An infection of one or both lungs that causes the alveoli to fill with fluid or pus is called pneumonia. It causes difficulty breathing as well as coughing, wheezing, and chills. Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics and the viral type is treated with rest and other nonspecific measures.
Pneumonia is one of the most prevalent of the severe respiratory infections. More than 41,000 people die from pneumonia every year in the United States alone. It can be difficult to defend against pneumonia because it can occur in anyone at any age, but the very young and very old are the most susceptible.
Knowledge is the best defense. It is important to understand pneumonia to know how to keep your family safe. This guide is intended to assist the reader in understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and possible treatments. It will also assist the reader in understanding the possible modern preventative measures, including up-to-date vaccination recommendations.
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of the alveoli in the lungs that causes inflammation. Normally, a person’s alveoli fill with air when they breathe. When a person develops pneumonia, the alveoli fill with fluid or pus. This fluid makes it very difficult for a person to supply their body with the oxygen it needs.
Medical professionals categorize pneumonia by the location of the inflammation, Bronchitis, for example, inflames the bronchial tubes that transport air to the lungs, while the upper respiratory tract is inflamed in the common cold. Unlike these, pneumonia reaches the deeper lung tissues, and is thus more likely to be severe.
What are the typical infectious pneumonia symptoms?
The symptoms of pneumonia can be mild or even life-threatening. Typical symptoms of pneumonia include:
- A persistent cough, often producing phlegm that is yellow, green, or even blood-streaked.
- High temperatures often associated with sweating, as well as shaking chills.
- Feeling winded even when not exerting oneself.
- Sharp pain in the chest, especially when taking a deep breath or when coughing.
Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are examples of other symptoms less commonly experienced.
In what ways do pneumonia symptoms differ by age?
Young children, especially those that are still infants, do not exhibit the classic signs of most diseases of the respiratory system. Young children show extremely decreased levels of activity and may not drink or eat anything.
Those that are older, especially those over 65, may show sudden changes in the way that they think. Rather than a high fever, older patients may show a low-temperature.
Medical attention should be sought immediately upon the experience of any of the following symptoms: breathing difficulties, chest pain, or a bluish tint to the lips and fingers.
What can cause pneumonia?
Pneumonia can be triggered by many microscopic pathogens that can enter the respiratory tract. These causative agents can be classified by the type of infection they cause or by the kind of substance they are considered to be.
What type of pneumonia can be infectious?
Infection-related pneumonia is most prevalent among adults, and the most common pathogen is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is also a bacterium that causes a milder form of pneumonia related to the condition known as “walking pneumonia.”
Respiratory infections can also be caused by viruses. Pneumonia triggered by infections of the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is classified as viral pneumonia. Viral pneumonia is typically less severe than bacterial pneumonia, however, the illness is still serious.
It is even less common for pneumonia to be of a fungal origin. Fungal pneumonia primarily affects those with compromised immune systems, as well as those who breathe in large amounts of contaminated soil, or large amounts of bird droppings. Among compromised hosts, the most common pathogen is Pneumocystis jirovecii.
Can you get pneumonia without it being an infection?
It is indeed possible for pneumonia to be non-infectious. Presenting symptoms of aspiration pneumonia occur when a person inhales foreign substances into the respiratory system. This primarily occurs in those who have difficulties swallowing or have a neuromuscular condition.
Chemical pneumonitis is another cause. Irritation of lungs occurs when toxic substances, industrial gases, or smoke are inhaled. Certain medications can cause drug-induced pneumonia, which occurs with severe lung inflammation.
What are the different types of pneumonia?
Pneumonia can be classified by the method of contraction. This classification can make it easier to treat.
- Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP): The majority of patients who have pneumonia have CAP, since it is acquired outside of a hospital or other care facility.
- Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (HAP): This is contracted during a hospital stay and is usually caused by a more difficult strain of bacteria, making it a higher risk.
- Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP): This is a HAP and is caused in a patient who is in an Intensive Care Unit and is on ventilator assistance.
- Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia (HCAP): This type of pneumonia is acquired in a long-term care facility or outpatient clinic.
How do doctors diagnose pneumonia?
