What are the main types of pneumonia. How is pneumonia diagnosed. What are the risk factors for developing pneumonia. What are the common symptoms of bacterial pneumonia. How is pneumonia typically treated.

Understanding Pneumonia: A Comprehensive Overview

Pneumonia is a serious respiratory infection that affects the lungs, causing inflammation in the air sacs (alveoli). These air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, leading to various symptoms and potentially life-threatening complications. To fully grasp the nature of this condition, it’s crucial to explore its causes, types, symptoms, and treatment options.

Types of Pneumonia: Bacterial, Viral, and Mycoplasma

Pneumonia can be caused by various pathogens, resulting in different types of the infection. The three main types are:

• Bacterial pneumonia
• Viral pneumonia
• Mycoplasma pneumonia

Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia is primarily caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, although other bacteria can also be responsible. This type of pneumonia often occurs when the body’s defenses are weakened, allowing bacteria to invade the lungs.

Who is most susceptible to bacterial pneumonia? Individuals at higher risk include:

• Those with compromised immune systems
• Elderly individuals
• People with chronic illnesses
• Smokers and alcohol abusers
• Recent surgery patients

Viral Pneumonia

Viral pneumonia accounts for approximately one-third of all pneumonia cases. It’s often caused by influenza viruses and can pave the way for secondary bacterial infections.

Is viral pneumonia less severe than bacterial pneumonia? While viral pneumonia can be serious, it often has a milder course compared to bacterial pneumonia. However, it’s important to note that viral pneumonia can still lead to complications and should be taken seriously.

Mycoplasma Pneumonia

Mycoplasma pneumonia, caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is often referred to as “atypical pneumonia” due to its unique characteristics. It typically results in a milder, more widespread form of pneumonia that can affect people of all ages.

Recognizing Pneumonia Symptoms: Key Indicators

The symptoms of pneumonia can vary depending on the type and severity of the infection. However, some common symptoms are shared across different types of pneumonia.

Common Symptoms of Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia often presents with more severe symptoms, including:

• High fever with shaking chills
• Cough producing thick, greenish, or blood-tinged mucus
• Rapid breathing and heart rate
• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
• Chest pain that worsens when breathing or coughing
• Fatigue and loss of appetite
• Confusion or delirium, particularly in older adults

Can pneumonia symptoms appear suddenly? Yes, in some cases, particularly with bacterial pneumonia, symptoms can develop rapidly, often within 24 to 48 hours.

Viral Pneumonia Symptoms

The initial symptoms of viral pneumonia are often similar to those of bacterial pneumonia. However, as the infection progresses, additional symptoms may develop:

• Dry cough that may become productive
• Low-grade fever
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Wheezing

Mycoplasma Pneumonia Symptoms

Mycoplasma pneumonia typically presents with milder symptoms compared to other types of pneumonia:

• Persistent, dry cough that may last for weeks
• Low-grade fever
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Headache

Risk Factors: Who is Most Vulnerable to Pneumonia?

While pneumonia can affect anyone, certain groups are at higher risk of developing the infection:

• Adults aged 65 and older
• Children under 2 years of age
• Individuals with weakened immune systems
• People with chronic medical conditions (e.g., COPD, heart disease, diabetes)
• Smokers
• Individuals who have recently undergone surgery or been hospitalized

Why are elderly individuals more susceptible to pneumonia? Older adults often have weaker immune systems and may have underlying health conditions that make them more vulnerable to infections. Additionally, the natural aging process can affect lung function, making it harder to clear secretions and fight off pathogens.

Diagnosing Pneumonia: Essential Tests and Procedures

Accurate diagnosis of pneumonia is crucial for effective treatment. Healthcare providers typically use a combination of clinical assessment and diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of pneumonia and determine its cause.

Physical Examination and Medical History

The diagnostic process often begins with a thorough physical examination and review of the patient’s medical history. The healthcare provider will listen to the lungs for abnormal sounds and assess overall symptoms.

