What are the common symptoms of pneumonia. How is pneumonia transmitted. Who is at highest risk for pneumonia complications. What vaccines are available to prevent pneumococcal pneumonia. How do doctors classify different types of pneumonia. What are the initial treatment approaches for pneumonia. Can pneumonia cause long-term lung damage.

Understanding Pneumonia: An Overview of the Respiratory Infection

Pneumonia is a serious respiratory infection that affects millions of people worldwide each year. It occurs when the air sacs in the lungs become inflamed and filled with fluid or pus, making breathing difficult. This condition can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Understanding the key aspects of pneumonia is crucial for early detection, proper treatment, and prevention.

Recognizing the Symptoms: Key Indicators of Pneumonia

Identifying pneumonia symptoms early can lead to prompt treatment and better outcomes. The most common signs include:

• Cough (dry or productive with phlegm)
• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath

In some cases, patients may also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe infections can lead to more alarming symptoms such as confusion, decreased urination, and lightheadedness. Are certain symptoms more indicative of a severe infection. Shortness of breath, confusion, and lightheadedness often signal a more serious case of pneumonia that requires immediate medical attention.

COVID-19 and Pneumonia: A Dangerous Combination

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has heightened concerns about pneumonia. While some individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 may be asymptomatic, others can develop severe respiratory symptoms, including pneumonia. COVID-19-related pneumonia can cause significant lung damage and may lead to long-lasting respiratory issues. How does COVID-19 pneumonia differ from other types. COVID-19 pneumonia often results in more severe lung involvement, potentially causing widespread inflammation and damage to lung tissue.

The Causes of Pneumonia: Bacterial, Viral, and Fungal Culprits

Pneumonia can be caused by various microorganisms, each with its own characteristics and potential for severity:

1. Bacterial pneumonia: Often caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal pneumonia)
2. Viral pneumonia: Can be caused by numerous viruses, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2
3. Fungal pneumonia: Less common, but can occur in individuals with weakened immune systems

Is bacterial pneumonia more severe than viral pneumonia. While bacterial pneumonia is often considered more severe, certain viral pneumonia cases, such as those caused by SARS-CoV-2, can be equally or more dangerous. It’s important to note that bacterial pneumonia can also develop as a secondary infection following a viral illness like the flu.

High-Risk Groups: Understanding Who’s Most Vulnerable to Pneumonia

While pneumonia can affect anyone, certain groups are at higher risk for developing the infection and experiencing complications:

• Young children, especially those under 5 years old
• Adults aged 65 and older
• Individuals with weakened immune systems
• People with chronic health conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, COPD)

Why are young children and older adults more susceptible to pneumonia. These age groups often have less robust immune systems, making it harder for their bodies to fight off infections. Additionally, older adults may have underlying health conditions that increase their vulnerability.

Preventing Pneumonia: Vaccines and Lifestyle Measures

Prevention is key in reducing the incidence and impact of pneumonia. Vaccines play a crucial role in protecting against certain types of pneumonia:

• PCV13 vaccine: Protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria
• PPSV23 vaccine: Offers protection against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria

Who should receive these pneumonia vaccines. The PCV13 vaccine is recommended for children under two and adults with certain health conditions. The PPSV23 vaccine is advised for adults 65 and older. Despite their effectiveness, about one-third of adults aged 65 and older have not been vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia.

Additional Preventive Measures

Beyond vaccination, other steps can help reduce the risk of pneumonia:

• Practicing good hand hygiene
• Avoiding close contact with sick individuals
• Quitting smoking
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support immune function

Transmission and Spread: How Pneumonia Travels from Person to Person

Understanding how pneumonia spreads is crucial for prevention. Can pneumonia be transmitted from person to person. Yes, pneumonia can be contagious, particularly when caused by viruses or certain bacteria. The pathogens that cause pneumonia can spread through:

• Respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes
• Close contact with an infected individual
• Touching surfaces contaminated with the pathogen and then touching one’s face

It’s important to note that the severity of the resulting illness can vary widely, from mild to severe, depending on the pathogen and the individual’s health status.

Classification of Pneumonia: Community-Acquired vs. Healthcare-Associated

Doctors typically classify pneumonia into two main categories:

1. Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP): Develops outside of healthcare settings
2. Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia (HCAP): Occurs in individuals who have recent exposure to healthcare environments

What criteria do doctors use to distinguish between CAP and HCAP. HCAP is diagnosed if the patient has been hospitalized, stayed in a long-term care facility, or received dialysis within the past three months. This distinction is important as it guides treatment decisions and helps predict potential complications.

Treatment Approaches: Tailoring Care to the Type of Pneumonia

The treatment of pneumonia depends on several factors, including the type (CAP or HCAP), the suspected pathogen, and the patient’s overall health status. How do doctors determine the initial treatment for pneumonia. Since the specific cause of pneumonia cannot be immediately determined, doctors typically start with broad-spectrum antibiotics to cover potential bacterial infections.