When diagnosing pneumonia, the physician will review the patient’s history, and perform a physical exam. The physician will use the stethoscope to listen to the patient’s lungs for bubbling or wheezing.
If an infection is suspected, the following tests will help in the diagnosis:
- Chest X-ray: This will help identify the presence of pneumonia.
- Blood tests: A CBC will help identify the fighting capability of the white blood cells.
- Sputum culture: A sample of mucus of a deep cough will be tested to help identify the causative agent.
- Pulse oximetry: This will help indirectly identify pneumonia by measuring blood oxygen levels.
- Really Sick or Reluctant to Get Better?
- Bronchoscopy: In serious, persistent cases of pneumonia, we can use a flexible tube with a camera attached and look into the patients’ lungs and airways.
How do we treat pneumonia?
How we treat pneumonia primarily depends on how sick the patient is and what causes the infection.
For bacterial pneumonia, we use antibiotics with a standard 5-10 day time to treat the infection if the patient does not require hospitalization. To stop antibiotic resistance, the full course of medication has to be taken, even if the patient feels healthy again.
For viral pneumonia, there is no course of antibiotics. To treat viral pneumonia, we provide care to the patient to treat the symptoms of the infection. Antivirals such as Oseltamivir and Remdesivir may be prescribed if the patient has Influenza or COVID-19. Unfortunately, for fungal pneumonia, we have to prescribe antifungals which take a long time to work.
In order to support and care for all of the patients, we recommend OTC pain relievers to treat fever and body aches. We also recommend plenty of fluids to loosen mucus, and a lot of rest. Serious cases of pneumonia may require hospitalization and IV therapy.
How do we stop getting pneumonia?
The best way to stop getting pneumonia is by getting vaccinated and getting the flu shot every year so that the Influenza virus does not cause a serious case of viral pneumonia.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have new guidelines for the pneumococcal vaccine. In 2024, the CDC will recommend the vaccine for all adults 50 and older. The vaccine is also recommended for children under 5 and those with certain medical conditions.
There are many good practices to reduce the risk of the spread of disease. Good hygiene, e.g. washing your hands with soap and warm water, is important. A healthy balanced diet and the management of chronic health conditions such as diabetes and asthma will help to keep your respiratory system healthy. Avoiding tobacco smoke is also important.
What complications can arise from pneumonia?
While many people do recover from pneumonia, there are many complications and some of these could be fatal.
Bacteremia occurs when the infection of the lungs is now in the blood, and this has the potential to cause failure of multiple organs. A lung abscess is when pus forms in a cavity within the tissue of the lung. Pleural effusion is when there is excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the wall of the chest. In the most severe cases, this can progress to ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome), a failure of the lungs which requires emergency mechanical assistance to aid in normal ventilation.
Protecting your lung health
While pneumonia is a serious condition, it is readily treatable with the right medical attention and can be avoided. The early detection of symptoms and prompt care are the best defense against complications. If you have a constant cough and are experiencing sharp pains in the chest and have trouble catching your breath, prompt medical care is necessary. Vaccinations and practicing good hygiene can help protect your lungs from infection.
Frequently asked questions about pneumonia
What is the pneumonia recovery time?
The recovery time for pneumonia will differ depending on a patient’s age and the pneumonia severity. Most healthy adults report a significant recovery within one to three weeks. Resuming normal activities at this time is very common, but some report a mild cough and fatigue for a month or more.
Is pneumonia classified as a contagious disease?
While pneumonia itself does not spread, the causes of pneumonia are classified as contagious. If a sick person does spread the virus or the bacteria, you will probably develop a common cold or a mild upper respiratory infection and not pneumonia.
Is it possible to have pneumonia and not be prescribed antibiotics?
Yes, the coronavirus pneumonia (Viral pneumonia) can be treated without antibiotics. Antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial pneumonia. Never self-treat or self-diagnose a lung infection. You need a professional medical opinion for this.
Is the cost of the pneumococcal vaccine covered by health insurance?
When vaccines are administered according to CDC guidance, the cost is covered by all major insurance including all plans of Medicare, including Medicare Part B. Your specific insurance decides the coverage and copay.
