Let's learn more about pneumonia. Don't be afraid, let's talk!

When you hear the word pneumonia, you probably get a little scared, right? It's normal to get a little scared when you hear things like this: mucus in the chest, difficulty breathing . But today, let's talk simply and politely about what exactly pneumonia is, why it occurs, how to avoid it, and what to do if it occurs.

What is pneumonia?

Simply put, pneumonia is an infection of your lungs. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or sometimes fungi. This infection causes your lung tissue to swell, which is called inflammation . The lungs can then become filled with fluid, such as water , or pus.

inflammation

Bacterial pneumonia is usually more severe than viral pneumonia. Viral pneumonia often resolves on its own.

Pneumonia can affect just one lung, or it can affect both lungs. When it affects both lungs, we call it bilateral or double pneumonia .

How does pneumonia develop? What are the types?

What is the difference between pneumonia caused by bacteria and pneumonia caused by viruses?

Just think, even though pneumonia is the same disease, the symptoms may differ slightly depending on the cause (bacteria, virus, or fungus).

Bacterial pneumonia is the most common type of pneumonia, and it can be a bit more severe. When this happens, you may have to stay in the hospital. Doctors give antibiotics for this.

Viral pneumonia causes symptoms similar to a fever and a cold. In most cases, it resolves without any special treatment.

Main types of pneumonia

Pneumonia is classified by the pathogen that caused it (i.e. virus, bacteria, fungus) and by where you got it from, i.e. in the community, in a hospital, or on a ventilator.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)

If you get pneumonia outside of a healthcare setting, such as at home or at work, it's called community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This can be caused by:

• Bacteria: The bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (also known as pneumococcal disease) is the main cause of CAP. This bacteria can also cause ear infections, sinus infections, and meningitis. Pneumonia caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae is usually less severe. The bacteria Haemophilus influenzae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Legionella (Legionnaires' disease) also cause CAP.
• Viruses: Viruses such as the common cold , influenza, COVID -19 , and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) can sometimes cause pneumonia.
• Fungi/molds: Fungi such as `Cryptococcus`, `Pneumocystis jirovecii` and `Coccidioides` rarely cause pneumonia. People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing pneumonia from fungi.
• Protozoa : Very rarely, protozoa like Toxoplasma can also cause pneumonia.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)

If you get pneumonia while you're in the hospital for another illness or surgery, it's called hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). It can be more serious than community-acquired pneumonia. This is because it's often caused by bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). This means that HAP can make you sicker and harder to get better.

Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP)

This type of pneumonia can develop while staying in a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home, or during long-term treatment in an outpatient setting. Like hospital-acquired pneumonia, it is often caused by bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)

If you have to use a respirator or breathing machine to help you breathe in the hospital (often in the intensive care unit – ICU), you are at risk of developing VAP. This can be caused by bacteria that cause community-acquired pneumonia, as well as by drug-resistant bacteria that cause hospital-acquired pneumonia.

Aspiration pneumonia (pneumonia caused by food or liquids entering the airway)

This is a little different. When something like food, liquids, saliva, or vomit goes up your windpipe (windpipe) into your lungs, that's called aspiration. If you can't cough it out , it can cause an infection in your lungs and lead to pneumonia.

Is it pneumonia, a cold, or the flu? How do you know for sure?

Sometimes, the symptoms of a cold, flu, and pneumonia can be similar, making it difficult to tell the difference. Only a doctor can tell you exactly what the illness is. Pneumonia can be life-threatening , so you should definitely see a doctor if you have any of these serious symptoms:

• Chest tightness or pain.
• Difficulty breathing .
• A fever of 38.88 degrees Celsius (102 Fahrenheit) or higher.
• Yellow, green, or bloody mucus discharge.

Who is at higher risk of developing pneumonia?

The following people are at slightly higher risk of developing pneumonia:

• People over 65 years of age and children under 2 years of age.
• People with lung or heart disease , such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, or sarcoidosis.
• People with neurological conditions that cause difficulty swallowing. Conditions such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, and stroke are at increased risk of developing aspiration pneumonia.
• People in a hospital or long-term care facility.
• People who smoke.
• Pregnant mothers.
• People with a weakened immune system. If you are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, have had an organ transplant, have HIV/AIDS, or are taking medications that suppress the immune system, your immune system may be weakened.

