Everything you need to know about pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs that causes both or one of the air sacs in the lungs to inflame and fill with liquid or pus. This can lead to an individual experiencing cough, phlegm build-up, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia can be caused by a number of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The severity of the condition depends on the age of an individual. Children and individuals over the age of 65 are more prone to developing severe pneumonia.

Types of pneumonia

• Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (HAP): At times, individuals who are admitted to hospital care tend to develop a resistant strain of pneumonia. Normally, this type of pneumonia is resistant to antibiotics and can be dangerous or life-threatening in nature.
• Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP): This type of pneumonia is one that is acquired outside the hospital or a medical setting.
• Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP): This type of pneumonia is a result of using a ventilator.
• Aspiration pneumonia: Aspiration pneumonia is a result of inhaling bacteria and other microorganisms into the lungs via food, drink, or saliva.

What are the common causes of pneumonia?

There is no singular cause of pneumonia. It can be caused due to a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Here are a few common infectious agents that can cause pneumonia.

• Bacterial Pneumonia: The most common bacteria that causes pneumonia is streptococcus pneumoniae. The other bacteria that can lead to the development of bacterial pneumonia are Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila.
• Viral Pneumonia: When it comes to viral pneumonia, there are a few infectious diseases that lead to the development of pneumonia. These conditions include influenza, rhinoviruses, and respiratory syncytial virus.
• Fungal Pneumonia: When it comes to fungal pneumonia, these can be caused by a fungus from the soil or via bird droppings. Fungi that can lead to pneumonia is pneumocystis jirovecii. These usually affect individuals with weakened immune systems.

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

The symptoms of pneumonia manifest depending on the severity of the condition. Here are a few common symptoms of pneumonia.

• Severe cough with phlegm
• Sweating or chills
• Pain in the chest
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Loss of or poor appetite
• Headaches
• Trouble breathing

These are only a few of the symptoms of pneumonia. Individuals can also experience symptoms based on their age.

Various modes of treatment available for pneumonia
Much like the signs and symptoms of pneumonia, a treatment that can cure pneumonia depends on the severity of the condition and the overall health of the individual.

There are three basic modes of treatment when it comes to pneumonia.

• Medication: One of the most common ways to treat pneumonia is a prescription medication. A course of oral antibiotics is prescribed by the doctor. It is very important to ensure that you are taking the entire course of medication. This will ensure that the infection has completely left your system and will prevent a relapse. Antibiotics do not work on viruses, which is why you need to resort to home healthcare when it comes to viral pneumonia.
• At-home healthcare: At-home healthcare is an essential part of regaining complete health. This requires the individual to take the right amount of over-the-the counter medication, along with getting the required amount of rest and fluids.
• Hospitalization: If an individual faces other health concerns along with pneumonia, they need to be hospitalized. They will be privy to a wide range of healthcare facilities and receive the best treatment, including intravenous medication and oxygen treatment.