What are the potential consequences of untreated pneumonia. How can you recognize the symptoms of pneumonia. When should you consult a doctor for pneumonia-like symptoms. What are the available treatment options for different types of pneumonia. How can you manage pneumonia symptoms at home. What complications may arise from untreated pneumonia.

Understanding the Types and Severity of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that can vary significantly in severity depending on its cause. To better understand the risks associated with untreated pneumonia, it’s crucial to differentiate between the various types:

• Viral pneumonia
• Walking pneumonia
• Bacterial pneumonia

Viral pneumonia, while causing significant discomfort, often resolves on its own without specific treatment. Walking pneumonia, a milder form of the infection, typically doesn’t require hospitalization and improves with time. However, bacterial pneumonia poses a more serious threat and necessitates prompt medical intervention.

The Dangers of Untreated Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia left untreated can lead to severe complications. The infection may spread beyond the lungs, potentially causing:

• Sepsis: A life-threatening systemic infection
• Bacteremia: Infection in the bloodstream
• Lung abscesses: Pockets of pus in the lungs

These conditions can be fatal if not addressed promptly, underscoring the importance of seeking medical attention when pneumonia symptoms arise.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Pneumonia

Identifying pneumonia symptoms early is crucial for timely treatment. Common indicators include:

• Persistent coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Chills and fever

Is it possible to distinguish between viral and bacterial pneumonia based on symptoms alone? While there can be some differences, it’s generally difficult to determine the exact cause without medical tests. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

High-Risk Groups for Pneumonia Complications

Certain individuals are more susceptible to severe pneumonia complications. These high-risk groups include:

• Smokers
• People with pre-existing heart or lung conditions
• Adults over 65 years of age

If you fall into any of these categories and experience pneumonia symptoms, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.

Diagnosing Pneumonia: What to Expect

When you visit a doctor with suspected pneumonia, the diagnostic process typically involves:

1. Physical examination
2. Chest X-ray to assess the extent of infection
3. Blood and mucus tests to identify the causative agent (bacterial, viral, or fungal)

How accurate are these diagnostic methods? While physical examinations and chest X-rays can provide strong indications of pneumonia, laboratory tests offer the most definitive diagnosis, allowing doctors to tailor treatment effectively.

Treatment Approaches for Different Types of Pneumonia

The treatment for pneumonia varies depending on its cause:

Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment

Antibiotics are the primary treatment for bacterial pneumonia. Why is it crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics? Stopping treatment prematurely can lead to:

• Resurgence of the infection
• Development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Viral Pneumonia Management

For viral pneumonia, treatment focuses on symptom management, including:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Rest and hydration

Should cough suppressants be used for pneumonia? It’s important to consult a doctor before using cough suppressants, as coughing helps clear the lungs of mucus and debris.

Fungal Pneumonia Treatment

Antifungal medications are prescribed for fungal pneumonia cases. The duration and type of treatment depend on the specific fungal strain and the severity of the infection.

Home Remedies and Self-Care for Pneumonia Recovery

While medical treatment is essential, certain home remedies can support recovery:

• Getting ample rest to allow the body to fight the infection
• Staying well-hydrated to thin mucus and ease breathing
• Using a cool mist humidifier to loosen mucus
• Avoiding alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs

How effective are these home remedies in treating pneumonia? While these measures can alleviate symptoms and support recovery, they should complement, not replace, prescribed medical treatments.

Potential Complications of Untreated Pneumonia

Leaving pneumonia untreated can lead to severe complications, including:

Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusion occurs when fluid accumulates between the lungs and chest wall. In severe cases, this may require drainage through a chest tube or surgery.

Lung Abscess

A lung abscess is a pus-filled cavity that forms in the lung tissue. While antibiotics can often treat abscesses, severe cases may require surgical intervention.

Bacteremia

Bacteremia, the spread of infection to the bloodstream, is a serious complication that can lead to organ failure and septic shock if left untreated.