Treatment for Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)

For CAP that doesn’t require hospitalization, treatment may include:

• Oral antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, azithromycin, or doxycycline)
• Rest and hydration
• Over-the-counter medications for symptom relief

Patients with more severe CAP may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.

Treatment for Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia (HCAP)

HCAP often requires more aggressive treatment:

• Intravenous antibiotics
• Hospitalization for close monitoring
• Supportive care (e.g., oxygen therapy, fluid management)

Supportive Care and Symptom Management

In addition to antibiotics, various over-the-counter medications can help manage pneumonia symptoms:

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever reduction
• Cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan (DM)
• Expectorants with guaifenesin to loosen secretions

It’s crucial to follow dosage instructions carefully and avoid combining medications that contain similar active ingredients.

Long-Term Effects: Potential Lung Damage from Pneumonia

While most people recover from pneumonia without significant long-term effects, some cases can lead to lasting lung damage. Does COVID-19 pneumonia pose a higher risk of long-term complications. Yes, pneumonia caused by COVID-19 is often more severe and may result in long-lasting lung damage or persistent symptoms.

Potential long-term effects of severe pneumonia include:

• Reduced lung function
• Scarring of lung tissue
• Increased susceptibility to future respiratory infections
• Chronic fatigue or weakness

The risk of long-term complications underscores the importance of early detection, proper treatment, and follow-up care for pneumonia patients.

Global Impact: Pneumonia’s Burden on Public Health

Pneumonia remains a significant global health concern, particularly for vulnerable populations. What is the scale of pneumonia’s impact on healthcare systems. In the United States alone, pneumonia accounts for 1.3 million Emergency Department visits annually and results in approximately 50,000 deaths. Worldwide, it is a leading cause of hospitalization and death in children under 5 years old.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of respiratory health and the potential severity of pneumonia. This increased awareness may lead to:

• Greater emphasis on pneumonia prevention strategies
• Improved vaccination rates for pneumococcal pneumonia
• Enhanced research into new treatments and preventive measures
• Increased public health efforts to reduce the spread of respiratory infections

Advancing Pneumonia Care: Future Directions and Research

As our understanding of pneumonia continues to evolve, researchers and healthcare professionals are focusing on several key areas to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment:

Improving Diagnostic Tools

Rapid and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective pneumonia treatment. How might future diagnostic tools enhance pneumonia care. Researchers are developing advanced imaging techniques and molecular diagnostic tests that can quickly identify the specific pathogen causing pneumonia, allowing for more targeted treatment approaches.

Novel Treatment Approaches

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has spurred research into alternative treatment strategies:

• Phage therapy: Using viruses that specifically target bacteria
• Immunomodulatory therapies: Enhancing the body’s natural immune response
• Combination therapies: Utilizing multiple treatment modalities for synergistic effects

Vaccines and Prevention

Ongoing research aims to develop more effective and broader-spectrum vaccines against pneumonia-causing pathogens. What advancements in pneumonia vaccines are on the horizon. Scientists are working on universal pneumococcal vaccines that could provide protection against a wider range of strains, as well as exploring new vaccine technologies to enhance immune response in vulnerable populations.

Personalized Medicine

The future of pneumonia care may involve more personalized treatment approaches based on individual patient factors:

• Genetic profiling to predict treatment response
• Tailored antibiotic regimens based on local resistance patterns
• Individualized prevention strategies for high-risk patients

Living with Pneumonia: Recovery and Long-Term Management

For many patients, the journey doesn’t end with the initial treatment of pneumonia. Recovery can be a gradual process that requires ongoing care and attention. How long does it typically take to recover from pneumonia. The recovery timeline can vary widely, ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the infection and the individual’s overall health.

Steps for a Successful Recovery

To promote healing and prevent complications, patients recovering from pneumonia should:

• Follow all prescribed medication regimens
• Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated
• Gradually increase activity levels as advised by healthcare providers
• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Monitor for any signs of recurring symptoms

Long-Term Lung Health

For those who have experienced severe pneumonia or have underlying lung conditions, maintaining long-term lung health is crucial. This may involve:

• Regular pulmonary function tests
• Participation in pulmonary rehabilitation programs
• Ongoing vaccinations against pneumonia and other respiratory infections
• Lifestyle modifications to support overall health and immune function

By understanding the complexities of pneumonia and staying informed about current research and treatment approaches, individuals can better protect themselves and their loved ones from this serious respiratory infection. As we continue to face global health challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of respiratory health and pneumonia awareness has never been greater.

8 things you should know about pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that causes the air sacs in the lungs to fill up with fluid or pus, which makes it harder to breathe. The most common symptoms are cough that may be dry or produce phlegm, fever, chills and fatigue. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and pain in the chest. and shortness of breath. Signs that indicate a more severe infection are shortness of breath, confusion, decreased urination and lightheadedness. In the U.S., pneumonia accounts for 1.3 visits to the Emergency Department, and 50,000 deaths annually. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to affect people around the world, pneumonia has become an even larger health concern. Some people infected with the COVID-19 have no symptoms, while others may experience fever, body ache, dry cough, fatigue, chills, headache, sore throat, loss of appetite, and loss of smell.

