Pneumonia

Pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening.

It is most serious for infants and young children, people older than age 65, and people with health problems or weakened immune systems.

 Signs and symptoms:

They vary from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, and the age and overall health.

Mild signs and symptoms often are similar to those of a cold or flu, but they last longer, they may include:

• Chest pain when you breathe
• Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older)
• Cough, which may produce phlegm
• Fatigue, fever, sweating and shaking chills Lower than normal body temperature (in adults older than age 65 and people with weak immune systems), also nausea, vomiting or diarrhea & shortness of breath.
• Newborns and infants may not show any sign of the infection. Or they may vomit, have a fever and cough, appear restless or tired and without energy, or have difficulty breathing and eating.

Causes:

Many germs can cause pneumonia. The most common are bacteria and viruses in the air we breathe.

The immunity system of the body usually prevents these germs from infecting the lungs. But sometimes these germs can overpower your immune system, even if the health is generally good.

Pneumonia is classified according to the types of germs that cause it and where patient got the infection:

Community-acquired pneumonia:

• Community-acquired pneumonia is the most common type of pneumonia.
• It occurs outside of hospitals or other health care facilities.
• It may be caused by: Bacteria, Bacteria-like organisms, fungi, or Viruses, including COVID-19. As Some of the viruses that cause colds and the flu can cause pneumonia.
• Viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in children younger than 5 years.
• Viral pneumonia is usually mild. But in some cases it can become very serious.
• Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) may cause pneumonia, which can become severe.

Health care-acquired pneumonia:

• It is a bacterial infection that occurs in people who live in long-term care facilities or who receive care in outpatient clinics, including kidney dialysis centers.
• Like hospital-acquired pneumonia, health care-acquired pneumonia can be caused by bacteria that are more resistant to antibiotics.

Aspiration pneumonia:

• It occurs when you inhale food, drink, vomit or saliva into your lungs.
• Aspiration is more likely if something disturbs your normal gag reflex, such as a brain injury or swallowing problem, or excessive use of alcohol or drugs.

Who are at risk?

• Smokers, as smoking damages your body’s natural defenses against the bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia.
• Weakened or suppressed immune system; People who have HIV/AIDS, who’ve had an organ transplant, or who receive chemotherapy or long-term steroids are at risk.

Even with treatment, some people with pneumonia, especially those in high-risk groups, may experience complications,

Complications:

Bacteria in the bloodstream (bacteremia). Bacteria that enter the bloodstream from your lungs can spread the infection to other organs, potentially causing organ failure.

To help prevent pneumonia:

•  Get vaccinated. Vaccines are available to prevent some types of pneumonia and the flu. Talk with the doctor about getting these shots. Make sure children get vaccinated. Doctors recommend a different pneumonia vaccine for children younger than age 2 and for children ages 2 to 5 years who are at particular risk of pneumococcal disease.
•  Practice good hygiene. To protect yourself against respiratory infections that sometimes lead to pneumonia, wash your hands regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
•  Don’t smoke. Smoking damages your lungs’ natural defenses against respiratory infections.
•  Keep your immune system strong. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.

Pneumonia can be Diagnosed via:

Chest X-ray: This helps your doctor diagnose pneumonia and determine the extent and location of the infection, but it can’t tell your doctor what kind of germ is causing the pneumonia. Doctors will ask about the medical history and doing a physical exam, including listening to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for abnormal bubbling or crackling sounds that suggest pneumonia. If pneumonia is suspected, your doctor may recommend the following tests:

Blood Tests are used to confirm an infection and to try to identify the type of organism causing the infection. However, precise identification isn’t always possible. Pulse Oximetry: This measures the oxygen level in your blood. Pneumonia can prevent your lungs from moving enough oxygen into your bloodstream.

Sputum Test: A sample of fluid from your lungs (sputum) is taken after a deep cough and analyzed to help pinpoint the cause of the infection. Your doctor might order additional tests if you’re older than age 65, are in the hospital, or have serious symptoms or health conditions. These may include:

CT Scan: If pneumonia isn’t clearing as quickly as expected, your doctor may recommend a chest CT scan to obtain a more detailed image of your lungs.

Pleural Fluid Culture: A fluid sample is taken by putting a needle between your ribs from the pleural area and analyzed to help determine the type of infection.