Can these complications be prevented? Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment significantly reduce the risk of these severe complications, highlighting the importance of seeking medical care promptly when pneumonia symptoms arise.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Pneumonia

While mild cases of pneumonia may be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain that worsens when breathing or coughing
• High fever (above 102°F or 39°C) that persists or worsens
• Coughing up blood
• Confusion or changes in mental awareness (especially in older adults)

Is it ever safe to wait and see if pneumonia symptoms improve on their own? While some mild cases may resolve without treatment, it’s always safer to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you’re in a high-risk group or symptoms are severe or persistent.

Preventing Pneumonia: Proactive Measures for Better Health

While treatment is crucial, prevention is equally important. Here are some strategies to reduce your risk of developing pneumonia:

Vaccination

Vaccines can protect against certain types of pneumonia. Key vaccinations include:

• Pneumococcal vaccine
• Influenza vaccine
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine

How effective are these vaccines in preventing pneumonia? While no vaccine is 100% effective, they significantly reduce the risk of infection and can make symptoms less severe if you do contract pneumonia.

Lifestyle Modifications

Certain lifestyle changes can boost your immune system and reduce pneumonia risk:

• Quitting smoking
• Maintaining good hygiene practices
• Managing chronic conditions effectively
• Getting regular exercise
• Eating a balanced, nutritious diet

Can these lifestyle changes completely prevent pneumonia? While they significantly reduce your risk, they don’t guarantee complete prevention. However, they contribute to overall health and can help your body fight off infections more effectively.

Environmental Considerations

Your environment can also impact your risk of developing pneumonia. Consider the following:

• Ensuring good indoor air quality
• Avoiding exposure to pollutants and irritants
• Maintaining proper ventilation in living and working spaces

How significant is the role of environmental factors in pneumonia risk? While not the sole determinant, environmental factors can substantially influence your susceptibility to respiratory infections, including pneumonia.

The Impact of Pneumonia on Different Age Groups

Pneumonia can affect individuals of all ages, but its impact and management can vary significantly across different age groups:

Pneumonia in Children

Children, especially those under five, are particularly vulnerable to pneumonia. Key considerations include:

• Higher risk of rapid progression
• Potential for long-term impacts on lung development
• Importance of timely vaccination and treatment

Why are children more susceptible to severe pneumonia? Their immune systems are still developing, making it harder for them to fight off infections effectively.

Pneumonia in Adults

For adults, pneumonia risk and severity often correlate with overall health and lifestyle factors:

• Increased risk with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease
• Higher likelihood of complications in smokers
• Potential for longer recovery periods compared to children

How does lifestyle impact pneumonia risk in adults? Factors like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor diet can weaken the immune system, making adults more susceptible to severe pneumonia.

Pneumonia in Older Adults

Older adults face unique challenges when it comes to pneumonia:

• Higher risk of severe complications
• Atypical symptoms that can delay diagnosis
• Longer recovery periods
• Increased importance of preventive measures like vaccination

Why do older adults often present with atypical pneumonia symptoms? Age-related changes in the immune system and body can alter how symptoms manifest, making diagnosis more challenging in this age group.

The Role of Antibiotic Resistance in Pneumonia Treatment

Antibiotic resistance is an emerging concern in the treatment of bacterial pneumonia. Understanding this issue is crucial for effective management:

Causes of Antibiotic Resistance

Several factors contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria:

• Overuse of antibiotics
• Improper use of antibiotics (e.g., not completing prescribed courses)
• Use of antibiotics in livestock

How does antibiotic resistance develop? When bacteria are exposed to antibiotics but not completely eradicated, the surviving bacteria can develop mechanisms to resist future antibiotic treatments.