The more severe symptoms of COV-19, such as high fever, severe cough, and shortness of breath, usually mean significant lung involvement. The lungs can be damaged by overwhelming COVID-19 viral infection, severe inflammation, and/or a secondary bacterial pneumonia. COVID-19 can lead to long lasting lung damage.

Here are other important facts you should know about pneumonia:,

1. Pneumonia can be a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Any of these organisms on their own cause pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia can also complicate a viral illness like the flu. Many viruses can cause pneumonia. Most cases of viral pneumonia are relatively mild, but some can cause severe symptoms, such as severe acute respiratory system (SARS) coronavirus and the more recent SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Strep pneumoniae (often called pneumococcal pneumonia).
    
2. Both the young and the old are at risk. Young children and older adults (over age 65) are at the highest risk of getting pneumonia, and of having complications from it. About one million adults receive care in a hospital for pneumonia and, around the world, it is the leading cause of hospitalization and death in children under 5 years old.
    
3. Vaccines are available to help prevent pneumococcal pneumonia. The PCV13 vaccine for children younger than two and those over age two who have preexisting health conditions helps protect against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria, while the PPSV23 vaccine for older adults protects against 23 types. Yet, about one-third of adults aged 65 and older have not been vaccinated.
    
4. Pneumonia can be spread from person to person, but it can also be caused by other factors. Like other contagious respiratory illnesses, the viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing germ-filled droplets into the air. The illness that results can range from mild to severe.
    
5. Doctors divide pneumonia into two main types. Doctors use term health-care associated pneumonia (HCAP) if the person who develops the lung infection has had been hospitalized, has stayed in a long-term care facility like a nursing home or has been on dialysis within the last three months. Otherwise, the designation is usually community acquired pneumonia (CAP).  
    
6. The initial treatment of pneumonia depends on whether it is HCAP or CAP and whether the person has a normal vs. a compromised immune system.  It’s important to begin treatment for pneumonia as soon as the diagnosis is made. Because the specific cause cannot be determined immediately, doctors almost always prescribe antibiotics initially to cover bacterial infections.

For CAP that does not require hospitalization, doctors typically prescribe a single or a combination of two different oral antibiotics, such as amoxicillin with or without azithromycin or doxycycline. Patients with CAP who require hospitalization almost always receive two different antibiotics. Most people with HCAP pneumonia or compromised immune systems generally need treatment in the hospital with intravenous (IV) antibiotics.

7. Over-the-counter medicines can help relieve symptoms. To relieve pain or reduce high fever, good choices are either acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). If the cough is very bothersome or keeping you up at night, look for products that contain either dextromethorphan (DM) to ease the cough or guaifenesin to loosen secretions. Many cold and flu products contain both. Be sure to look at the ingredients of all medicines to be sure that you don’t take more than the recommended amount.
    
8. COVID-19-aquired pneumonia can cause lasting lung damage. While most people who recover from pneumonia tend not to suffer from any serious long-term lung damage, pneumonia caused by the coronavirus is often more severe and may result in long-term symptoms or a form of lung failure called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Patients suffering from ARDS may be put on a ventilator while in the hospital to help oxygen circulate throughout the body. ARDS may cause pulmonary scarring and can be fatal.

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Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More

Pneumonia is an infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It leads to inflammation in the air sacs of one or both lungs. These sacs, called alveoli, fill with fluid or pus, making it difficult to breathe.

Both viral and bacterial pneumonia is contagious. This means they can spread from person to person through inhalation of airborne droplets from a sneeze or cough.

You can also get these types of pneumonia by coming into contact with surfaces or objects that are contaminated with pneumonia-causing bacteria or viruses.

You can contract fungal pneumonia from the environment. It does not spread from person to person.

Pneumonia is further classified according to where or how it was acquired:

• Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). This type of bacterial pneumonia is acquired during a hospital stay. It can be more serious than other types, as the bacteria involved may be more resistant to antibiotics.
• Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This refers to pneumonia that’s acquired outside of a medical or institutional setting.
• Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). When people who are using a ventilator get pneumonia, it’s called VAP.
• Aspiration pneumonia. Inhaling bacteria into your lungs from food, drink, or saliva can cause aspiration pneumonia. It’s more likely to occur if you have a swallowing problem, or if you’re too sedated from the use of medications, alcohol, or other drugs.

Walking pneumonia

Walking pneumonia is a milder case of pneumonia. People with walking pneumonia may not even know they have pneumonia. Their symptoms may feel more like a mild respiratory infection than pneumonia. However, walking pneumonia may require a longer recovery period.

The symptoms of walking pneumonia can include things like:

• mild fever
• dry cough lasting longer than a week
• chills
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• reduced appetite

Viruses and bacteria, like Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae, often cause pneumonia. However, in walking pneumonia, the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae most commonly causes the condition.

