PNEUMONIA: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES & TREATMENT

What Is Pneumonia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Do you know what the meaning of pneumonia is? Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The disease causes the air sacs in the lungs to fill with pus and other fluids, making breathing difficult.

There are many different types of pneumonia, and the symptoms and severity can vary depending on the cause. Treatment for pneumonia typically involves antibiotics, rest, and drinking plenty of fluids. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

This article will look at pneumonia, its symptoms, and its treatment. Wellness Forever provides complete information about pneumonia, where you can also shop for health products to maintain the health of your lungs.

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

Most people don't know what the signs of pneumonia are. By having a clear idea about what happens in pneumonia, you can diagnose the situation early, manage it better, and get appropriate help if you or a family member needs it.

The symptoms of pneumonia can appear suddenly or gradually. They may include:

• Coughing up greenish, yellow, or bloody mucus 
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain that worsens when coughing or breathing deeply
• Fever, sweating, and chills
• Loss of appetite, fatigue, and confusion (in adults aged 65 and older)

The right time to see a doctor

The risk factors of pneumonia can be severe, so you must see a doctor as soon as you suspect the possibility of pneumonia. If you have a fever and a cough and are having difficulty breathing, consult your doctor immediately.

What causes pneumonia?

Now that you know what pneumonia disease is, let us identify its types and understand what causes pneumonia.

There are many types of pneumonia, each with its own set of causes. The most common form of pneumonia is bacterial pneumonia, caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. Other common types include:

• Viral pneumonia (caused by viruses such as influenza viruses)
• Mycoplasma pneumonia (a type of bacterial pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria)
• Fungal pneumonia (caused by fungi such as Histoplasma capsulatum)
• Pneumonia caused by inhaling irritants, such as smoke, dust, or chemicals is aspiration pneumonia.

What is community-acquired pneumonia?

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is contracted in a community setting and not within a hospital, nursing home, or healthcare setting. Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can cause this lung infection.

What is hospital-acquired pneumonia?

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is a type of pneumonia contracted within or over 48 hours after a patient has been admitted to a hospital, which was not present at the time of admission. It is most often caused by bacteria but can also be caused by viruses, fungi, or other organisms.

What is healthcare-associated pneumonia?

Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) occurs in people who have been in a hospital or other long-term healthcare facility within the past year. Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can cause it.

What is aspiration pneumonia?

Aspiration pneumonia is a type of pneumonia that occurs when liquids, food, or vomit are breathed (i.e., aspirated) into the lungs. This can happen if you have a problem with your throat or esophagus that makes it hard to swallow. It can also occur if you are unconscious or unable to control your gag reflex.

What are the risk factors for pneumonia?

Anyone can get pneumonia. While we know what causes pneumonia, certain factors can also increase a person’s risk of contracting the infection. These include:

• Hospitalization – There are instances where people are more likely to develop pneumonia while in the hospital for other reasons. This includes people who have had surgery, are on ventilator support, or are staying in the intensive care unit (ICU).
• Chronic disease – People with chronic lung diseases such as COPD or asthma are at a higher risk of contracting pneumonia.
• Smoking – Smokers are at a higher risk for pneumonia, as smoking hampers your body’s inbuilt defenses against bacteria and viruses.
• Weak immune system – People with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or diabetes are at a higher risk for pneumonia.
• Exposure to infection – People who are around someone with a respiratory infection are at a higher risk for pneumonia.
• Age – Infants, children, and older adults are at a higher risk for pneumonia. These groups are also more likely to develop a more severe form of the disease.

Complications of pneumonia

Complications of pneumonia can be serious and even life-threatening. Bacterial pneumonia can lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the body's response to infection. Below are the complications that can arise from pneumonia

• Bacteria in the bloodstream

Bacteria from pneumonia can enter the bloodstream, causing a condition called bacteremia. This can lead to infections in other body parts, such as the brain, heart, or kidneys.

• Breathing difficulties

Pneumonia can cause fluid to build up in the air spaces of the lungs, making breathing difficult and necessitating hospitalization.