Implications for Pneumonia Treatment

Antibiotic resistance can significantly impact pneumonia treatment:

• Reduced effectiveness of standard antibiotic treatments
• Need for stronger, potentially more toxic antibiotics
• Longer treatment periods
• Increased risk of complications

What strategies are being employed to combat antibiotic resistance in pneumonia treatment? Healthcare providers are increasingly focusing on:

• Targeted antibiotic use based on specific bacterial strains
• Development of new antibiotic classes
• Emphasis on antibiotic stewardship programs

Patient Role in Preventing Antibiotic Resistance

Patients play a crucial role in preventing antibiotic resistance:

• Taking antibiotics only when prescribed by a healthcare professional
• Completing the full course of prescribed antibiotics
• Not sharing antibiotics with others or using leftover antibiotics

How significant is the patient’s role in preventing antibiotic resistance? Patient adherence to proper antibiotic use is fundamental in slowing the development of resistant bacteria strains.

Long-Term Effects of Pneumonia: What to Expect During Recovery

While many people recover fully from pneumonia, some may experience long-term effects:

Physical Effects

Common long-term physical effects of pneumonia can include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Reduced lung function
• Increased susceptibility to future respiratory infections

How long do these effects typically last? The duration varies, but some individuals may experience effects for several months post-recovery.

Psychological Impact

The psychological impact of severe pneumonia shouldn’t be overlooked:

• Anxiety about future health issues
• Depression related to prolonged illness and recovery
• Post-traumatic stress, especially in cases requiring intensive care

Is psychological support necessary for pneumonia recovery? While not always required, psychological support can be beneficial, especially for those who experienced severe illness or complications.

Monitoring and Follow-up Care

Proper follow-up care is essential for full recovery:

• Regular check-ups with healthcare providers
• Pulmonary function tests to assess lung recovery
• Gradual return to normal activities under medical guidance

How often should follow-up appointments be scheduled after pneumonia? The frequency depends on the severity of the initial infection and individual recovery progress, but typically includes at least one follow-up within 4-6 weeks after treatment.

Pneumonia in the Context of Global Health

Pneumonia remains a significant global health concern, particularly in developing countries:

Global Burden of Pneumonia

Understanding the global impact of pneumonia is crucial:

• Leading cause of death in children under five worldwide
• Significant contributor to mortality in older adults
• Higher prevalence in low- and middle-income countries

Why does pneumonia have a more severe impact in developing countries? Factors include limited access to healthcare, malnutrition, and higher rates of comorbidities.

Global Initiatives for Pneumonia Prevention and Treatment

Several global initiatives aim to reduce the burden of pneumonia:

• Vaccination programs in developing countries
• Improved access to antibiotics and oxygen therapy
• Educational campaigns on prevention and early symptom recognition

How effective have these global initiatives been in reducing pneumonia-related deaths? While progress has been made, particularly in child mortality rates, pneumonia remains a significant global health challenge requiring continued efforts and resources.

Future Directions in Pneumonia Research and Treatment

Ongoing research aims to improve pneumonia prevention and treatment:

• Development of more effective and accessible vaccines
• Research into new antibiotic alternatives
• Improved diagnostic tools for rapid and accurate detection

What potential breakthroughs in pneumonia treatment are on the horizon? Promising areas include the development of universal pneumonia vaccines and novel therapies targeting antibiotic-resistant strains.

What Could Happen if My Pneumonia Remains Untreated?

Healthy Living

There are several types of pneumonia that vary in their degree of seriousness. Pneumonia caused by a viral infection can make people feel very sick with fever, cough, and tiredness. However, viral pneumonia tends to go away on its own after some time. 

A “walking pneumonia” is a mild case of pneumonia that is not caused by the typical pneumonia-causing bacteria. Walking pneumonia will go away on its own over a period of time, causing only mild discomforts with symptoms of a cold and cough. The immune system of the body fights this type of pneumonia, which usually does not require a hospital confinement or bed rest.

Expert Answers

What is the best way to treat pneumonia symptoms?

