2. What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs. It can be caused
by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Bacterial pneumonia is the most
common type in adults.
Pneumonia causes inflammation in the air sacs in your lungs,
which are called alveoli. The alveoli fill with fluid or pus, making
it difficult to breathe.
Mechanism?
In this photo Pneumonia fills the lung's alveoli with fluid, hindering oxygenation. The alveolus on
the left is normal, whereas the one on the right is full of fluid from pneumonia.
Pneumonia frequently starts as an upper respiratory tract
infection that moves into the lower respiratory tract. It is a type
of pneumonitis (lung inflammation).The normal flora of the
upper airway gives protection by competing with pathogens for
nutrients. In the lower airways, reflexes of the glottis, actions
of complement proteins and immunoglobulins are important
for protection. Microaspiration of contaminated secretions can
infect the lower airways and cause pneumonia. The virulence of
the organism, amount of the organisms to start an infection
and body immune response against the infection all determines
the progress of pneumonia.
3. What are the symptoms of
pneumonia?
Pneumonia symptoms can be mild to life-threatening. The most
common symptoms of pneumonia can include:
coughing that may produce phlegm (mucus)
fever, sweating, and chills
shortness of breath
chest pain
Other symptoms can vary according to the cause and severity of the
infection, as well as the age and general health of the individual.
Symptoms by cause
Viral pneumonia may start with flu-like symptoms, such as
wheezing. A high fever may occur after 12–36 hours.
Bacterial pneumonia may cause a fever as high as 105°F along
with profuse sweating, bluish lips and nails, and confusion.
Symptoms by age
Children under 5 years of age may have fast breathing.
4. Infants may vomit, lack energy, or have trouble drinking or
eating.
Older people may have a lower-than-normal body temperature.
What are the types and
causes of pneumonia?
The major types of pneumonia are classified by the cause of the
infection, where the infection was transmitted, and how the infection
was acquired.
Types by germ
Pneumonia can be classified according to the organism that caused
the infection.
Bacterial pneumonia: The most common cause of bacterial
pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Chlamydophila
pneumonia and Legionella pneumophila can also cause bacterial
pneumonia.
Viral pneumonia: Respiratory viruses are often the cause of
pneumonia, especially in young children and older people. Viral
pneumonia is usually not serious and lasts for a shorter time than
bacterial pneumonia.
Mycoplasma pneumonia: Mycoplasma organisms are not viruses or
bacteria, but they have traits common to
both. Mycoplasmas generally cause mild cases of pneumonia, most
often in older children and young adults.
Fungal pneumonia: Fungi from soil or bird droppings can cause
pneumonia in people who inhale large amounts of the organisms.
5. They can also cause pneumonia in people with chronic diseases
or weakened immune systems.
One kind of fungal pneumonia is called Pneumocystis
jirovecii pneumonia (PCP). This condition generally affects people
with weakened immune systems, such as those with AIDS. In fact,
PCP can be one of the first signs of infection with AIDS.
Types by location
Pneumonia is also classified according to where it was acquired.
Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP): This type of bacterial
pneumonia is acquired during a hospital stay. It can be more serious
than other types, because the bacteria involved may be
more resistant to antibiotics.
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP): This refers to pneumonia
that is acquired outside of a medical or institutional setting.
Types by how they are acquired
Pneumonia can also be classified according to how it is acquired.
Aspiration pneumonia: This type of pneumonia occurs when you
inhale bacteria into your lungs from food, drink, or saliva. This type is
more likely to occur if you have a swallowing problem or if you
become too sedate from the use of medications, alcohol, or some
types of illicit drugs.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP): When people who are
using a ventilator get pneumonia, it’s called VAP.
6. Is pneumonia contagious?
Most kinds of pneumonia are contagious.
Both viral and bacterial pneumonia can spread to others through
inhalation of airborne droplets from a sneeze or cough. But while you
can become infected with fungal pneumonia from the environment, it
doesn’t spread from person to person.
Who is at risk of pneumonia?
Anyone can get pneumonia, but certain people are at higher risk:
infants from birth to age 2 years, and individuals ages 65 years
or older
people who have had a stroke, have problems swallowing, or
are bedridden
people with weakened immune systems because of disease or
use of medications such as steroids or certain cancer drugs
people who smoke, misuse certain types of illicit drugs, or drink
excessive amounts of alcohol
people with certain chronic medical conditions such
as asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, or heart failure
How is pneumonia
diagnosed?
The doctor will start by asking you questions about when the
symptoms first appeared and about the medical history. They’ll also
7. give you a physical exam. This will include listening to your lungs with
a stethoscope for any abnormal sounds, such as crackling.
The doctor will also likely order a chest X-ray. Typically, pneumonia
can be diagnosed with the physical exam and the chest X-ray.
in this x-ray A chest X-ray showing a very prominent wedge-shape area of airspace
consolidation in the right lung characteristic of acute bacterial lobar pneumonia
But depending on the severity of the symptoms and the risk of
complications, the doctor may also order one or more of these tests:
A blood test. This test can confirm an infection, but it may not
be able to identify what’s causing it.
A sputum test. This test can provide a sample from your lungs
that may identify the cause of the infection.
Pulse oximetry. An oxygen sensor placed on one of your
fingers can indicate whether your lungs are moving enough
oxygen through your bloodstream.