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

Symptoms of pneumonia vary depending on the cause. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may vary in infants, young children, and the elderly.

Symptoms of Bacterial Pneumonia

Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia can come on slowly or suddenly. These are the main symptoms:

• High fever (can go up to 40.55 degrees Celsius or 105 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Cough with yellow, green, or bloody phlegm
• Fatigue.
• Rapid breathing.
• Shortness of breath.
• Heart rate increases.
• Sweating or feeling cold and having a fever (chills).
• Chest pain and/or abdominal pain, especially when coughing or taking a deep breath.
• The food is tasteless.
• Blue color of the skin, lips, or fingernails (cyanosis).
• Confusion or change in mental status.

Symptoms of Viral Pneumonia

Symptoms of viral pneumonia usually appear over a few days. You may have symptoms similar to those of bacterial pneumonia, or you may also have:

• Dry cough.
• Headache.
• Muscle pain.
• Extreme fatigue or weakness.

Symptoms of pneumonia in young children

Very young babies and newborns may not show symptoms of pneumonia, or their symptoms may be different from those of adults. Look for things like:

• Fever, chills, general discomfort, sweating/redness of the skin.
• Cough.
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing (tachypnea).
• The food is tasteless.
• Vomiting.
• Lack of energy.
• Restlessness or frequent crying.

You may also see these signs in babies and young children:

• It sounds like a snoring sound when you breathe.
• The amount of urination decreases, or the number of wet diapers decreases.
• The skin becomes pale.
• The body is losing its life.
• Crying more than usual.
• Refuses to drink milk/eat food.

Symptoms of pneumonia in people over 65 years old

People over 65 or those with weakened immune systems may have milder or fewer symptoms of pneumonia (such as cough and shortness of breath). They may also have worse symptoms of other chronic conditions. Older people may experience:

• A sudden change in mental state.
• The food is tasteless.
• Tired.

What causes pneumonia?

Pneumonia occurs when your immune system attacks the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs when an infection occurs. This causes the lungs to swell and leak fluid.

There are many types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can cause infections that cause pneumonia. Bacteria are the main cause of pneumonia in adults , and viruses are the main cause in school-age children . Here are some common illnesses that can lead to pneumonia:

• Common cold (rhinovirus)
• Covid-19 (`SARS-COV-2`)
• Influenza virus
• Human metapneumovirus (`HMPV – human metapneumovirus`)
• Human parainfluenza virus (HPIV)
• Legionnaires' disease
• Mycoplasma pneumonia bacteria
• Pneumococcal disease
• Pneumocystis pneumonia
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Is pneumonia contagious?

Actually, pneumonia itself is not contagious . But the bacteria and viruses that cause it are contagious . Think of it this way: a fever is a contagious disease that can cause pneumonia. But not everyone who gets a fever gets pneumonia.

Streptococcus pneumoniae, the most common cause of pneumonia, can be spread from person to person through touching infected surfaces or through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Fungal pneumonia is not contagious. Fungal infections are not spread from person to person like viruses or bacteria.

How do doctors diagnose pneumonia? (Diagnosis)

To find out if you have pneumonia, a doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. They will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope, and may also do other tests. This may include taking pictures (such as chest X-rays), pulse oximetry (checking the oxygen level in your blood), blood tests, or sputum tests.

Important: Even if a doctor confirms that you have pneumonia, sometimes they may not be able to find the exact cause.

What tests are being done for this?

Your doctor may do tests to check your lungs for signs of infection, measure how well your lungs are working, and examine blood or other body fluids to find the cause of your pneumonia, such as:

• Imaging: A chest X-ray or CT scan can be done to look for signs of lung infection.
• Blood tests: Blood tests can help determine what type of infection is causing your pneumonia.
• Sputum test: You will be asked to cough up and put some sputum into a container. It will be sent to a lab to see if there are any signs of infection and what is causing it.
• Pulse oximetry: A sensor is used to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood. This can give your doctor an idea of ​​how well your lungs are working.
• Pleural fluid culture: A sample of the fluid around your lungs is taken using a thin needle and sent to a lab to look for the cause of the infection.
• Arterial blood gas test: A blood sample is taken from your wrist, arm, or groin to measure the oxygen level in your blood. This can help determine how well your lungs are working.
• Bronchoscopy: In some cases, a doctor may use a thin, lighted tube called a bronchoscope to look inside the lungs. They may also take tissue or fluid samples to test in a lab.