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Pneumonia caused by bacterial infection, however, can make a person very sick.  If bacterial pneumonia is not treated, bacteria can enter the circulatory system, causing sepsis, a serious systemic infection that affects the whole body. Sepsis is a serious, life-threatening condition with potentially fatal outcomes. Moreover, if the antibiotic medication is not given on time, bacterial pneumonia may cause a blood infection or even lung abscesses. Either of these conditions is considered a life-threatening illness that requires immediate medical attention. 

Since a case of pneumonia might be of the serious bacterial type, anyone who is experiencing and exhibiting the symptoms of pneumonia should be evaluated by a doctor on high priority.

Symptoms

The symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild to severe depending on its type. Its usual symptoms include:

• coughing
• breathlessness
• chest pain
• chills
• fever

Pneumonia could lead to life-threatening complications for those who smoke, have a heart or lung disease, or are above 65 years old. Anyone who falls under any of these categories should immediately see a doctor when the symptoms of pneumonia are present.

Diagnosis     

A diagnosis of pneumonia is done by a doctor through physical examination. A chest X-ray helps the doctor to determine how wide the infection has spread. Blood and mucus tests will help the doctor tell whether it is bacteria, a virus, or a fungal microorganism that is causing the infection.

Treatment

Pneumonia can be successfully treated without having complications. However, in some patients, complications can still happen, especially those who belong to high-risk groups. Complications can either be pneumonia-related or drug-related (the body’s reaction to the administered drug for pneumonia). Pneumonia can also be due to the patient’s underlying chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure.

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial pneumonia. With oral antibiotic treatment, it is important to strictly adhere to the prescribed course. The reason is that if the course of the antibiotic treatment is not followed properly, some bacteria might remain alive in the body. There would then be the possibility of pneumonia resurfacing. Not completing the course of treatment also increases one’s risk of antibiotic resistance.

Over-the-counter medications and pain relievers are available for viral pneumonia. However, a doctor should be contacted before taking any cough suppressants. Fungal pneumonia is treated with antifungal medicines.

Severe pneumonia is treated by giving antibiotics intravenously. Patients will most likely be hospitalized to monitor their condition and help them recover faster.

Home Remedies

Besides taking the prescribed medications, there are a few things that you can do to help you achieve a faster recovery from pneumonia. They include:

• Getting a lot of rest, as it helps your body fight the infection.
• Drinking plenty of fluids, as this keeps the body from being dehydrated and also loosens the mucus in the lungs.  
• Avoiding alcohol, smoking, and drugs
• One can also use a cool mist humidifier to loosen the mucus.

Some of the common complications due to pneumonia are:

• Fluid accumulation – happens when fluid accumulates between the pleura (covering of the lungs) and the inner lining of the chest wall. This fluid accumulation is called as a “pleural effusion”. If the fluid becomes infected as a result of pneumonia, a chest tube or surgery may be needed to drain the fluid.
• Abscess – is a collection of pus in the area that is infected with pneumonia. Abscesses are usually treated using antibiotics. The surgical removal of abscesses can also be done in rare cases. 
• Bacteremia – occurs when the infection spreads from the lungs to the bloodstream. Bacteremia is considered as a serious complication since it can spread quickly through the bloodstream and to other organs of the body. It can also cause the affected person’s blood pressure to become dangerously low.
• Death – most people successfully recover from pneumonia. However, the lung infection can also be fatal at times. The 30-day mortality rate of patients who are admitted to a general medical ward is approximately 5 to 10 percent. However, for those patients with severe lung infections in the intensive care unit (ICU), the risk is as high as 30 percent.
• Cardiovascular events – some studies have shown that patients who have had pneumonia are at an increased risk of having a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack during recovery from pneumonia. This risk persists for several years after the episode of pneumonia.

Is it possible to prevent pneumonia?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to prevent pneumonia. Here are few ways to do it:

1. Vaccination

Pneumonia usually occurs after a case of flu. Annual flu shots can be taken to reduce the risk. While flu vaccinations cannot protect all people from all the possible types of flu, it does cover the most important and severe strains of the flu virus.

