Pneumonia: Causes, symptoms, and treatments | 3 min read

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that affects the lungs. The immune system’s reaction to this infection causes the lung’s air sacs to fill with pus and fluids. This condition can range from mild to severe and can be caused by various factors, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Pneumonia can make breathing difficult and cause a fever and cough with yellow, green, or bloody mucus. The flu, COVID-19, and pneumococcal disease are common causes of pneumonia.

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of pneumonia. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for pneumonia is essential for effective management and recovery.

Unveiling the Causes of Pneumonia

Pneumonia can originate from a diverse array of infectious agents:

• Bacteria: While Streptococcus pneumoniae remains the primary bacterial cause of pneumonia, other bacteria, such as Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus, can also incite the infection.
• Viruses: Influenza, respiratory syncytial (RSV), and adenoviruses often trigger viral pneumonia.
• Fungi: Fungal pneumonia, though less common, typically manifests in individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients.
• Other Culprits: Ingesting food, liquids, gases, or dust particles can lead to aspiration pneumonia.

Identifying the symptoms

Symptoms of pneumonia can vary based on factors such as the infection’s cause, the individual’s age, and overall health.

Common indicators encompass:

• Chest discomfort: Sharp or stabbing chest pain that exacerbates during breathing or coughing.
• Coughing: Persistent coughing accompanied by phlegm (sputum) production, which may exhibit green, yellow, or bloody hues.
• Fever: Elevated body temperature, accompanied by sweating and shaking chills.
• Breathing Difficulty: Laboured breathing, particularly evident during physical exertion.
• Fatigue: Profound exhaustion or unusual tiredness.
• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Some individuals may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and respiratory manifestations.

Seeking medical attention

Upon experiencing symptoms of pneumonia, promptly seek medical evaluation. A healthcare provider typically conducts a physical examination and may order diagnostic tests such as chest X-rays or blood work to confirm the diagnosis.

If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, find and consult an Intercare doctor near you or consult with a doctor online for proper evaluation and treatment.

Treatment typically involves:

• Antibiotics: If bacterial pneumonia is identified, targeted antibiotics are prescribed to combat the specific bacteria causing the infection.
• Antiviral or Antifungal Medications: In cases of viral or fungal pneumonia, appropriate antiviral or antifungal agents may be administered.
• Rest and Hydration: Adequate rest and fluid intake are pivotal for recovery.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can alleviate fever and discomfort.

Severe pneumonia cases may necessitate hospitalisation, especially among older adults, young children, or individuals with compromised immune systems.

Who is most vulnerable to Pneumonia?

Certain factors increase one’s susceptibility to pneumonia, including if you:

• Fall into the age brackets of over 65 or under two years old.
• Have preexisting lung or heart conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, or sarcoidosis.
• Experience difficulty swallowing due to neurological conditions like dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or stroke, elevating the risk of aspiration pneumonia.
• Work in hospitals or long-term care facilities where exposure to pathogens is heightened.

Preventing Pneumonia

While pneumonia poses a significant health risk, adopting preventive measures can mitigate its incidence:

• Vaccination: Vaccines such as pneumococcal and influenza protect against specific pneumonia-causing agents.
• Hygiene practices: Adhere to good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, avoiding facial contact, and employing proper cough and sneeze etiquette.
• Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking reduces lung damage and lowers the risk of respiratory infections, including pneumonia.
• Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and prioritise sufficient sleep to bolster immune function.

Individuals can proactively safeguard themselves and their loved ones against this prevalent respiratory affliction by comprehending pneumonia’s origins, symptoms, and treatment modalities. If pneumonia is suspected, prompt medical attention ensures timely diagnosis and intervention.