Let’s delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for pneumonia. Whether you’re seeking information to safeguard your health or support a loved one, here is your resource for understanding pneumonia and making informed choices. Join us on a journey to better respiratory health with insights and expertise from Gwinnett Pulmonary and Sleep.
Pneumonia is a lung disease primarily affecting the air sacs (alveoli). These tiny sacs carry out the body’s important function of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. Pneumonia is considered one of the most serious lung diseases besides lung cancer.
Various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, can cause this pulmonary disease. Bacterial pneumonia is the most common form of pneumonia. Bacterial agents like Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae are responsible for this type of pneumonia. These bacterial species can cause severe forms of pneumonia often associated with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). They are also known to cause a range of other pulmonary diseases like sinusitis.
Various respiratory viruses cause the viral form of the disease. Sometimes, a seasonal influenza virus can evolve into viral pneumonia. Older adults, young children, and people with low immune systems are especially vulnerable to this viral pneumonia. A respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is another type of viral pneumonia that is prevalent in particular among infants, little children, and older people. Other viruses like adenoviruses and coronaviruses can also lead to pneumonia in some cases. Pneumonia occurring from fungal infections is less common than the other types. People with compromised immune systems, like those suffering from AIDS/HIV or undergoing chemotherapy, are at risk of getting this disease. In any case, you must consult a medical center at your earliest convenience.
Signs and symptoms of pneumonia may vary in severity for each person. Here are some common symptoms that people face:
These are common symptoms for a range of other respiratory diseases, so it is wise to consult professionals when facing these signs and let specialists like pulmonologists diagnose the disease.
Pneumonia can be categorized into different types depending on where and how it is spread. The risk factors, causes, and symptoms for each type may vary, and pulmonologists treat them differently, making it crucial to distinguish between them.
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the more common type of pneumonia. It is acquired outside of a medical healthcare setting. It develops when you get exposed to pneumonia-carrying microorganisms in your everyday life. Community-acquired pneumonia is often caused by common bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or viruses like the flu virus. Its symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include fever, cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Most cases of CAP can be treated by pulmonary medicines at home, such as common oral antibiotics. However, hospitalization may occur if the disease goes towards severity.
The other type of pneumonia is called hospital-acquired pneumonia. As the name may give you a hint, this develops when visiting a hospital or other medical facility. Hospital-acquired pneumonia is considered more difficult to treat due to the involvement of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the compromised health of patients in a healthcare environment. HAP is often caused by bacteria resistant to common antibiotics like the Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Klebsiella pneumonia. The symptoms of this type are similar to those of CAP; however, people exposed to healthcare facilities are at higher risk. In any case, critical care is required to cure each type of pneumonia.
Treatment for pneumonia involves a mix of medicine-based treatment and supportive therapies to combat the infection and alleviate symptoms. Your doctor will be able to design a personalized treatment plan based on your condition and its severity.
To treat bacterial pneumonia, doctors prescribe antibiotics that suit the type of bacteria causing the disease. This is determined through various diagnostic tests. Critical care must be taken to ensure that you complete the antibiotics course prescribed to you, even if the symptoms have subsided, to ensure that the infection has been fully eradicated. Likewise, pneumonia caused by viruses can be treated by taking a range of antiviral medicines. These are usually given within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Fungal pneumonia is similarly treated using anti-fungal medicines that are decided based on the type of fungus that is causing the disease. Other over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are used to alleviate any symptoms.
In some cases, the patient’s condition can get worse due to very low oxygen levels in their blood. In this scenario, oxygen therapy is imminent. Oxygen is then administered through a nasal cannula or face mask. This ensures that the body receives the proper amount of oxygen to function. You may be hospitalized if you have a weak immune system or complications in your condition. Hospital-based treatment allows intravenous (IV) antibiotics, close monitoring, and oxygen therapy.
Prevention of pneumonia is important to maintain good respiratory health, especially for people exposed to risk factors. The primary prevention measure that you can adopt is to get vaccinated. Vaccines are available for a range of different viruses like flu and COVID-19. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) are highly effective in preventing infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, a common cause of bacterial pneumonia.
Some lifestyle changes can also help in the prevention of pneumonia. Good hand hygiene, which includes regular hand washing, can help curb the spread of microorganisms. Moreover, aim to avoid smoking or second-hand smoke, which is harmful to your lung health. Make sure that you maintain healthy eating habits to boost your immune system.
Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that can affect anyone. Still, armed with knowledge, prevention, and access to expert care, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones. Gwinnett Pulmonary and Sleep is here to support you on your journey to better respiratory health. Whether you seek information, diagnosis, or treatment options, our experienced team is ready to assist you.
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