There are two types of vaccines to prevent pneumonia. However, they cannot keep one safe from all the types of pneumonia.

• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV): It is given to children below 5 years of age. It does not prevent all types of pneumonia, but it reduces the risk of developing a severe type of pneumonia. Note that the vaccine does have a few side effects such as mild fever, irritability, tenderness and redness of the site of injection, and loss of appetite.
• Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV): It is recommended for children above 2 years of age as well as adults who are at high risk of contracting pneumonia. People with weak immune systems are usually recommended for vaccination. The side effects of the vaccine are muscle soreness, mild flu, as well as tenderness and redness at the site of injection.

2. Hygiene

Wash your hands thoroughly before and after meals. Hands can frequently come in contact with germs. Hence, it is important that they are clean and washed with antibacterial soap. 

3. Avoid smoking as it affects the lungs

When you have weak lungs due to smoking, your body will no longer have the capacity to fight pneumonia.

4. Healthy lifestyle

Eating a nutritious diet, having regular exercise, and adequate sleep can help in building up your immune system.

It is important to observe the above guidelines to help avoid getting pneumonia. Those in high-risk groups, in particular, should observe the preventive measures as well. 

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Pneumonia Treatment and Recovery | American Lung Association

How Is Pneumonia Treated?

Treatment for pneumonia depends on the type of pneumonia you have, how sick you are feeling, your age, and whether you have other health conditions. The goals of treatment are to cure the infection and prevent complications. It is important to follow your treatment plan carefully until you are fully recovered.

Take any medications as prescribed by your doctor. If your pneumonia is caused by bacteria, you will be given an antibiotic. It is important to take all the antibiotic until it is gone, even though you will probably start to feel better in a couple of days. If you stop, you risk having the infection come back, and you increase the chances that the germs will be resistant to treatment in the future.

Typical antibiotics do not work against viruses. If you have viral pneumonia, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to treat it. Sometimes, though, symptom management and rest are all that is needed.

Most people can manage their symptoms such as fever and cough at home by following these steps:

• Control your fever with aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen), or acetaminophen. DO NOT give aspirin to children.
• Drink plenty of fluids to help loosen secretions and bring up phlegm.
• Do not take cough medicines without first talking to your doctor. Coughing is one way your body works to get rid of an infection. If your cough is preventing you from getting the rest you need, ask your doctor about steps you can take to get relief.
• Drink warm beverages, take steamy baths and use a humidifier to help open your airways and ease your breathing. Contact your doctor right away if your breathing gets worse instead of better over time.
• Stay away from smoke to let your lungs heal. This includes smoking, secondhand smoke and wood smoke. Talk to your doctor if you use tobacco products and are having trouble staying smokefree while you recover. This would be a good time to think about quitting for good.
• Get lots of rest. You may need to stay in bed for a while. Get as much help as you can with meal preparation and household chores until you are feeling stronger. It is important not to overdo daily activities until you are fully recovered.

If your pneumonia is so severe that you are treated in the hospital, you may be given intravenous fluids and antibiotics, as well as oxygen therapy, and possibly other breathing treatments.

Recovering from Pneumonia

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Recovery from serious lung infections, such as pneumonia, can take longer than you expect. Learn what you can do to help your body recover, when to reach out to your healthcare provider and how to help prevent future infections.

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Recovery from a serious lung infection may take longer than you expect. It can take weeks, or even months, before you are feeling back to normal. How long you feel sick depends on several factors including the severity of your infection your age, and your overall health status. It’s important to not get discouraged but gradually take steps each day to help your body recover.

An upper respiratory infection may affect your sinuses and throat. A lower respiratory infection may affect your airways but primarily impacts your lungs. Lower respiratory infections tend to be more serious and require longer recovery. Pneumonia is the most common respiratory infection but there are many others. One thing all lower respiratory infections have in common is inflammation. Fluid buildup and cell debris in the airways can take time to clear. The symptoms you are feeling, such as cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath may linger as you heal.

