Pneumonia

Overview

Pneumonia is an infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungus that may swell the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), which can result in fever, chills, coughing up phlegm or pus, and trouble breathing.

Bacterial pneumonia is typically more common and severe than viral pneumonia. A hospital stay is more likely to be necessary. Antibiotics are used by healthcare providers to treat bacterial pneumonia. Flu-like symptoms are brought on by viral pneumonia, which usually goes away on its own. Usually, viral pneumonia doesn’t require special care.

The types of bacteria that cause pneumonia and the location of infection are taken into consideration when classifying cases of pneumonia.

• Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP): The most common type of pneumonia is community-acquired pneumonia. It takes place outside of medical facilities such as hospitals. It could result from:
  • Bacteria: Streptococcus pneumoniae is primarily responsible for bacterial pneumonia. You can develop this type of pneumonia following a cold or flu episode. A disease known as lobar pneumonia may occur, affecting a single lung lobe.
    Pneumonia can also be caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. In general, the symptoms are not as severe as those of other types of pneumonia. This kind of pneumonia is known colloquially as “walking pneumonia,” as it usually isn’t bad enough to necessitate bed rest.
    Meningitis, sinus infections, and ear infections can also result from pneumococcal disease. Legionella (Legionnaires’ disease), Haemophilus influenza, and Chlamydia pneumoniae are further bacteria that can cause CAP.
  • Fungi: Pneumocystis jirovecii, Coccidioides, and Cryptococcus are examples of unusual causes of pneumonia that are caused by fungi. People with compromised immune systems, chronic health conditions, and those who have breathed high concentrations of the organisms are more likely to get this type of pneumonia. The fungus that cause it vary depending on the region and can be found in soil or bird droppings.
  • Viruses: Pneumonia can be brought on by certain viruses that cause colds and the flu. In children under five, viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia. Most cases of viral pneumonia are mild. However, it can sometimes go quite serious. Pneumonia caused by the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has the potential to get worse.
  • Protozoa: Pneumonia is rarely brought on by protozoa like Toxoplasma.
• Hospital–acquired pneumonia (HAP): Pneumonia may affect patients who are admitted to the hospital for another condition or procedure. Because the bacteria that causes hospital-acquired pneumonia may be more resistant to medications and because the patients are already sick the condition can be harmful. An increased risk of this kind of pneumonia exists for patients using breathing machines, or ventilators, which are frequently utilized in intensive care units.
• Healthcare associated pneumonia (HCAP): Healthcare-associated pneumonia is a type of bacterial infection that affects those receiving care in outpatient clinics, such as renal dialysis centers, or living in long-term care institutions like nursing homes. Healthcare-associated pneumonia can also be brought on by bacteria that are more resistant to antibiotics, just like hospital-acquired pneumonia.
• Aspiration pneumonia: When food, drink, vomit, or saliva enters your lungs, it can cause aspiration pneumonia. A brain injury, swallowing issues, heavy alcohol or drug use, or any condition that interferes with your regular gag reflex increase your risk of aspiration.
• Ventilator–associated pneumonia: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a concern if you require a respirator or breathing equipment to help you breathe while you’re in the hospital, commonly in the intensive care unit. VAP is caused by drug-resistant bacteria that also cause hospital-acquired pneumonia, as well as the same kind of bacteria that cause pneumonia that is acquired in the community.

The severity of pneumonia can vary from mild to life-threatening. The most vulnerable groups are those under the age of five, those over 65, those with compromised immune systems, and those in medical conditions. Pneumonia is often caused by pneumococcal disease, COVID-19, and the flu. The cause and severity of pneumonia determine the course of treatment.

Symptoms

Pneumonia can manifest with varying degrees of signs and symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, contingent upon factors such as its cause, your age, and overall health. While mild manifestations persist longer, they are often mistaken for symptoms of the flu or a common cold.

• Bacterial pneumonia signs and symptoms can appear gradually or abruptly. Among the indications are:
  • Chest pain when breathing or coughing.
  • Confusion or change in mental status.
  • Coughing with yellow, green or bloody mucus.
  • Cyanosis or bluish discoloration of skin, lips or nails.
  • Fast breathing.
  • Fever (up to 105 F or 40.55 C).
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Rapid heart rate.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Sweating or chills.
  • Tiredness or fatigue.
• Viral pneumonia signs and symptoms typically appear over a few days. In addition to symptoms resembling bacterial pneumonia, you may also have:
  • Dry cough.
  • Headache.
  • Muscle pain.
  • Severe tiredness or fatigue.
• Pneumonia in babies and newborns may not cause any symptoms at all or may cause symptoms that differ from those in adults, such as:
  • Coughing.
  • Crying more than usual.
  • Difficult to feed.
  • Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing (tachypnea).
  • Fever or chills,
  • General discomfort
  • Lack of energy or restlessness.
  • Less urine in diapers.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Noisy breathing or grunting sound.
  • Sweating, flushed skin, or pale skin.
  • Vomiting.

Pneumonia can rapidly turn into a life-threatening condition in certain elderly persons, those with heart failure, and those with persistent lung issues.

Consult your healthcare provider if you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, a persistent fever (102 F or higher), or a chronic cough (particularly if you’re producing pus in your cough).

Causes

Pneumonia can be triggered by a variety of bacteria. Viruses and bacteria are the most prevalent organisms present in the air we breathe. Ordinarily, your body is equipped to combat infections in your lungs caused by these microorganisms. However, there are instances when viruses and bacteria can overpower your immune system, even if your overall health is robust.

Risk factors

 Anyone can get pneumonia.  Although the bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia are contiguous, pneumonia itself is not.

• Age: Individuals who are 65 years of age or older, as well as children ages two and under, are more likely to contract pneumonia.
• Hospitalization: If you’re in a hospital intensive care unit, you have an increased risk of pneumonia, particularly if you’re dependent on a ventilator for breathing assistance.
• Tobacco usage: Smoking weakens the body’s defenses against the viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia.
• Other medical conditions: Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart disease increase your risk of pneumonia.
  Individuals who are receiving chemotherapy or long-term steroids, have undergone an organ transplant, or have HIV/AIDS are at risk.