How is pneumonia treated?

Treatment for pneumonia depends on the cause (bacterial, viral, fungal) and how serious your condition is. Since the exact cause is often unknown, treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms and stopping your condition from getting worse.

There may be treatments such as:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are given for bacterial pneumonia. They don't work against viruses, but a doctor may give them if you have a bacterial infection along with a virus.
• Antifungal medications: These medications are given for pneumonia caused by a fungal infection.
• Antiviral medications: Viral pneumonia usually doesn't require treatment, and it can go away on its own. However, to reduce the length and severity of your illness if you have a virus, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), zanamivir (Relenza®), or peramivir (Rapivab®).
• Oxygen therapy: If you are not getting enough oxygen, a doctor can give you extra oxygen through a tube placed in your nose or a mask placed on your face.
• Intravenous fluids (IV fluids): Fluids given directly into a vein (IV) can prevent or treat dehydration.
• Fluid removal: If you have a lot of fluid between your lungs and chest wall (pleural effusion), a doctor can remove it. This can be done using a catheter or surgery.

Does pneumonia heal on its own?

Viral pneumonia often clears up on its own, but you should always follow your doctor's instructions to treat symptoms and reduce the risk of serious complications.

Things you can do at home to reduce the symptoms of pneumonia

These things can help you feel better and manage the symptoms of pneumonia:

• Pain relievers and fever reducers: Your doctor may recommend taking medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®) and acetaminophen ( paracetamol (Panadol) ®) for body aches and fever.
• Cough suppressants: Ask your doctor before taking cough suppressants for pneumonia, as coughing is important for clearing the lungs.
• Breathing treatments and exercises: Your doctor may prescribe these treatments to loosen mucus and make breathing easier.
• Using a humidifier:Your doctor may recommend keeping a small humidifier near your bed or taking a steamy shower. This can help you breathe easier.
• Drink plenty of water.

How soon will I feel better after starting treatment?

How quickly you recover depends on these things:

• your age.
• The cause of your pneumonia.
• The severity of pneumonia.
• Whether you have other health conditions or complications.

If you are generally healthy, symptoms of bacterial pneumonia should start to improve within 24 to 48 hours of starting treatment . You may feel better within a few days of treatment for viral pneumonia. However, some symptoms, such as cough and fatigue, may last for several weeks.

How long can someone with pneumonia be contagious to others after recovery?

If you have bacterial pneumonia, you are considered to be no longer contagious once your fever has gone and you have been taking antibiotics for at least two days . If you have viral pneumonia, you can still be contagious until you feel better and have been fever-free for a few days.

How can you prevent pneumonia?

The best way to prevent pneumonia is to get vaccinated against the bacteria and viruses that most commonly cause it. There are also health habits you can follow every day to reduce your risk of getting pneumonia.

Vaccines for pneumonia

There are two types of vaccines that prevent pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria. Like the flu vaccine, these vaccines don't protect against all types of pneumonia. But if you do get sick, it's less likely to be severe.

• Pneumococcal vaccines: Vaccines protect against pneumonia bacteria. These are recommended for certain age groups and people who are at high risk of developing pneumonia. Ask your doctor which vaccine is right for you or your loved ones.
• Vaccines against viruses: Since some viruses can cause pneumonia, getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza (flu) can reduce the risk of developing pneumonia.
• Childhood vaccinations: If you have children, ask their doctor about other vaccines they should get. Several childhood vaccines help protect against bacteria and viruses that can cause pneumonia.

Other ways to protect yourself from pneumonia

In addition to getting vaccinated, these health habits can help you reduce your risk of developing and spreading pneumonia:

• Avoid smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Smoking damages your lungs and increases your risk of developing infections.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating, before preparing food, and after using the bathroom. Use soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• If you or someone else has a contagious illness like a fever, cold, or COVID-19, avoid close contact with them and using their belongings.
• If you have to stay in a hospital or other healthcare facility, don't be afraid to ask your doctors how to reduce the risk of developing an infection during your stay.
• Eat a well-balanced diet, exercise, and get enough rest.
• Get treatment for any other infections or health conditions you may have. These conditions can weaken your immune system and increase your risk of developing pneumonia.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

What are the possible complications if pneumonia develops?