Signs and symptoms to watch for and report back to your healthcare provider include if your fever returns, you experience chest pain or worsening shortness of breath or if you develop any new symptoms that concern you. While you are waiting for your body to recover, focus on taking the medications your healthcare provider has prescribed and good health practices – such as lots of rest so your body can recover, fluids to keep the mucus in your lungs thin, good food so your body has energy to heal. It is important to keep your vaccinations up to date and any chronic health conditions well managed to help prevent future respiratory infections.

Given enough time and care, you will hopefully be feeling like yourself again soon.

Learn more at Lung.org.

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It may take time to recover from pneumonia. Some people feel better and are able to return to their normal routines within a week. For other people, it can take a month or more. Most people continue to feel tired for about a month. Adequate rest is important to maintain progress toward full recovery and to avoid relapse. Don’t rush your recovery! Talk with your doctor about when you can go back to your normal routine.

While you are recovering, try to limit your contact with family and friends, to help keep your germs from spreading to other people. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough, promptly dispose of tissues in a closed waste container and wash your hands often.

If you have taken antibiotics, your doctor will want to make sure your chest X-ray is normal again after you finish the whole prescription. It may take many weeks for your X-ray to clear up.

Possible Pneumonia Complications

People who may be more likely to have complications from pneumonia include:

• Older adults or very young children.
• People whose immune system does not work well.
• People with other, serious medical problems such as diabetes or cirrhosis of the liver.

Possible complications include:

• Respiratory failure, which requires a breathing machine or ventilator.
• Sepsis, a condition in which there is uncontrolled inflammation in the body, which may lead to widespread organ failure.
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a severe form of respiratory failure.
• Lung abscesses, which are infrequent, but serious complications of pneumonia. They occur when pockets of pus form inside or around the lung. These may sometimes need to be drained with surgery.

Questions?

Talk to our experts at the American Lung Association Lung HelpLine. Our service is free and we are here to help you by phone, web chat or email.

Contact the Helpline

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Pneumonia Symptoms and Diagnosis

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Reviewed and approved by the American Lung Association Scientific and Medical Editorial Review Panel.

Page last updated: November 17, 2022

Signs of pneumonia and risk of asymptomatic pneumonia

09/25/2015

The disease popularly called pneumonia is actually called pneumonia. Before the advent of penicillin, almost a third of cases of this disease ended in death. But even modern medicine cannot guarantee a successful outcome of treatment. About 5% of all patients cannot be saved.

Medically speaking, pneumonia is inflammation of one or both lungs. The cause of the disease process can be fungi, bacteria or viruses. But in any case, the danger to life arises from the first hours of the disease.

If earlier the presence of pneumonia could be indirectly established by signs such as a wet cough (with sputum) and high temperature, then in recent years the so-called asymptomatic pneumonia has become more common. The only indicators by which you can determine the presence of the disease without a medical examination are shortness of breath and pain in the chest with a deep entrance. Pain occurs precisely in those places where the focus of inflammation was localized.

Some symptoms of pneumonia are rare, usually only in the acute course of the disease. These include loss of consciousness, acute fever, headaches. Sometimes a change in skin color is also possible.

As for cough, it may be absent, since the focus of the disease is located far from the respiratory tract. It is this factor that misleads some people – there is no cough, which means there is no danger of pneumonia. In fact, such cases are even more dangerous than in the presence of a cough. After all, coughing in itself is a protective reaction that helps to cope with the disease.

The main danger of the disease lies in the difficulty of diagnosing it in time. Since the main symptoms are very similar to flu or SARS, people who are used to self-medication do not consider it necessary to seek medical help. Self-medication aimed at eliminating the symptoms of the disease does not affect the focus of pneumonia in any way, and wasted time only aggravates the course of this disease.