Pneumonia stages

Pneumonia may be classified based off the area of the lungs it’s affecting:

Bronchopneumonia

Bronchopneumonia can affect areas throughout both of your lungs. It’s often localized close to or around your bronchi. These are the tubes that lead from your windpipe to your lungs.

Lobar pneumonia

Lobar pneumonia affects one or more lobes of your lungs. Each lung is made of lobes, which are defined sections of the lung.

Lobar pneumonia can be further divided into four stages based off how it’s progressed:

• Congestion. Lung tissue appears heavy and congested. Fluid filled with infectious organisms has accumulated in the air sacs.
• Red hepatization. Red bloods cells and immune cells have entered into the fluid. This makes the lungs appear red and solid in appearance.
• Gray hepatization. The red blood cells have begun to break down while immune cells remain. The breakdown of red blood cells causes a change in color, from red to gray.
• Resolution. Immune cells have begun to clear the infection. A productive cough helps eject remaining fluid from the lungs.

Pneumonia symptoms can be mild to life threatening. They can include:

• coughing that may produce phlegm (mucus)
• fever
• sweating or chills
• shortness of breath that happens while doing normal activities, or even while resting
• chest pain that’s worse when you breathe or cough
• feelings of tiredness or fatigue
• loss of appetite
• nausea or vomiting
• headaches

Other symptoms can vary according to your age and general health:

• Infants may appear to have no symptoms, but sometimes they may vomit, lack energy, or have trouble drinking or eating.
• Children under 5 years old may have fast breathing or wheezing.
• Older adults may have milder symptoms. They can also experience confusion or a lower-than-normal body temperature.

Pneumonia happens when germs get into your lungs and cause an infection. The immune system’s reaction to clear the infection results in inflammation of the lung’s air sacs (alveoli). This inflammation can eventually cause the air sacs to fill up with pus and liquids, causing pneumonia symptoms.

Several types of infectious agents can cause pneumonia, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Bacterial pneumonia

The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Other causes include:

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Legionella pneumophila

Viral pneumonia

Respiratory viruses are often the cause of pneumonia. Examples of viral infections that can cause pneumonia include:

• influenza (flu)
• respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• rhinoviruses (common cold)
• human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) infection
• human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection
• measles
• chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus)
• adenovirus infection
• coronavirus infection
• SARS-CoV-2 infection (the virus that causes COVID-19)

Although the symptoms of viral and bacterial pneumonia are very similar, viral pneumonia is usually milder. It can improve in 1 to 3 weeks without treatment.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, people with viral pneumonia are at risk of developing bacterial pneumonia.

Fungal pneumonia

Fungi from soil or bird droppings can cause pneumonia. They most often cause pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems. Examples of fungi that can cause pneumonia include:

• Pneumocystis jirovecii
• Cryptococcus species
• Histoplasmosis species

Risk factors

Anyone can get pneumonia, but certain groups do have a higher risk. These groups include:

• infants from birth to 2 years old
• people ages 65 and older
• people with weakened immune systems due to:
  • pregnancy
  • HIV
  • the use of certain medications, such as steroids or certain cancer drugs
• people with certain chronic medical conditions, such as:
  • asthma
  • cystic fibrosis
  • diabetes
  • COPD
  • heart failure
  • sickle cell disease
  • liver disease
  • kidney disease
• people who’ve been recently or are currently hospitalized, particularly if they were or are on a ventilator
• people who’ve had a brain disorder, which can affect the ability to swallow or cough, such as:
  • stroke
  • head injury
  • dementia
  • Parkinson’s disease
• people who’ve been regularly exposed to lung irritants, such as air pollution and toxic fumes, especially on the job
• people who live in a crowded living environment, such as a prison or nursing home
• people who smoke, which makes it more difficult for the body to get rid of mucus in the airways
• people who use drugs or drink heavy amounts of alcohol, which weakens the immune system and increases the odds of inhaling saliva or vomit into the lungs due to sedation

Your doctor will start by taking your medical history. They’ll ask you questions about when your symptoms first appeared and your health in general.

They’ll then give you a physical exam. This will include listening to your lungs with a stethoscope for any abnormal sounds, such as crackling.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms and your risk of complications, your doctor may also order one or more of these tests:

Chest X-ray

An X-ray helps your doctor look for signs of inflammation in your chest. If inflammation is present, the X-ray can also inform your doctor about its location and extent.

Blood culture

This test uses a blood sample to confirm an infection. Culturing can also help identify what may be causing your condition.

Sputum culture

During a sputum culture, a sample of mucus is collected after you’ve coughed deeply. It’s then sent to a lab to be analyzed to identify the cause of the infection.

Pulse oximetry

A pulse oximetry measures the amount of oxygen in your blood. A sensor placed on one of your fingers can indicate whether your lungs are moving enough oxygen through your bloodstream.

CT scan

CT scans provide a clearer and more detailed picture of your lungs.

Fluid sample

If your doctor suspects there’s fluid in the pleural space of your chest, they may take a fluid sample using a needle placed between your ribs. This test can help identify the cause of your infection.

