top of page
Search

Pneumonia

What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. How common is pneumonia? In 2017, over 1.3 million Americans were infected with pneumonia. Out of those 1.3 million people, about 50,000 people died from pneumonia. Who is most at risk for pneumonia? People most at risk for pneumonia are infants, young children, adults over 65, smokers, or those with underlying health problems, compromised immune systems, or chronic disease. What are the symptoms of epilepsy? Symptoms of pneumonia include chest pain when coughing/breathing, phlegm when coughing, fatigue, fever, nausea, shortness of breath, and in people who are over 65, confusion and low body temperature. How does pneumonia affect a person’s body? Because pneumonia makes it harder to breathe, there is a decreased oxygen consumption, and as a result, the whole body is affected. Also, pneumonia induces fever and inflammation in the respiratory system, causing your body to work much harder than it needs to. Some effects of pneumonia include mental confusion, low body temperature, chills, mucus, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. In some cases, nausea, vomiting, urinary tract infections, and bluish skin can occur. In severe cases, pneumonia can cause organ failure, septic shock, heart failure, and lead to death. What causes pneumonia? Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all cause different strains of pneumonia. Some of the bacteria or viruses that cause pneumonia include:

  • Covid-19

  • Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection

  • Human Parainfluenza Virus (HPIV)

  • Influenza

  • Legionnaires’ disease

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae

  • Pneumococcal Disease

  • Pneumocystis Pneumonia

  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection

  • Rhinovirus Infection

These pneumonia-causing bacteria and viruses can be acquired and spread in various ways, some of which, but not limited to, include other people, a healthcare facility, or a ventilator.

How is pneumonia diagnosed? To diagnose pneumonia, doctors often first do a physical exam and use a stethoscope to check for any abnormal bubbling or crackling sounds that could indicate pneumonia. If pneumonia is suspected, doctors would order supplemental tests to confirm this diagnosis. Some of these additional tests include blood tests, chest X-rays, pulse oximetry (which measures the oxygen level in your blood), and sputum test (which analyzes fluid from your lungs). CT scans and pleural fluid cultures could also be used to diagnose pneumonia, especially for those over 65. How is pneumonia treated? Pneumonia is treated by curing the infection and preventing complications. Depending on the type and severity, there are varying treatment options. Some treatments for pneumonia include:

  • Antibiotics - to treat pneumonia caused by bacteria

  • Cough medicine - to calm coughs, but used minimally because coughs loosen the fluid in your lungs

  • Fever reducers - to treat fevers

  • Pain relievers - to treat discomfort​

If your symptoms aren’t as severe and you can treat your pneumonia at home, you can treat pneumonia by:

  • Getting plenty of rest

  • Staying hydrated

  • Taking medicine if prescribed

How to prevent pneumonia? To prevent pneumonia, you should do the following:

  • Get vaccinated - you can be vaccinated from certain types of pneumonia, so be sure to get your vaccines!

  • Practice good hygiene - be sure to wash your hands

  • Don’t smoke - smoking can weaken your respiratory system and the efficiency of your lungs

  • Keep your immune system strong by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet.

Comments

bottom of page