Let's learn exactly about pneumonia.

Have you had a fever with a cough for a few days? Do you feel chest pain when you breathe? You may think that this is just a common cold or a cold. However, it can be something a little more serious. Today, we will talk about pneumonia . There is nothing to fear, if we are properly informed about this, we can easily protect ourselves from this condition.

Simply put, what is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection of our lungs . Imagine, our lungs have tiny air sacs (alveoli) where air collects and the air tubes (bronchioles) that connect to them. Pneumonia occurs when these air sacs fill with fluid or pus due to some germ. Then it becomes difficult for us to get the amount of oxygen we need.

Anyone can get it. But children under 2 years old and adults over 50 are at higher risk. This is because their immune systems are not strong enough to fight off these germs . People who smoke and drink heavily are also at higher risk of developing pneumonia.

Pneumonia can affect one or both lungs. When it affects both lungs, it is sometimes called ``bilateral pneumonia.'' Some people may not even know they have pneumonia. This is also called ``walking pneumonia.'' This means that the symptoms are not so severe that they can continue to work normally.

What are the main types of pneumonia?

Pneumonia can be divided into several main types depending on the cause.

Do you also have these symptoms?

Symptoms of pneumonia can vary depending on your age, health status, and the cause of the illness. These symptoms usually appear within a few days.

• Cough: Usually a cough with mucus occurs.
• Fever, sweating , and chills.
• Difficulty breathing : Feeling short of breath even when you are slightly tired.
• Chest pain: A stabbing pain in the chest when taking a deep breath or coughing.
• Fatigue and loss of appetite .
• Nausea , vomiting , or diarrhea.
• Blue lips or fingernails: This indicates low oxygen levels in the blood.
• For the elderly: Sometimes older people may not have a fever, but instead may experience confusion or a lower than normal body temperature.
• For young children: Young babies may not show obvious symptoms, but you should be concerned if they are constantly restless, tired, refuse to drink milk, vomit, or have difficulty breathing.

What causes pneumonia and is it contagious?

Normally, our immune system fights and controls germs that enter our bodies. But sometimes, when these germs get stronger, they overcome the immune system and infect the lungs.

The main types of germs that cause pneumonia are viruses and bacteria.

Is pneumonia contagious?

Yes, pneumonia caused by bacteria and viruses can be contagious. It can be spread through droplets that are released into the air when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. You can also catch the disease by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your nose or mouth.

Can flu or COVID cause pneumonia?

Yes. The `Influenza` virus (which causes the flu) and the `SARS-CoV-2` virus (which causes Covid-19) can directly affect the lungs and cause pneumonia. These viruses also weaken the immune system, making it easier for people to become infected with other bacteria.

Who is at higher risk of developing pneumonia?

As mentioned earlier, although anyone can develop it, some people are at higher risk.

• People with lung diseases like asthma or COPD.
• People with other serious illnesses like heart disease and diabetes.
• People who are taking chemotherapy for cancer or have a weakened immune system due to conditions such as AIDS.
• People who spend time in a hospital or nursing home.
• People who have difficulty swallowing.
• People who smoke or are exposed to cigarette smoke.
• People who abuse alcohol or drugs.

How does the doctor diagnose and treat this?

When you go to see a doctor, he or she will ask about your symptoms, whether you smoke, and whether anyone else at home or at work is sick. Then they will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. If you have pneumonia, you may hear a distinctive "crackling" sound from your lungs as you breathe.

The following tests may be done to confirm the disease:

• Chest X-ray: To see where the infection is in the lungs and how far it has spread.
• Blood tests: To find out if there is a bacterial infection.
• Pulse Oximetry: Measures the oxygen level in the blood by placing something like a clip on the finger.
• Sputum test: To identify the exact germ causing the infection.

Treatment depends on the cause of pneumonia, its severity, and your overall health.

• For bacterial pneumonia: Antibiotics are given. The most important thing is to take the medication exactly for the number of days prescribed by the doctor, even if you feel well.
• For viral pneumonia: Antibiotics will not help. The only thing you need to do is get plenty of rest, drink fluids, and take medicine for the fever.
• For fungal pneumonia: Antifungal medication is prescribed.

If your symptoms are severe or you have other health problems, you may need to be hospitalized. In the hospital, you may be given saline and antibiotics intravenously (IV), given oxygen, and possibly have fluid removed from your lungs.

You can do these things while recovering from home

There are several things you can do at home during your recovery.

• Rest is the most important thing. Get as much rest as possible. Don't go to work.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking things like water, hot tea, and soup can help loosen mucus and help it come out.
• Ask your doctor before taking cough medicine. Because coughing is actually a way for the body to expel mucus and clear the lungs. It's not always a good idea to stop it.
• Avoid smoking completely and avoid being around people who smoke.
• If you have a fever, you can get relief by rubbing your forehead with a damp cloth.

How to protect yourself from pneumonia?

The best way to prevent pneumonia is to follow these simple practices.

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
• Stay away from people who are sick. If you are sick, stay away from others.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.
• Avoid smoking.
• If you have other diseases like diabetes or heart disease, control them well.
• Get vaccinated: There are recommended vaccines for pneumonia and influenza. Talk to your doctor about getting these vaccines, especially for people in high-risk groups (young children, the elderly, people with other medical conditions).
• Keep your immune system strong with a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and exercise.