Bronchoscopy

A bronchoscopy looks into the airways in your lungs. It does this using a camera on the end of a flexible tube that’s gently guided down your throat and into your lungs.

Your doctor may do this test if your initial symptoms are severe, or if you’re hospitalized and not responding well to antibiotics.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.

Your treatment will depend on the type of pneumonia you have, how severe it is, and your general health.

Prescription medications

Your doctor may prescribe a medication to help treat your pneumonia. What you’re prescribed will depend on the specific cause of your pneumonia.

Oral antibiotics can treat most cases of bacterial pneumonia. Always take your entire course of antibiotics, even if you begin to feel better. Not doing so can prevent the infection from clearing, and it may be harder to treat in the future.

Antibiotic medications don’t work on viruses. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral. However, many cases of viral pneumonia clear on their own with at-home care.

Antifungal medications are used to treat fungal pneumonia. You may have to take this medication for several weeks to clear the infection.

OTC medications

Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications to relieve your pain and fever, as needed. These may include:

• aspirin
• ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Your doctor may also recommend cough medicine to calm your cough so you can rest. Keep in mind coughing helps remove fluid from your lungs, so you don’t want to eliminate it entirely.

Home remedies

Although home remedies don’t actually treat pneumonia, there are some things you can do to help ease symptoms.

Coughing is one of the most common symptoms of pneumonia. Natural ways to relieve a cough include gargling salt water or drinking peppermint tea.

Cool compresses can work to relieve a fever. Drinking warm water or having a nice warm bowl of soup can help with chills. Here are more home remedies to try.

You can help your recovery and prevent a recurrence by getting a lot of rest and drinking plenty of fluids.

Although home remedies can help ease symptoms, it’s important to stick to your treatment plan. Take any prescribed medications as directed.

Hospitalization

If your symptoms are very severe or you have other health problems, you may need to be hospitalized. At the hospital, doctors can keep track of your heart rate, temperature, and breathing. Hospital treatment may include:

• antibiotics injected into a vein
• respiratory therapy, which involves delivering specific medications directly into the lungs, or teaching you to perform breathing exercises to maximize your oxygenation
• oxygen therapy to maintain oxygen levels in your bloodstream (received through a nasal tube, face mask, or ventilator, depending on severity)

Pneumonia may cause complications, especially in people with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions, such as diabetes.

Complications may include:

• Worsened chronic conditions. If you have certain preexisting health conditions, pneumonia could make them worse. These conditions include congestive heart failure and emphysema. For certain people, pneumonia increases their risk of having a heart attack.
• Bacteremia. Bacteria from the pneumonia infection may spread to your bloodstream. This can lead to dangerously low blood pressure, septic shock, and, in some cases, organ failure.
• Lung abscesses. These are cavities in the lungs that contain pus. Antibiotics can treat them. Sometimes they may require drainage or surgery to remove the pus.
• Impaired breathing. You may have trouble getting enough oxygen when you breathe. You may need to use a ventilator.
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome. This is a severe form of respiratory failure. It’s a medical emergency.
• Pleural effusion. If your pneumonia isn’t treated, you may develop fluid around your lungs in your pleura, called pleural effusion. The pleura are thin membranes that line the outside of your lungs and the inside of your rib cage. The fluid may become infected and need to be drained.
• Kidney, heart, and liver damage. These organs may be damaged if they don’t receive enough oxygen, or if there’s an overreaction of the immune system to the infection.
• Death. In some cases, pneumonia can be fatal. According to the CDC, nearly 44,000 people in the United States died from pneumonia in 2019.

In many cases, pneumonia can be prevented.

Vaccination

The first line of defense against pneumonia is to get vaccinated. There are several vaccines that can help prevent pneumonia.

Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23

These two pneumonia vaccines help protect against pneumonia and meningitis caused by pneumococcal bacteria. Your doctor can tell you which one might be better for you.

Prevnar 13 is effective against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria. The CDC recommends this vaccine for:

• children under age 2
• people between ages 2 and 64 with chronic conditions that increase their risk of pneumonia
• adults ages 65 and older, on the recommendation of their doctor

Pneumovax 23 is effective against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria. The CDC recommends it for:

• adults ages 65 and older
• adults ages 19 to 64 who smoke
• people between ages 2 and 64 with chronic conditions that increase their risk of pneumonia

Flu vaccine

Pneumonia can often be a complication of the flu, so be sure to also get an annual flu shot. The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get vaccinated, particularly those who may be at risk of flu complications.

Hib vaccine

This vaccine protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), a type of bacterium that can cause pneumonia and meningitis. The CDC recommends this vaccine for:

• all children under 5 years old
• unvaccinated older children or adults who have certain health conditions
• people who’ve gotten a bone marrow transplant

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, pneumonia vaccines won’t prevent all cases of the condition.

But if you’re vaccinated, you’re likely to have a milder and shorter illness as well as a lower risk of complications.

