Pneumonia

Symptoms

• Fever
• Cough, which may produce phlegm or mucus
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fatigue
• Sweating
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion, especially in older adults

Causes

• Bacterial pneumonia: caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus Pneumoniae
• Viral pneumonia: caused by viruses such as influenza (the flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Fungal pneumonia: caused by fungi such as Aspergillus and Pneumocystis jirovecii
• Pneumonia can also be classified based on how it is acquired:
• Community-acquired pneumonia: contracted outside of a healthcare setting, such as in the community
• Hospital-acquired pneumonia: contracted during a hospital stay
• Healthcare-associated pneumonia: contracted in a healthcare setting other than a hospital

Risk factors

• Age: Pneumonia is more common in older adults and very young children.
• Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or cancer, may be at an increased risk of pneumonia.
• Chronic health conditions: People with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, may be at an increased risk of pneumonia.
• Smoking: Smoking can damage the respiratory system and increase the risk of pneumonia.
• Alcohol abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of pneumonia.
• Living in a long-term care facility: People who live in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, may be at an increased risk of pneumonia due to close contact with others and a higher risk of respiratory infections.

Complications

• Sepsis: Severe pneumonia can lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs.
• Respiratory failure: Pneumonia can cause inflammation and fluid accumulation in the lungs, which can lead to respiratory failure, a condition in which the lungs are unable to adequately oxygenate the blood.
• Abscess: Pneumonia can cause the formation of an abscess, a collection of pus in the lung tissue.
• Pleural effusion: Pneumonia can cause fluid to accumulate around the lungs, a condition called pleural effusion.
• Long-term lung damage: Pneumonia can cause long-term damage to the lungs, leading to chronic respiratory problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

How to diagnose it?

• Physical exam: A physical exam can help a healthcare provider assess your overall health and check for signs of pneumonia, such as a rapid breathing rate, a cough, and chest pain.
• Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can help a healthcare provider see the structure of your lungs and check for signs of pneumonia, such as fluid in the lungs or inflammation.
• Blood tests: Blood tests can help a healthcare provider check for an infection and determine the type of infection.
• Sputum culture: A sputum culture is a test that involves collecting a sample of the phlegm or mucus that you cough up and testing it for the presence of bacteria or other pathogens.
• Pulse oximetry: This test measures the amount of oxygen in your blood using a device that is placed on your finger or earlobe. A low oxygen level can be a sign of pneumonia.
• Bronchoscopy: In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend a bronchoscopy, a procedure that involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end into the airways through the nose or mouth. This can help a healthcare provider see inside the airways and collect a sample of lung tissue for testing.

How to prevent

• Get vaccinated: Vaccines are available to protect against certain types of pneumonia, such as pneumococcal pneumonia. These vaccines are especially important for people at high risk of pneumonia, such as older adults, very young children, and people with underlying health conditions.
• Wash your hands: Proper hand hygiene can help reduce the risk of respiratory infections, including pneumonia. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid close contact with infected people: Pneumonia can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through close contact with an infected person. To reduce your risk of contracting pneumonia, try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking damages the respiratory system and increases the risk of pneumonia. If you smoke, consider quitting to reduce your risk of developing the condition.
• Practice good respiratory hygiene: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of tissues properly.
• Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet can help boost your immune system and reduce your risk of infections, including pneumonia.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help thin mucus and make it easier to cough up, which can help prevent pneumonia.

When do you need to see a doctor?

It is important to see a healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of pneumonia, especially if you are at increased risk of developing the condition. Symptoms of pneumonia can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and sweating. 

It is especially important to see a healthcare provider if you have a high fever, severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or a cough that produces bloody or greenish mucus. These symptoms can indicate a more serious case of pneumonia that may require immediate treatment. 

If you have underlying health conditions, are over the age of 65, or have a weakened immune system, it is important to be extra vigilant about seeking medical attention for any respiratory symptoms, as you may be at an increased risk of complications from pneumonia.

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