics and respiratory support
What is the prognosis?
Most healthy people recover fully from pneumonia with proper treatment. However, pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially for:
- Older adults
- Very young children
- People with chronic health problems or weakened immune systems
Complications can worsen the prognosis but are less common with early treatment.
What complications can occur?
Possible complications include:
- Lung abscess (collection of pus)
- Pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lungs)
- Respiratory failure
- Sepsis (blood infection)
- Chronic lung problems after severe pneumonia
Who is most at risk?
- Infants and children under 2 years
- Adults over 65 years
- People with chronic illnesses (heart, lung, diabetes)
- Smokers
- Immunocompromised individuals
Can Pneumonia be prevented?
Yes, prevention methods include:
- Vaccination: Pneumococcal vaccines and influenza vaccines reduce risk
- Good hygiene: Regular handwashing and respiratory etiquette
- Avoiding smoking
- Prompt treatment of respiratory infections
- Maintaining a healthy immune system
Are there support resources?
Support includes:
- Healthcare providers for diagnosis, treatment, and vaccination advice
- Patient education from health organizations (CDC, WHO)
- Support groups for chronic lung diseases or immune disorders