Other prevention tips

In addition to vaccination, there are other things you can do to avoid pneumonia:

• If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking makes you more susceptible to respiratory infections, especially pneumonia.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes. Promptly dispose used tissues.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle to strengthen your immune system. Get enough rest, eat a balanced diet, and get regular exercise.

Together with vaccination and additional prevention steps, you can help reduce your risk of getting pneumonia. Here are even more prevention tips.

A variety of infectious agents cause pneumonia. With proper recognition and treatment, many cases of pneumonia can be cleared without complications.

For bacterial infections, stopping your antibiotics early can cause the infection to not clear completely. This means your pneumonia could come back.

Stopping antibiotics early can also contribute to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic-resistant infections are more difficult to treat.

Viral pneumonia often resolves in 1 to 3 weeks with at-home treatment. In some cases, you may need antivirals.

Antifungal medications treat fungal pneumonia. It may require a longer period of treatment.

Pneumonia that occurs during pregnancy is called maternal pneumonia. Pregnant people are more at risk of developing conditions like pneumonia. This is due to the natural suppression of the immune system that happens during pregnancy.

The symptoms of pneumonia don’t differ by trimester. However, you may notice some of them more later on in your pregnancy due to other discomforts you may be encountering.

If you’re pregnant, contact your doctor as soon as you start experiencing symptoms of pneumonia. Maternal pneumonia can lead to a variety of complications, such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Pneumonia can be a rather common childhood condition. Approximately 1 in 71 children worldwide get pneumonia worldwide each year, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The causes of childhood pneumonia can vary by age. For example, pneumonia due to respiratory viruses, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae is more common in children under 5 years old.

Pneumonia due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae is frequently observed in children between the ages of 5 and 13. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is one of the causes of walking pneumonia. It’s a milder form of pneumonia.

See your pediatrician if you notice your child:

• is having trouble breathing
• lacks energy
• has changes in appetite

Pneumonia can become dangerous quickly, particularly in young children. Here’s how to avoid complications.

Most people respond to treatment and recover from pneumonia. Like your treatment, your recovery time will depend on the type of pneumonia you have, how severe it is, and your general health.

A younger person may feel back to normal in a week after treatment. Others may take longer to recover and may have lingering fatigue. If your symptoms are severe, your recovery may take several weeks.

Consider taking these steps to aid in your recovery and help prevent complications from occurring:

• Stick to the treatment plan your doctor has developed, and take all medications as instructed.
• Make sure to get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Ask your doctor when you should schedule a follow-up appointment. They may want to perform another chest X-ray to make sure your infection has cleared.

Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The immune system’s reaction to this infection causes the lung’s air sacs to fill with pus and fluids. This leads to symptoms such as trouble breathing, a cough with or without mucus, fever, and chills.

To diagnose pneumonia, your doctor will do a physical exam and discuss your medical history. They may recommend further testing, such as a chest X-ray.

Treatment depends on the cause of the infection. It may involve antibiotics, antiviral medication, or antifungal medication.

Pneumonia often clears up in a few weeks. See a doctor right away if your symptoms get worse, as you may need to be hospitalized to prevent or treat more serious complications.

Symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia

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Maria Egorovna

Experience 40 years

Pulmonologist

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Pneumonia is an acute infectious and inflammatory disease that affects all structural units of lung tissue, for the most part – alveoli and interstitial cells. Clinically, the pathology is manifested by symptoms such as fever, weakness, sweating, shortness of breath, cough with sputum, which can be purulent, mucous, bloody (“rusty”). The diagnosis is made on the basis of auscultation and X-ray. The main methods of treatment: antibiotic therapy, detoxification, immunostimulation, taking mucolytics, expectorants, antihistamines, physiotherapy and exercise therapy.

Symptoms and signs of pneumonia

The clinical symptomatology of the disease is determined by its form. Croupous pneumonia is characterized by an acute onset, fever over 39°C, chills, chest pain, shortness of breath, and marked weakness. Cough attacks are at first unproductive, after a few days, “rusty” sputum begins to depart. The fever persists. Symptoms manifest themselves for 10 days. In severe cases, the skin is hyperemic, the nasolabial triangle is cyanotic. The nature of breathing is superficial, rapid. During auscultation, the doctor listens to crepitus and moist fine bubbling rales. The pressure is low, muffled heart sounds, the pulse quickens, arrhythmia is possible.

Focal pneumonia is characterized by a gradual, inconspicuous onset. The disease develops after acute respiratory viral infections or tracheobronchitis. The temperature reaches febrile values ​​(38-38.5°C). With coughing attacks, mucopurulent sputum is discharged. Sweating, weakness, pain in the chest during coughing attacks and on inspiration are characteristic. During auscultation, the doctor listens to hard breathing, crepitus over the inflammatory focus, dry fine and medium bubbling rales.

