Let's learn more about pneumonia. It's not just a cold!

Are you experiencing a cold, a cough that is getting worse day by day, and a strange feeling of tightness in your chest? Maybe it's not just a cold, it could be pneumonia. Don't worry, we'll talk about what pneumonia is, how to avoid it, and what to do if you get it today.

What exactly 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 and fill with a watery fluid or pus. Think of it like a sponge absorbing water. This makes it very difficult to breathe.

Bacterial pneumonia is usually more severe than viral pneumonia. Viral pneumonia often resolves on its own. This condition can affect just one lung or both lungs. When it affects both lungs, it is called ``bilateral pneumonia`` or ``double pneumonia``.

What is the difference between viral and bacterial pneumonia?

Although both are lung infections, there are slight differences in symptoms depending on the cause. Understanding this difference is very important for treatment.

There are several types of pneumonia depending on how it develops.

Doctors divide pneumonia into several main types, depending on how you got it and what germ it was caused by.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)

This is the most common type. If you catch this disease in the community, rather than in a hospital, while you are living your normal daily life, it is called `CAP`. The main causes of this are:

• Bacteria: The main culprit is the bacterium `Streptococcus pneumoniae`. This can also cause ear infections and sinus problems. Pneumonia caused by `Mycoplasma pneumoniae` has fewer symptoms.
• Viruses: Viruses such as the common cold, influenza, COVID-19, and RSV can also cause pneumonia.
• Fungi: This is a little less common, but people with weak immune systems can also develop pneumonia due to fungi.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)

If you get pneumonia while you're in the hospital for another illness or surgery, it's called `HAP.' This is a bit dangerous because the germs in hospitals are resistant to some antibiotics. An example is the bacteria `MRSA.' So this type is a bit harder to treat.

Aspiration pneumonia

This is also a very important type. If something you eat, drink, spit, or vomit into your lungs through your respiratory tract, it can become infected and cause this condition. It's like food "went the wrong way." Normally, we can cough it up and get rid of it. But for those who can't do that, especially the elderly or those with neurological conditions, the risk is higher.

How do you know if this is just a cold, the flu, or pneumonia?

In fact, the symptoms of all three diseases are similar, so it's easy to confuse them sometimes. However, pneumonia is a serious condition that can be life-threatening, so if you have the symptoms below , you should definitely see a doctor immediately.

Who is at higher risk of developing pneumonia?

Although anyone can get pneumonia, some people are at a higher risk.

• Babies under 2 years old and people over 65 years old.
• People with lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, or heart disease.
• People with neurological diseases such as stroke and Parkinson's disease that make it difficult to swallow.
• People in hospitals or nursing homes.
• People who smoke.
• Pregnant mothers.
• People with weakened immune systems (e.g., those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, those with HIV/AIDS, those who have had organ transplants).

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

Symptoms can vary from person to person, and symptoms also vary depending on the cause.

Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia

These symptoms may appear suddenly or gradually.

• High fever (possibly up to 40.5 Celsius).
• Coughing up yellow, green, or blood-colored mucus.
• Feeling extremely tired.
• Increased breathing rate and shortness of breath.
• Increased heart rate.
• Feeling cold and sweating.
• Chest and stomach pain when coughing or taking a deep breath.
• The food is tasteless.
• Blue discoloration of the skin, lips, or fingernails (cyanosis).
• Dementia or confusion (especially in the elderly).

Symptoms of viral pneumonia

These gradually increase over several days.

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

Symptoms that appear in young children and babies

Often, young babies do not show the same symptoms as adults. As a parent, you should be very concerned about this.

• Fever, chills, sweating.
• Cough.
• Wheezing or rapid breathing (tachypnea).
• Refusal to eat and drink.
• Vomiting.
• Lifeless, constantly sleepy.
• Constant crying and restlessness.
• Decreased urination (less diaper wetting).
• Pale skin.
• Difficulty sucking milk.

Symptoms seen in people over 65 years of age

Older people may not show the usual symptoms like cough and fever. Instead, they may experience things like this.

• Sudden dementia.
• The food is tasteless.
• Excessive fatigue.

Is pneumonia contagious?

This is a question that many people ask. In fact, the disease itself called pneumonia is not contagious from person to person. However, the germs (viruses and bacteria) that cause pneumonia are contagious.

For example, someone with influenza can spread the flu to another person. But not everyone who gets the flu will develop pneumonia. But for some people, the flu can become severe and develop into pneumonia. That means it's the virus that's spread, not the pneumonia itself.

How does a doctor diagnose pneumonia?

When you see a doctor, he or she will ask about your symptoms, listen to your lungs with a stethoscope, and then, if necessary, perform a few tests like this.

What are the treatments for pneumonia?

Treatment depends on the type of germ that caused your pneumonia and the severity of the disease.

• Antibiotics: These are only given for bacterial pneumonia. They do not work for viruses.
• Antiviral medications: Medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) are sometimes given for viral pneumonia. However, most cases of viral pneumonia resolve on their own.
• Antifungal medications: These medications are given if the infection is caused by a fungus.
• Oxygen therapy: If breathing is difficult, oxygen is given through a nasal tube or mouth mask.
• IV fluids (saline): Saline is given into a vein to prevent dehydration.

How to control symptoms at home?

In addition to the medications your doctor prescribes, there are several things you can do at home.

• Take painkillers such as `Paracetamol` or `Ibuprofen` for fever and body aches as directed by your doctor. Never give aspirin to young children without the advice of a doctor.
• Ask your doctor before taking cough medicine, as coughing is a natural way to clear mucus from the lungs.
• Get plenty of rest. Resting your body is very important for speedy recovery.
• Drink plenty of fluids like water, fruit juice, and porridge.
• Using a humidifier, which adds moisture to the air in your room, can make breathing easier.

How can you prevent pneumonia?

The best way to prevent pneumonia is to get vaccinated against the germs that cause it.

• Vaccines: There are vaccines against the `pneumococcal` bacteria that cause pneumonia (`Pneumovax23®`, `Prevnar13®`). Talk to your doctor about the right vaccine for you or your family. It is also very important to get the `flu` vaccine and the `COVID-19` vaccine every year. Give your young children the vaccines they need on time.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking damages your lungs and makes you more susceptible to infections.
• Wash your hands thoroughly: Wash your hands regularly with soap.
• A healthy lifestyle: A person who eats well, exercises, and gets enough sleep has a strong immune system.

When should I see a doctor and go to the ETU?

This is very important. If you have the following symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor.

• Difficulty breathing.
• Fever or cough with phlegm.
• Feeling extremely tired.
• The food is tasteless.

However, if you have any of the following serious symptoms, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

• If it's hard to breathe even when just standing still.
• If the chest pain is new or increasing.
• If your consciousness is impaired and you cannot think clearly.

Pneumonia, lung infection, cough, fever, difficulty breathing, respiratory disease