Imaging Studies

Imaging tests play a vital role in diagnosing pneumonia:

• Chest X-ray: This is often the first imaging test used to confirm pneumonia and assess its extent.
• Chest CT scan: For more detailed images of the lungs, especially in complex cases.

Can pneumonia be diagnosed without a chest X-ray? While a chest X-ray is typically used to confirm pneumonia, in some cases, particularly in outpatient settings, a diagnosis may be made based on clinical symptoms and physical examination alone.

Laboratory Tests

Various laboratory tests can help identify the cause of pneumonia and assess its severity:

• Blood tests: To check for signs of infection and determine if it has spread to the bloodstream.
• Sputum culture: Analysis of coughed-up mucus to identify the specific pathogen causing the infection.
• Pulse oximetry: To measure blood oxygen levels.
• Arterial blood gas test: For a more precise measurement of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Specialized Diagnostic Procedures

In some cases, additional procedures may be necessary:

• Bronchoscopy: A direct examination of the airways using a flexible tube with a camera.
• Pleural fluid culture: Analysis of fluid from the space between the lungs and chest wall.

Treatment Approaches: Managing Pneumonia Effectively

The treatment of pneumonia depends on several factors, including the type of pneumonia, its severity, and the patient’s overall health status.

Antibiotics: The Mainstay of Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment

For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics are the primary treatment. The choice of antibiotic depends on the suspected or identified bacteria and local resistance patterns.

• Broad-spectrum antibiotics may be used initially
• Targeted antibiotics are prescribed once the specific pathogen is identified
• Duration of treatment typically ranges from 5 to 14 days

How quickly do antibiotics work for pneumonia? While some improvement may be noticed within 1-3 days, it’s crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve.

Antiviral Medications for Viral Pneumonia

In cases of viral pneumonia, antiviral medications may be prescribed, particularly if influenza is the cause. However, many viral pneumonia cases are managed with supportive care.

Supportive Care and Symptom Management

Regardless of the type of pneumonia, supportive care is essential for recovery:

• Rest and adequate sleep
• Proper hydration
• Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers
• Cough suppressants (used cautiously to avoid mucus buildup)
• Oxygen therapy for severe cases

Hospitalization for Severe Cases

Some patients with severe pneumonia may require hospitalization, especially if they:

• Have difficulty breathing
• Require intravenous antibiotics
• Need close monitoring of oxygen levels
• Have other serious health conditions

Prevention Strategies: Reducing the Risk of Pneumonia

While not all cases of pneumonia can be prevented, certain measures can significantly reduce the risk of infection:

Vaccination

Vaccines play a crucial role in preventing certain types of pneumonia:

• Pneumococcal vaccine: Protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Influenza vaccine: Reduces the risk of pneumonia as a complication of the flu
• Other vaccines: Hib vaccine, pertussis vaccine, and varicella vaccine can also help prevent infections that may lead to pneumonia

Who should receive the pneumococcal vaccine? The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for:
– Adults 65 years and older
– Children younger than 2 years
– Individuals with certain chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems

Lifestyle Modifications

Adopting healthy habits can boost overall immunity and reduce pneumonia risk:

• Quitting smoking
• Maintaining good hand hygiene
• Getting adequate sleep and exercise
• Managing stress
• Eating a balanced, nutritious diet

Environmental Factors

Minimizing exposure to environmental pollutants and irritants can help protect the lungs:

• Avoiding air pollution when possible
• Using proper ventilation in indoor spaces
• Wearing protective gear in high-risk work environments

Long-term Outlook: Recovery and Potential Complications

The prognosis for pneumonia varies depending on the individual case. While many people recover fully, some may experience long-term effects or complications.

Recovery Timeline

The recovery process from pneumonia can take time:

• Mild cases: Symptoms may improve within a week or two
• Severe cases: Full recovery may take several weeks to months
• Fatigue and weakness can persist for an extended period

How long does it take to fully recover from pneumonia? The recovery time varies, but many people start feeling better within a week of treatment. However, it may take a month or more to feel back to normal, especially for older adults or those with severe cases.