A urine test. This test can identify the bacteria Streptococcus
pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila.
A CT scan. This test provides a clearer and more detailed
picture of your lungs.
A fluid sample. If your doctor suspects there is fluid in the
pleural space of your chest, they may take fluid using a needle
placed between your ribs. This test can help identify the cause
of your infection.
8. A bronchoscopy. This test looks into the airways in your
lungs. It does this using a camera on the end of a flexible tube
that’s gently guided down your throat and into your lungs. Your
doctor may do this test if your initial symptoms are severe, or if
you’re hospitalized and your body is not responding well to
antibiotics.
Explore the interactive 3-D diagram below to learn more about
pneumonia.
How is pneumonia treated?
Your treatment will depend on the type of pneumonia you have, how
severe it is, and your general health.
Prescribed treatment
Antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal drugs are used to treat pneumonia,
depending on the specific cause of the condition. Most cases of
bacterial pneumonia can be treated at home with oral antibiotics, and
most people respond to the antibiotics in one to three daysTrusted
Source.
Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter (OTC)
medication to relieve your pain and fever, as needed. These may
include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and acetaminophen
(Tylenol).
Your doctor may also recommend cough medicine to calm your
cough so you can rest. However, coughing helps remove fluid from
your lungs, so you don’t want to eliminate it entirely.
9. Home treatment
You can help your recovery and prevent a recurrence by:
taking your drugs as prescribed
getting a lot of rest
drinking plenty of fluids
not overdoing it by going back to school or work too soon
Hospitalization
If your symptoms are very severe or you have other health problems,
you may need to be hospitalized. At the hospital, doctors can keep
track of your heart rate, temperature, and breathing. Treatment may
include:
Intravenous antibiotics. These are injected into your vein.
Respiratory therapy. This therapy uses a variety of
techniques, including delivering specific medications directly
into the lungs. The respiratory therapist may also teach you or
help you to perform breathing exercises to maximize your
oxygenation.
Oxygen therapy. This treatment helps maintain the oxygen
level in your bloodstream. You may receive oxygen through a
nasal tube or a face mask. If your case is extreme, you may
need a ventilator (a machine that supports breathing).
What’s the outlook for
pneumonia?
10. Most people respond to treatment and recover from pneumonia.
However, for some people, pneumonia can worsen chronic
conditions or cause complications.
Recovery
Like your treatment, your recovery time will depend on the type of
pneumonia you have, how severe it is, and your general health.
A younger person may feel back to normal in a week after treatment.
Others may take longer to recover and may have lingering fatigue. If
your symptoms are severe, your recovery may take several weeks.
Worsened chronic conditions
If you have certain health problems already, pneumonia could make
them worse. These conditions include congestive heart
failure and emphysema.
For certain people, pneumonia increases their risk of having a heart
attack.
Potential complications
Pneumonia may cause complications, especially in people with
weakened immune systems or chronic diseases such as diabetes.
Complications can include:
Bacteremia. Bacteria from the pneumonia infection may
spread to your bloodstream. This can lead to dangerously low
blood pressure, septic shock, and in some cases, organ failure.
Lung abscesses. These are cavities in the lungs that contain
pus.
11. Impaired breathing. You may have trouble getting enough
oxygen when you breathe. You may need to use a ventilator.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome. This is a severe form
of respiratory failure. It’s a medical emergency.
Pleural effusion. If your pneumonia is not treated, you may
develop fluid around your lungs in your pleura. The pleura are
thin membranes that line the outside of your lungs and the
inside of your rib cage. The fluid may become infected and
need to be drained.
Death. In some cases, pneumonia can be fatal. Between 2 and
3 million people per year develop pneumonia in the United
States, and of these, about 60,000 die.
Can pneumonia be
prevented?
In many cases, pneumonia can be prevented.
Pneumonia vaccine
The first line of defense against pneumonia is to get vaccinated. Ask
your doctor about the two pneumonia vaccines, which can help
protect against bacterial pneumonia. Pneumonia can often be a
complication of the flu, so be sure to also get an annual flu shot.
According to the National Institutes of HealthTrusted Source,
pneumonia vaccines won’t prevent all cases of the condition. But if
you’re vaccinated, you’re likely to have a milder and shorter illness,
and a lower risk of complications.
Two types of pneumonia vaccines are available in the United States.
Your doctor can tell you which one might be better for you.
12. Prevnar 13: This vaccine is effective against 13 types of
pneumococcal bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source recommends this vaccine for:
babies and children under the age of 2
adults ages 65 years or older
people between ages 2 and 65 years with chronic conditions
that increase their risk of pneumonia
Pneumovax 23: This vaccine is effective against 23 types of
pneumococcal bacteria. The CDC recommends it for:
adults ages 65 years or older
adults ages 19–64 years who smoke
people between ages 2 and 65 years with chronic conditions
that increase their risk of pneumonia
Other prevention tips
In addition to vaccination, there are other things you can to avoid
pneumonia:
If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking makes you more susceptible
to respiratory infections, especially pneumonia.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
Cover your coughs and sneezes, and dispose of used tissues
promptly.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle to strengthen your immune system.
Get enough rest, eat a healthy diet, and get regular exercise.