Causes of development and ways of infection with pneumonia

The cause of the progression of pneumonia is infection, more often by bacterial pathogens. The causative agents of the disease include:

• gram (+) pathogenic – pneumococci, staphylococci, streptococci;
• gram (-) pathogens – Friedlander’s bacillus, Haemophilus influenzae, enterobacteria, Proteus, Escherichia coli, Legionella;
• mycoplasma;
• influenza, parainfluenza, herpes, adenoviruses;
• fungi.

In addition, pneumonia can progress as a result of the action of non-infectious provocateurs: chest trauma, toxic compounds, ionizing radiation, allergens.

Risk factors

The risk group for the disease includes people with pathologies such as:

• congestive heart failure;
• chronic bronchitis;
• chronic nasopharyngeal infection;
• malformations of the lungs;
• immunodeficiency.

In addition, the risk group includes malnourished patients who are on bed rest for a long time, the elderly. Subject to pneumonia and those who smoke and abuse alcohol.

Complications

The course of pneumonia is complicated if it is accompanied by the progression of inflammatory processes in the respiratory system and other organs. The presence or absence of complications determines the nature of the course and prognosis of the disease. Pulmonary complications include:

• obstruction syndrome;
• lung abscess;
• gangrene of lung tissue;
• exudative pleurisy;
• acute insufficiency of the respiratory system.

Extrapulmonary complications include:

• acute cardiopulmonary insufficiency;
• myocarditis, endocarditis;
• meningoencephalitis, meningitis;
• toxic shock;
• glomerulonephritis;
• anemia.

When to see a doctor

In case of fever, cough, sputum separation, you should consult a general practitioner or pulmonologist. You can visit a qualified specialist at JSC “Medicine” (clinic of Academician Roitberg). The clinic is located near the Mayakovskaya metro station at the address: 2nd Tverskoy-Yamskoy pereulok, 10.

Diagnosis of pneumonia

In the diagnostic process, it is important to distinguish inflammation from other pulmonary pathologies, to find out the etiology and severity of the disease. Pneumonia can be suspected on the basis of a rapid rise in temperature, coughing attacks, intoxication. For diagnostics you need:

• physical examination. With percussion, the doctor determines the compaction of lung tissue, with auscultation – wheezing and crepitus;
• laboratory diagnostics. Leukocytosis (15-30×109/l), shift of the leukoformula to the left, increased ESR up to 50 mm/h. In the urine, proteinuria is determined, sometimes microhematuria. Bacterial sputum analysis reveals the pathogen, and its sensitivity to antibiotics is also determined;
• X-ray of the lungs. X-rays are done at the beginning of the pathology and after 3-4 weeks for control purposes.

Treatment

During the rise in temperature and intoxication, the patient needs bed rest, plenty of fluids, high-calorie food. If respiratory failure is expressed, then patients are prescribed oxygen inhalations. Basic therapies include:

• antibacterial treatment. The selection of antibiotics is carried out by a doctor. In the case of community-acquired pneumonia, penicillins, cephalosphorins, macrolides are prescribed. With nosocomial infections, penicillins, fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, carbapenems are prescribed. Combination therapy of 2-3 antibiotics may also be prescribed. The course is from 1 to 2 weeks. With a viral or fungal form of pathology, antiviral or antifungal treatment is prescribed, respectively;
• symptomatic treatment. Detoxification, immunostimulation are carried out, the doctor prescribes antipyretic, mucolytic, expectorant, antihistamines;
• physiotherapy. When intoxication and fever end, physiotherapeutic procedures (electrophoresis, ultra-high-frequency therapy, inhalations, massage) and physiotherapy exercises are prescribed to stimulate the resolution of the focus of inflammation.

Therapeutic measures are carried out until the condition is completely normalized.

Treatment of pneumonia with folk remedies is contraindicated. All therapeutic measures are taken strictly under medical supervision.

Myths and dangerous misconceptions in the treatment of pneumonia

Pneumonia is treated with antibiotics only. This is not the case, since the disease can be caused by viruses or fungi, and appropriate drugs must be prescribed to eliminate them.

With pneumonia, you need to warm the chest. In fact, local heating of the chest area can provoke an aggravation of the inflammatory process.

With pneumonia there is always a cough. In patients with a weakened immune status, the disease may develop with blurred clinical symptoms, in which cough is not observed.

Prevention

Preventive measures are as follows:

• harden the body;
• strengthen immunity;
• exclude hypothermia of the body;
• sanitize foci of chronic infections;
• stop smoking and alcohol abuse;
• do breathing exercises.

For weakened patients who are on bed rest, it is necessary to carry out therapeutic exercises, massage, the doctor should prescribe them antiplatelet agents – heparin, pentoxifylline.

How to call a doctor at home

You can call a specialist of JSC “Medicina” (clinic of Academician Roitberg) to your home by calling +7 (495) 229-00-03. You can make an appointment with a pulmonologist or therapist by filling out the form on the website or by calling +7 (495) 775-73-60. Phone numbers are available around the clock. The clinic is located in the central district of Moscow at the address: 2nd Tverskoy-Yamskoy lane, building 10.