Potential Complications

While most people recover from pneumonia without significant issues, complications can occur, especially in high-risk groups:

• Respiratory failure
• Sepsis
• Lung abscesses
• Pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lungs)
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Long-term Effects

Some individuals may experience lingering effects after recovering from pneumonia:

• Decreased lung function
• Increased susceptibility to future respiratory infections
• Cardiovascular complications
• Cognitive impairment, particularly in older adults

Pneumonia is a serious respiratory infection that requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. By understanding its causes, recognizing symptoms early, and taking preventive measures, individuals can reduce their risk of developing this potentially life-threatening condition. If you suspect you have pneumonia or are experiencing persistent respiratory symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. With proper care and management, most people can recover fully from pneumonia and regain their health.

Pneumonia | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection of one or both of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It is a serious infection in which the air sacs fill with pus and other liquid.

What causes pneumonia?

There are more than 30 different causes of pneumonia, and they’re grouped by the cause. The main types of pneumonia are:

• Bacterial pneumonia. This type is caused by various bacteria. The most common is Streptococcus pneumoniae. It usually occurs when the body is weakened in some way, such as by illness, poor nutrition, old age, or impaired immunity, and the bacteria are able to work their way into the lungs. Bacterial pneumonia can affect all ages, but you are at greater risk if you abuse alcohol, smoke cigarettes, are debilitated, have recently had surgery, have a respiratory disease or viral infection, or have a weakened immune system.

• Viral pneumonia. This type is caused by various viruses, including the flu (influenza), and is responsible for about one-third of all pneumonia cases. You may be more likely to get bacterial pneumonia if you have viral pneumonia.

• Mycoplasma pneumonia. This type has somewhat different symptoms and physical signs and is referred to as atypical pneumonia. It is caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It generally causes a mild, widespread pneumonia that affects all age groups.

• Other pneumonias. There are other less common pneumonias that may be caused by other infections including fungi.

Who is at risk for pneumonia?

Anyone can get pneumonia. However, the following groups are at the highest risk:

• Adults ages 65 and older

• Children younger than age 2

• People with certain medical conditions

• People that smoke

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

The symptoms of bacterial pneumonia include:

• Bluish color to lips and fingernails

• Confused mental state or delirium, especially in older people

• Cough that produces green, yellow, or bloody mucus

• Fever

• Heavy sweating

• Loss of appetite

• Low energy and extreme tiredness

• Rapid breathing

• Rapid pulse

• Shaking chills

• Sharp or stabbing chest pain that’s worse with deep breathing or coughing

• Shortness of breath that gets worse with activity

Early symptoms of viral pneumonia are the same as those of bacterial pneumonia, which may be followed by:

Mycoplasma pneumonia has somewhat different symptoms, which include a severe cough that may produce mucus.

How is pneumonia diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually made based on your recent health history (such as surgery, a cold, or travel exposures) and the extent of the illness. Based on these factors, your healthcare provider may diagnose pneumonia simply on a thorough history and physical exam. The following tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis:

• Chest X-ray. This test takes pictures of internal tissues, bones, and organs, including the lungs.

• Blood tests. This test may be used to see whether infection is present and if infection has spread to the bloodstream (blood cultures). Arterial blood gas testing checks the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream.

• Sputum culture. This test is done on the material that is coughed up from the lungs and into the mouth. It’s often used to see if there’s an infection in the lungs.

• Pulse oximetry. An oximeter is a small machine that measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. A small sensor is taped or clipped onto a finger. When the machine is on, a small red light can be seen in the sensor. The test is painless and the red light does not get hot.

• Chest CT scan. This imaging procedure uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce sharp, detailed horizontal, or axial, images (often called slices) of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than regular X-rays.