Pneumonia can cause serious complications that may require hospitalization. These can include:

• Breathing difficulties: Pneumonia can cause respiratory failure or a condition called `ARDS ​​(acute respiratory distress syndrome)`.
• Fluid accumulation around the lungs (pleural effusion).
• Bacteria entering the bloodstream (`bacteremia`) or `sepsis`: The bacteria that cause pneumonia can enter the bloodstream and spread the infection to other organs, causing sepsis or organ failure.
• Lung abscess: Pneumonia can cause pus-filled cavities inside the lungs.

When do you need to be hospitalized for pneumonia?

If you have severe pneumonia or complications, you may need to stay in the hospital for treatment. You are more likely to be hospitalized if you:

• If you are under 2 years old or over 65.
• If the immune system is weak.
• If you have health conditions that affect the heart and lungs.

Remember: If you are hospitalized for pneumonia, it can take about six to eight weeks to get back to normal.

Things you can do to get relief when you have pneumonia

Here are some things you can do to feel a little better when you have pneumonia:

• Manage your symptoms as recommended by your doctor.
• Take all medications prescribed by your doctor exactly as prescribed, for the full duration . Don't stop taking antibiotics just because you feel better. Take them until you finish the full course. If you don't finish the full course, your pneumonia may come back.
• Take fever-reducing medications (such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen) as directed on the label. Never give aspirin to children.
• Rest well.

If at any time you feel that the pain is getting worse, call your doctor immediately.

What are the signs that pneumonia is healing?

As you start to recover from pneumonia, your fever will first return to normal. Then, you will notice that your phlegm is decreasing. Feeling like you can do some of your normal activities is also a good sign that you are recovering.

When can I go to work or school after developing pneumonia?

If your symptoms have gone away, become milder, or are improving, you can resume your normal activities unless you have any of these new or worsening symptoms:

• Shortness of breath or fatigue (lack of energy).
• Chest pain.
• Phlegm, fever, or cough.

If you are generally healthy, most people feel well enough to return to their previous activities within about a week. However, it can take up to a month to fully recover.

When should I see a doctor?

Talk to your doctor, especially if you are already sick, have another chronic illness, or if you develop new symptoms like these, or if your existing symptoms get worse:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Fever or cough with phlegm.
• Fatigue.
• Change in appetite (feeling like eating less).

When should you go to the emergency room?

In this situation, go to the emergency room immediately, or call 1990:

• If you have difficulty breathing, or if you feel suffocated even when just standing still.
• It's okay if you have new chest pain or if the existing pain gets worse.
• If you feel confused or can't think clearly.

Can you get pneumonia without a fever?

Yes, although pneumonia is often accompanied by fever, it is possible to develop pneumonia with or without a low-grade fever . This is more likely to happen to people who:

• For people over 65 or under 2 years of age (especially newborns and young children).
• For those with weak immune systems.

Is there a difference in the way pneumonia is treated in young children?

There is generally no significant difference in the way pneumonia is treated in young children. However, young children are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with pneumonia and are more likely to be hospitalized for treatment than adults.

Because pneumonia has many causes and symptoms vary, it can be a little confusing to think about. It's also normal to feel scared when you wonder if your symptoms are indicative of something more serious. You should never ignore symptoms like a high fever, bloody or unusual-colored phlegm, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. Your body is telling you that something is wrong, so don't delay in seeking medical advice.

A Take-Home Message for You

Pneumonia is a condition that can sometimes be serious. But with proper awareness and timely treatment, you can often recover well . The most important thing is to recognize the symptoms and see a doctor as soon as possible if you have any concerns.

• Prevention is best: get vaccinated, follow healthy habits.
• Be aware of symptoms: especially fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
• Follow your doctor's instructions: Take your medication exactly as prescribed, for the full duration of time.
• Rest is essential: Give your body time to heal.

If you or someone in your family has any more questions about pneumonia, don't be afraid to talk to a doctor. They will help you.