Pneumonia: Symptoms, Causes, Types, Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment.

 

Pneumonia

Pneumonia:

Pneumonia is an inflammatory disease of the lungs. It is caused by lungs parenchymal inflammation. It is usually caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi infection. Pneumonia can be mild to life-threatening. There is also a possibility of getting flu from pneumonia. Pneumonia is more common in people with chronic illnesses, weakened immune systems, and older people. However, young and healthy people can also get pneumonia. When the lungs are infected with Streptococcus bacteria or a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the lungs become swollen, filled with pus or fluid, which reduces the ability to breathe by taking oxygen. Then there is an inflammation in the lungs.

Symptoms of pneumonia:

The symptoms of pneumonia vary and it depends on the physical condition and what type of germs have been infected. The symptoms of pneumonia are as follows:

• High fever,
• Tiredness,
• Trouble breathing, rapid breathing or shortness of breath,
• Sweating,
• Chills,
• Cough with mucus and it will be greenish in colour or contain a small amount of blood,
• Chest pain or abdominal pain, especially during coughing or deep breathing,
• Loss of appetite,
• Confused mental state or changes in awareness,
• Headache,
• Sore throat,
• Muscle pain,
• Weakness.

 

Causes of pneumonia:

The infectious agents that cause pneumonia are discussed below:

Bacterial pneumonia:

Streptococcus pneumonia is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia. This type of pneumonia can also be caused by Haemophilus influenza, Mycoplasma pneumonia and Legionella pneumophila.

Viral pneumonia:

This type of pneumonia is often caused by respiratory viruses. Some respiratory viruses are respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza (flu), rhinoviruses (common cold), etc.Viral pneumonia is usually mild and gets better within one to three weeks without treatment.

Fungal pneumonia:

Soil or bird dropping fungi can cause fungal pneumonia. People with a weakened immune system are suffered from this type of pneumonia. Cryptococcus species, Pneumocystis jirovecii, Histoplasmosis species, etc. can cause fungal pneumonia.

Types of pneumonia:

Pneumonia can be the following types: 

Hospital-acquired pneumonia:

Hospital-acquired pneumonia is a type of bacterial pneumonia and it is acquired during a hospital stay. It is more serious than other types of pneumonia. This type of pneumonia is more resistant to antibiotics.

Community-acquired pneumonia:

Community-acquired pneumonia is acquired outside of a hospital or other healthcare facility.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia:

People who are using a ventilator and when they get pneumonia, it is called Ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Aspiration pneumonia:

Aspiration pneumonia happens when someone inhales bacteria into his lungs from food, drink, or saliva. This type is more likely to occur if someone has a swallowing problem.

Who has the highest risk of pneumonia:

People with a high risk of pneumonia are:

• Those under 2 years of age and over 65 years of age. Because older people have low immune system and children's immune system is still developing, they are more likely to get infected.
• People with weakened immune systems. Such as, people receiving chemotherapy, recipients of transplanted organs,
• Those who have HIV or AIDS,
• People with autoimmune diseases, and those who are taking medications that suppress the immune system.
• People who have lung or heart problems. Such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, chronic pulmonary disease, emphysema, bronchiectasis,
• Pulmonary fibrosis, uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, sarcoidosis.
• People with neurological problems are at risk of pneumonia. Such as, dementia, Parkinson's disease, stroke.
• People in the ICU in the hospital.
• People who need a ventilator to breathe are at higher risk.
• Those who smoke or drink alcohol. Smoking damages lung tissues and long-term alcohol abuse weakens the immune system.
• People who are exposed to toxic fumes, chemical fumes. These pollutants weaken the function of the lungs and make the lung infection easier.
• Pregnant women are at risk of pneumonia.

Diagnosis of pneumonia:

At first doctor write down the medical history and then check the lungs with a stethoscope for any abnormal sounds. To be sure doctor can suggest one or more of the following tests:

Chest X-ray:

Chest X-ray helps doctor look for signs of inflammation in the chest. If inflammation is present, the X-ray can also inform doctor about its location and extent.

Blood culture:

This test is done to confirm an infection. Culturing also help to identify the cause that create the problem.

Sputum culture:

For sputum culture, a sample of mucus is collected after you have coughed deeply. Then the sample is  sent to a lab to be analyzed to identify the cause of the infection.

Pulse oximetry:

Pulse oximetry helps to measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. A sensor is placed on one of the fingers that can indicate whether the lungs are providing enough oxygen through the bloodstream.

CT scan:

CT scans is done to get a clearer and more detailed picture of the lungs.

Fluid sample:

If doctor suspects fluid is present in the pleural space of the chest, then he can take a fluid sample using a needle placed between the ribs. This test helps to identify the cause of infection.

Bronchoscopy:

Bronchoscopy looks into the airways in the lungs. This test is done using a camera on the end of a flexible tube that is gently guided down the throat and into the lungs. Doctor can do this test if initial symptoms are severe and not responding well to antibiotics.

Prevention of pneumonia:

• Wash your hands thoroughly,
• Take care of yourself,
• Get enough rest,
• Eat a balanced diet,
• Don't smoke,
• Avoid sneezing or coughing in front of others,
• When sneezing or coughing, one should cover the face with the hand or use a handkerchief,
• Take vaccines, such as the influenza vaccine for influenza, are very effective.
• Diabetes, AIDS, malnutrition, etc. should be treated.

Treatment of pneumonia:

Pneumonia treatment depends on the severity and type of the pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics. Viral types of pneumonia are generally treated with rest and plenty of fluids. Antiviral drugs can be used for influenza.Fungal pneumonia is usually treated with antifungal drugs. Doctors usually prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) medications for pneumonia. These include treatments for fever, pain relief and cough suppression. Also, it is very important to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Drinking plenty of fluids helps to thin out thick phlegm and mucus.

Patient with pneumonia may need hospitalization if the symptoms are bad or if a person has a weakened immune system or other serious illness. Patients in the hospital are usually treated with antibiotics and fluids.They may need a supplemental oxygen supply.