• Bronchoscopy. This is direct exam of the bronchi (the main airways of the lungs) using a flexible tube (called a bronchoscope). It helps to evaluate and diagnose lung problems, assess blockages, and take out samples of tissue and/or fluid for testing,

• Pleural fluid culture. In this test, a sample of a fluid sample is taken from the pleural space. This is the space between the lungs and chest wall. A long, thin needle is put through the skin between the ribs and into the pleural space. Fluid is pulled into a syringe attached to the needle. It is sent to the lab where it’s tested to find out which bacteria is causing the pneumonia.

How is pneumonia treated?

Treatment depends on the type of pneumonia you have. Most of the time, pneumonia is treated at home, but severe cases may be treated in the hospital. Antibiotics are used for bacterial pneumonia. Antibiotics may also speed recovery from mycoplasma pneumonia and some special cases. Most viral pneumonias don’t have specific treatment. They usually get better on their own.

Other treatment may include eating well, increasing fluid intake, getting rest, oxygen therapy, pain medicine, fever control, and maybe cough-relief medicine if cough is severe.

Can pneumonia be prevented?

Check with your healthcare provider about getting immunizations. The flu is a common cause of pneumonia. Because of that, getting a flu shot every year can help prevent both the flu and pneumonia.

There is also a pneumococcal vaccine. It will protect you from a common form of bacterial pneumonia. Children younger than age 5 and adults ages 65 and older should get this shot.

The pneumococcal shot is also recommended for all children and adults who are at increased risk of pneumococcal disease due to other health conditions.

What are the complications of pneumonia?

Most people with pneumonia respond well to treatment, but pneumonia can be very serious and even deadly.

You are more likely to have complications if you are an older adult, a very young child, have a weakened immune system, or have a serious medical problem like diabetes or cirrhosis. Complications may include:

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This is a severe form of respiratory failure.

• Lung abscesses. These are pockets of pus that form inside or around the lung. They may need to be drained with surgery

• Respiratory failure. This requires the use of a breathing machine or ventilator.

• Sepsis. This is when the infection gets into the blood. It may lead to organ failure.

Key points about pneumonia

• Pneumonia is an infection of one or both of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

• There are more than 30 different causes of pneumonia, and they’re grouped by the cause. The main types of pneumonia are bacterial, viral, and mycoplasma pneumonia.

• A cough that produces green, yellow, or bloody mucus is the most common symptom of pneumonia. Other symptoms include fever, shaking chills, shortness of breath, low energy, and extreme tiredness.

• Pneumonia can often be diagnosed with a thorough history and physical exam. Tests used to look at the lungs, blood tests, and tests done on the sputum you cough up may also be used.

• Treatment depends on the type of pneumonia you have. Antibiotics are used for bacterial pneumonia. It may also speed recovery from mycoplasma pneumonia and some special cases. Most viral pneumonias don’t have a specific treatment and just get better on their own. Other treatment may include a healthy diet, more fluids, rest, oxygen therapy, and medicine for pain, cough, and fever control.

• Most people with pneumonia respond well to treatment, but pneumonia can cause serious lung and infection problems. It can even be deadly.

Pneumonia – NHS

Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by an infection. Most people get better in 2 to 4 weeks, but babies, older people, and people with heart or lung conditions are at risk of getting seriously ill and may need treatment in hospital.

Check if you have pneumonia

Symptoms of pneumonia can start suddenly or gradually over a few days.

They include:

• a cough – you may cough up yellow or green mucus (phlegm)
• shortness of breath
• a high temperature
• chest pain
• an aching body
• feeling very tired
• loss of appetite
• making wheezing noises when you breathe – babies may also make grunting noises
• feeling confused – this is common in older people

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

• you’ve had a cough for 3 weeks or more
• you’re coughing up blood
• you have chest pain that comes and goes, or happens when breathing or coughing
• you’re feeling short of breath

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Immediate action required: Call 999 if:

• you’re struggling to breathe – you’re choking, gasping and unable to speak
• you have pale, blue or blotchy skin, lips or tongue
• you suddenly feel confused – for example, you do not know where you are
• you cannot wake your baby and they feel floppy

Treatment for pneumonia

You’ll usually be given antibiotics to treat pneumonia. Most people get better in 2 to 4 weeks.