Rehabilitation after pneumonia in adults

Contents

1. Tasks of medical rehabilitation after pneumonia
2. Do’s and Don’ts for Pneumonia
3. Signs of recovery from pneumonia
4. Sequelae of pneumonia
5. Residual cough after pneumonia

Pneumonia or pneumonia is an acute infectious disease in which the lung tissue itself is affected. Depending on the pathogen, the size of the inflammatory focus, the age of the patient and the presence of concomitant diseases, the clinical picture of pneumonia can vary greatly. So in elderly patients with comorbidity, pneumonia occurs in an erased form, without an acute onset of the disease and a sharp rise in temperature. However, in the vast majority of patients, with full-fledged treatment started on time, the temperature returns to normal, infiltrative changes in the lungs disappear within 3-4 weeks. At this time, the patient receives a course of antibiotics, mucolytics, nebulizer and inhalation therapy, antiplatelet agents, vitamins. Dietary nutrition helps to restore the forces spent on fighting the infection.

If necessary, the doctor may prescribe physiotherapy procedures that contribute to the speedy resorption of the inflammatory focus of the lung tissue. For example, electrophoresis with drugs allows you to deliver concentrated anti-inflammatory drugs directly to the affected area without damaging the skin and mucous membranes. Studies have shown the possibility of some improvement in lung function and a decrease in the symptoms of inflammation during breathing exercises. Respiratory gymnastics is aimed at combating stagnant processes in the lungs. Acupuncture and massage can be included by the attending physician in an individual patient rehabilitation program to eliminate bronchospasm, reduce inflammation, and sputum discharge.

Tasks of medical rehabilitation after pneumonia

1. Localize the inflammatory process, reduce the risk of relapses.
2. Improve the drainage function of the bronchi, facilitate sputum discharge.
3. Eliminate residual effects: cough, shortness of breath.
4. Stimulate the resorption of the inflammatory substrate.
5. Strengthen the patient’s immunity, increase the body’s resistance.
6. Return the patient to normal life.

Do’s and don’ts for pneumonia

Treatment of pneumonia, depending on the severity of its course, can take place at home or in a hospital. There are a number of actions that can aggravate the course of the disease. These include:

1. Excessive exercise. Strengthened sports is a strong stress for the body during illness
2. Drinking alcohol. Alcohol is bad for the lungs, especially inflamed ones. If the body is dehydrated, then drinking alcohol prevents the lung tissues from healing and recovering faster.
3. Taking hot baths, visiting saunas, baths. This can lead to overheating and an increase in body temperature. But you can take a shower, with not too hot water temperature, if you feel normal and there is no fever.
4. Improper nutrition. Eating sugar, fatty, fried and smoked foods during illness increases the load on the body, forcing it to digest high-calorie and heavy foods for it when it comes to fighting pneumonia.
5. Nervous. During inflammation of the lungs, it is undesirable to worry, as the stress hormone cortisol prevents the lungs from recovering.

At the appointment, the doctor will tell the patient what not to do after pneumonia. First of all, during the month it is undesirable to sunbathe, visit the bathhouse and sauna. In general, you should take care, as the body is weakened after an illness. It is advisable to fully eat, rest more and drink at least 2 liters of water per day.

Signs of recovery from pneumonia

The following signs indicate recovery after an illness:

• normalization of body temperature;
• energizing, improved sleep;
• disappearance of signs of intoxication, respiratory failure;
• appearance of appetite;
• alignment of breathing, its normal frequency.

If pneumonia was uncomplicated, then its manifestations disappear within 10-15 days. The lungs are fully restored in 3-6 months.

At the stage of recovery, a deep, wet cough appears, in which sputum is well discharged. During auscultation, hard breathing can be heard in places, but without wheezing and crepitus.

Repeat x-rays do not show areas of inflammation. Laboratory tests are normalized, they do not have a pathological increase in leukocytes and ESR.

Consequences of pneumonia

To minimize the risk of complications after pneumonia, recovery measures are taken. The results are evaluated according to the dynamics of the patient’s condition. The rehabilitation program is developed taking into account the condition and age of the patient. As a rule, it includes: massage, physiotherapy, exercise therapy.

Physiotherapy reduces pathological foci in the lungs after pneumonia, removes tissue swelling, and normalizes local blood circulation. After the illness, they are prescribed: magnetotherapy, magneto-laser therapy, microwave therapy, drug electrophoresis, UVI. Also recommended: inhalation, balneotherapy, hyperbaric chamber.

You can go for a massage after stopping respiratory disorders and normalizing body temperature. During the session, blood flow to the affected area increases, lymph flow improves, which increases the number of immune cells in the focus. Premature babies who have had pneumonia are recommended acupressure techniques.

To prevent the effects of pneumonia, exercise therapy is prescribed, which is based on breathing exercises. Their implementation prevents the development of adhesive processes and the appearance of atelectasis. For children, classes are held in the form of a game. These include: blowing up balloons, blowing air through a straw, and other exercises.

Residual cough after pneumonia

Residual cough after pneumonia can bother for several weeks and even months, but gradually disappears.