• Accumulation of fluid around the lungs

Pneumonia can also result in fluid building up around the lungs. This is called pleural effusion and can make it difficult for the lungs to expand and fill with air. This condition causes pain while breathing and may require hospitalization.

•  Lung abscess

A lung abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms in the lungs. It is a serious complication that can occur in people with pneumonia.

How to prevent pneumonia?

Now that you know what pneumonia is and what the symptoms of pneumonia are, here are some of the ways to prevent it:

• Vaccination

One of the best ways to prevent pneumonia is to get vaccinated. Vaccines available for children and adults can help prevent the disease

• Hygiene

Good hygiene is an effective way to prevent pneumonia. This includes washing your hands often and avoiding close contact with sick people

• Quit smoking

If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do to prevent pneumonia. Smoking damages your lungs and makes it harder for them to fight off infection

• Strengthen your immune system

You can prevent pneumonia by keeping your immune system strong. You can make certain lifestyle changes such as eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

What is the treatment of pneumonia?

Knowing what not to do when you have pneumonia can be just as important as knowing what to do. The Pneumococcal disease must be treated with antibiotics. It is essential to consult a physician at the first appearance of symptoms (like fever and difficulty breathing) to get a proper medical opinion and initiate treatment.

Doctors will likely advise follow-up visits if your symptoms persist for more than a week or worsen, at which time they might recommend hospitalization.  

Pneumonia is a potentially serious condition in the elderly that can be avoided by understanding what pneumonia is, its causes and risk factors, and taking suitable precautions, especially vaccination. Healthcare professionals will advise on appropriate vaccination schedules.

Home remedies

You can take precautions against pneumonia independently as well by being familiar with what to eat if you have pneumonia and what to avoid, and following home remedies like gargling with salt water, drinking warm liquids, and inhaling steam. Home remedies may help ease your symptoms and speed up your recovery. Here are some of the things you can do at home:

• Get plenty of rest

Rest is vital for cellular repair in the body but can be especially beneficial when experiencing shortness of breath. Physical exertion should be kept to an absolute minimum when pneumonia develops.

•  Caffeine

Drinking a small amount of caffeine, such as a cup of coffee or black or green tea, can help with certain symptoms of pneumonia. Caffeine may work to open up the airways in the lungs, allowing you to breathe better.

• Ginger or turmeric tea

Persistent coughing due to pneumonia can result in chest pain. While medication to treat the root cause is the solution, drinking hot tea made with fresh ginger or turmeric root can help with the pain and cough. The roots of both plants may have a natural anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Cutting a thumb-sized piece of either root and boiling it in a few cups of water makes enough tea for an entire day.

• Hot liquids

Drinking hot liquids can help raise your body temperature and prevent shivering. This includes hot water, herbal teas, or a bowl of soup to add electrolytes and nutrients.

Conclusion

Now you know what pneumonia is, what causes pneumonia, and what the symptoms of pneumonia are. If you or a loved one is undergoing these symptoms, it is crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible, as pneumonia is a severe lung infection that can be fatal if left untreated. Hence, seek a doctor’s consultation at the first sign of symptoms and get vaccinated to prevent the infection altogether. Home remedies can help ease symptoms and speed up recovery. Wellness Forever has a range of products like teabags and green tea that help strengthen your immunity.

FAQs

Q1. Which vaccine is best for preventing pneumonia?

A1. The CDC (Centre for Disease Control) recommends PCVs (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) for vaccination against pneumonia. PCVs are usually conjugate vaccines (PCV13, PCV15, or PCV20) or polysaccharide vaccines (PPSV23). They are the best method to prevent pneumonia, especially in children and older adults. PNEUMOSIL is one such PCV in India. 

Q2. Do all people with pneumonia need to be hospitalized?

A2. No, only a small percentage of people with pneumonia will need hospitalization. Most can recover at home with rest, plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter medications.

Q3. What are the most common symptoms of pneumonia?

A3. The most common symptoms of pneumonia include coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, sweating, and fever.

Q4. What is the treatment for pneumonia?

A4. Pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics. Severe cases may require hospitalization with oxygen support or intravenous fluids.