Some people are more at risk of becoming seriously ill. You may need to go to hospital for treatment if:

• you’re over 65
• you have cardiovascular disease or a long-term lung condition
• your baby or young child has pneumonia
• you’re very unwell

In hospital you’ll usually be given fluids and antibiotics to treat the infection. You may also be given oxygen to help you breathe.

You may be sent for an X-ray of your chest and blood tests to check for other conditions.

Important

If you’re given antibiotics to take at home, contact your doctor if you do not feel better after taking them for 2 to 3 days.

Things you can do if you have pneumonia

There are some things you can do to help with recovery from pneumonia and reduce the risk of spreading it to other people.

Do

• rest until you feel better – try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do normal activities

• drink plenty of fluids

• take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with pain or a high temperature

• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze

• put used tissues in the bin as quickly as possible

• wash your hands regularly with water and soap

Causes of pneumonia

Pneumonia is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection.

You can catch it from someone who has it, or you can sometimes get it if you have another infection such as flu or coronavirus (COVID-19).

It can be caused by a fungal infection but this is rare in healthy people in the UK.

It may also be caused by something getting into your lungs, such as water or food (aspiration pneumonia).

Pneumonia vaccination

If you’re at risk of getting seriously ill with pneumonia, it’s recommended you get the pneumococcal vaccine, also known as the pneumonia vaccine. It protects against an infection that can cause pneumonia.

People at high risk include:

• babies
• adults aged over 65
• people with heart, lung, liver, kidney or neurological conditions with a risk of aspiration
• people with diabetes
• people with a weakened immune system, for example, you have a condition that stops your immune system working properly, or you are having treatment to suppress your immune system

Adults and children more at risk should also get a flu vaccine every year.

You can ask a GP or pharmacist about both vaccines.

Information:

Stopping smoking also reduces your chance of getting pneumonia.

Page last reviewed: 12 January 2023
Next review due: 12 January 2026

Shortness of breath with pneumonia – symptoms and diagnosis of pneumonia. Treatment of pneumonia in Moscow

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Pneumonia is a disease in which inflammation occurs and the lungs are affected. Doctors classify pneumonia as an acute infectious disease. Shortness of breath with pneumonia (dyspnea) and after its treatment is a common problem in which a person experiences a lack of oxygen. In the therapy clinic of the Yusupov Hospital, pulmonologists treat patients with pneumonia and other diseases of the respiratory system.

Shortness of breath in pneumonia: causes

In the lung tissue, inflammation can develop due to the penetration of microorganisms that cause pneumonia into the body: enterobacteria, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, pneumococcus, pneumocystis. However, in order for their life activity to become possible, the presence of several factors is necessary:

Shortness of breath after pneumonia can occur both at rest and during exercise. The cause of respiratory failure is the depletion of compensatory mechanisms for saturating cells and tissues with oxygen and insufficient work of the respiratory system.

In case of pneumonia, inflammatory fluid accumulates in the alveoli, the affected area of ​​gas exchange stops its function. The consequence of this violation is the cessation of the exchange between capillaries and alveolocytes of carbon dioxide and oxygen.

In the therapy clinic, a pulmonologist explains to patients the reasons for the development of certain problems, prescribes appropriate diagnostics, based on which he develops treatment options. Thus, shortness of breath in pneumonia is successfully treated without further complications with adequate therapeutic measures. In the Yusupov hospital, the staff is ready to receive patients every day 24 hours a day, so if you feel unwell, you can seek help from the doctors of the clinics.

Degrees and symptoms of dyspnea with pneumonia

Shortness of breath with pneumonia begins to appear gradually, along with other pulmonary manifestations of this disease. Pulmonologists distinguish several stages of dyspnea:

• at the zero stage, dyspnea does not bother the patient, it can manifest itself during intense exertion;
• the first stage is characterized by hard breathing and shortness of breath, bluish coloration of the skin or mucous membranes is absent or not pronounced;
• dyspnea in pneumonia in the second stage begins even with slight muscle tension, in this condition, palpitations and motor restlessness can be observed;
• the third stage of dyspnea is the most severe, since dyspnea appears at rest, consciousness is deeply depressed or coma occurs.

Shortness of breath after pneumonia that has recently been discontinued is a common consequence of the disease. In case of respiratory failure, the patient must be constantly under the supervision of medical personnel and follow the recommendations of a pulmonologist. In case of breathing problems, contact the therapy clinic of the Yusupov Hospital for experienced and friendly doctors.

Shortness of breath in pneumonia is also a symptom of respiratory failure. This pathology may have other manifestations, such as heart rhythm disturbances, hard breathing, disorientation, tachycardia. With the development of shortness of breath, the patient is forced to stay at home and forget about walks in the fresh air, which are necessary after pneumonia. To get rid of this problem and restore breathing, you need to consult a pulmonologist, who helps to eliminate respiratory disorders.

Specialists of the Yusupov Hospital manage to achieve high results in the treatment of patients due to an integrated approach to treatment, the use of modern treatment methods and high-precision equipment. After adequate therapy, shortness of breath after pneumonia will stop bothering you.

Shortness of breath after pneumonia: treatment at the Yusupov Hospital

The Yusupov Hospital is a modern medical institution where experienced doctors with effective methods of treatment help to cure diseases. Shortness of breath after pneumonia is a common complaint of patients in the therapy clinic. Breathing problems are also one of the symptoms of the disease: as it recedes, shortness of breath weakens. In order to treat shortness of breath, patients are prescribed drugs to remove sputum and relieve bronchospasm, as well as medications to normalize the heart rhythm.

If a patient is diagnosed with acute respiratory failure, the marker of which is shortness of breath with pneumonia, urgent hospitalization of the patient is necessary. In this condition, oxygen therapy is performed, in which oxygen is supplied through a face mask or nasal cannula.

Shortness of breath after pneumonia for which treatment has been completed is a dangerous complication. It indicates that the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms continues in the lung tissue. Late contact with the clinic can lead to the development of more serious diseases of the respiratory system.

In the therapy clinic of the Yusupov hospital, dyspnea due to pneumonia is successfully treated, like other diseases. When contacting pulmonologists, a treatment plan will be developed for you after diagnosis and the first therapeutic measures will be taken. Entrust your health to the experienced doctors of the Yusupov Hospital and make an appointment by phone.

Pneumonia – causes, symptoms and treatment

Pneumonia (pneumonia) is an acute infectious and inflammatory disease of the lungs, in which all structural elements of the lung tissue are involved in the process.

Inflammation of the lungs before the advent of antibiotics was one of the most formidable diseases. Mortality from pneumonia at the end of the 19th century reached a record 83%. Today, despite all the achievements of modern medicine, the development of new antibacterial and antiviral drugs, this disease still remains an urgent problem: every year, 14 out of 1000 people are diagnosed with pneumonia; in the structure of mortality in the Russian Federation, pneumonia ranks fourth (9%), second only to oncological, cardiovascular diseases and injuries. Therefore, the treatment of pneumonia requires mandatory monitoring and supervision of a specialist.

CAUSES FOR

Acute pneumonia is caused by various infectious agents. Approximately 90% of cases are bacteria, the remaining 10% are viruses, fungi, protozoa and helminths (roundworms, toxoplasma, schistosomes).

The most common pathogens include pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, influenza viruses, and respiratory syncytial infection. Most often, pneumonia caused by these pathogens develops after hypothermia, or as a complication of SARS.

CLASSIFICATION OF PNEUMONIA

Depending on the epidemiological conditions of the occurrence of pneumonia, they are divided into:

1. Community-acquired (outpatient) – occur outside the hospital, or within 48 hours of admission to the hospital. They have a favorable prognosis.
2. Nosocomial (hospital) – occur in a hospital, 48-72 hours after admission. The prognosis largely depends on the resistance of the pathogen to antibiotics.
3. Pneumonia in immunocompromised patients. The prognosis is unfavorable, require active treatment in a hospital setting.
4. Aspiration pneumonia – pneumonia resulting from the ingestion of the contents of the gastrointestinal tract into the respiratory tract.

Depending on the extent of the lesion and the mechanism of occurrence, it is customary to subdivide pneumonia into focal and lobar.

• Focal pneumonia is a variant of pneumonia with the localization of the inflammatory process in a limited area of ​​the lung tissue, within the small structural units of the lung – lobules. Focal pneumonia usually develops as a complication of SARS or acute tracheobronchitis. The clinical picture in this case may be “erased” and resemble a protracted course of bronchitis.
• Lobar pneumonia is an inflammation of a lung infectious nature, which is characterized by the involvement in the process of one or more lobes of the lung, with the pleura covering them. The clinical picture is manifested by severe intoxication, intense cough, shortness of breath with tachypnea and tachycardia. Lobar pneumonia most often develops against the background of episodes of prolonged hypothermia.

In outpatient practice, most often there are cases of community-acquired pneumonia, which, with proper treatment, have a favorable prognosis.

SYMPTOMS OF PNEUMONIA

The clinical picture of pneumonia largely depends on the extent of the lesion. Manifestations of pneumonia are divided into pulmonary and extrapulmonary. Pulmonary manifestations include cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. To extrapulmonary – fever, intoxication syndrome, laboratory inflammation syndrome.

Cough is a characteristic symptom of pneumonia. In the first or second day from the onset of the disease, the patient may be disturbed only by a slight cough, later the cough becomes more intense, mucopurulent sputum appears.

Pain in the chest is most characteristic of lobar pneumonia, because. in this case, the pleura is involved in the process of inflammation. Usually such pain occurs suddenly, intensifies at the depth of inspiration. With extensive damage, there may be a lag of the affected half of the chest in the act of breathing.

Shortness of breath in pneumonia is most often interconnected with the volume of the affected lung tissue. So, with small-focal pneumonia, there is an increase in shortness of breath, accompanied by an increase in the frequency of respiratory movements up to 30 per minute. At the same time, patients may complain of a feeling of congestion in the chest.

Intoxication with pneumonia is manifested by general weakness and muscle pain, at elevated temperatures, joint pain, increased sweating, headaches and decreased appetite may appear. In severe cases, there is confusion, delirium.

Fever with pneumonia can be a non-permanent symptom. As a rule, at the beginning of the disease, there is a rise in body temperature to 38-39 * C, which is stopped for a short time by antipyretics. But with a decrease in immunity, with extensive damage, pneumonia can occur without fever.
99/l) increased levels of ESR, CRP, gamma and alpha 2 globulins, seromucoid, but these indicators have low specificity.

PNEUMONIA DIAGNOSIS

Suspicion of pneumonia should arise if the patient has a fever, in combination with complaints of a productive cough, discharge of mucopurulent sputum, shortness of breath and / or chest pain. Also, patients with pneumonia may complain of increased sweating at night, general weakness, fatigue, increased blood pressure.

At the slightest suspicion of this disease, an additional examination should be carried out. The minimum diagnostic minimum to confirm pneumonia should include a clinical blood test, a urinalysis, a chest x-ray in two projections, as well as a specialist consultation, during which a general examination, chest palpation, percussion and auscultation of the lungs are performed.

In order to determine the pathogen and differential diagnosis with other diseases, the doctor may prescribe additional studies: general sputum analysis, sputum culture for sterility, serological tests, determination of IgG and IgM to individual pathogens, PCR diagnostics, MSCT of the chest organs with contrast, tuberculin tests, echocardiography and ECG.

TREATMENT

Most patients with community-acquired pneumonia can be treated at home, however, in each case, the appointment of antibiotics or antiviral drugs is determined by the etiological factor, history, examination data and the results of additional examination.