Even a doctor, without special tests, is difficult to determine the presence of pneumonia. The main method for diagnosing this disease is radiography of the organs of the goudy cell. It is the X-ray that helps to accurately determine the location of the focus of infection and its presence.

In some cases, bronchoscopy may be required to accurately determine the presence of the disease and its localization. This procedure is not very pleasant for the patient. A thin tube is used to examine the lungs through the nose or mouth. It is also possible to collect sputum from the lesion. If there is fluid in the pleural cavities, a lung puncture is made, followed by removal of the fluid with a needle.

Carrying out tests allows you to establish not only the focus of the disease, but also the causes of its occurrence. Regardless of what caused pneumonia, treatment necessarily includes antibiotics. But if earlier it was possible to get by with penicillin alone, then today this is no longer always enough. Bacteria and viruses have begun to get used to this remedy, and it is no longer as effective as in the old days.

Depending on the type of pneumonia, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral, antibacterial, or antifungal medication.

As for self-treatment, it is simply unacceptable. Indeed, without research it is impossible to establish what exactly caused the disease and, as a result, it is impossible to eliminate the cause.

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what is dangerous and who should beware the most

In this article we will look at what pneumonia is, what are the symptoms of this disease and what complications it can lead to. The information is general, with a focus on pneumonia in adults. You can learn about the features of this disease in children from a separate article.

Before we move on to the main body of the material, let’s take a look at the key facts presented by experts from the American Lung Association.

• This disease develops when an infection occurs in the lungs,
• Pneumonia is often a complication of influenza and other colds,
• Most young patients in good health recover in 1-3 weeks. Despite this fact, pneumonia is considered a potentially life-threatening disease.
• A form of bacterial pneumonia can be prevented by vaccination.

When an infection (virus, bacterium, fungus) enters the lungs, the therapist diagnoses pneumonia. Often the infection is spread through coughing, sneezing, touching, and even breathing through very close contact between the sick and the healthy. Patients who do not show symptoms of pneumonia are also carriers of the infection.

How does pneumonia affect our body?

Most of the time, the nose and other organs of the respiratory system filter germs from the air we breathe. Due to this, the infection does not reach the lungs. Sometimes microbes still find a way to get into the lungs and cause an inflammatory process. Most often this happens in the following situations:

• A person has a weakened immune system,
• The microbe is very strong or attacks in large quantities,
• The body is not able to filter microorganisms from the air we breathe.

When a germ enters the lungs, the air sacs (alveoli) become inflamed and filled with fluid. This causes the symptoms of pneumonia: cough, fever, chills, difficulty breathing.

When a person develops pneumonia, the amount of oxygen in the blood decreases and the body’s cells cannot do their job properly. It is for this reason, and also because of the risk of spreading the infection to other parts of the body, that pneumonia can lead to death.

How serious is it?

This dangerous disease annually takes the lives of hundreds of thousands of people around the world. This disease is especially dangerous for children and people aged 65 years and older, as well as people with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems.

Inflammation of the lungs passes quickly and without complications:

• If the patient is young,
• If the disease is diagnosed at an early stage,
• If the patient is in general good health and there are no problems with immunity,
• If the infection has not spread to other parts of the body.

With adherence to the regimen and appropriate medical treatment of pneumonia, most patients recover in 1-3 weeks. For elderly or debilitated patients, the recovery period may be longer.

American experts distinguish 5 main culprits of this disease:

1. Bacteria. These mainly include pneumococcus bacteria, Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus.
2. Viruses. The influenza virus is a very common cause of pneumonia in adults. Other viral microorganisms that can cause inflammation include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, herpes simplex virus, and acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS).
3. Mycoplasmas,
4. Other infectious agents such as fungi,
5. Miscellaneous chemicals.

It is important to note that a person with viral inflammation may subsequently experience more dangerous bacterial inflammation.

Depending on the cause of the disease, age and state of health, the symptoms of pneumonia in adults are mild to moderate to severe. The most common signs of illness include:

• Cough – in some cases, the patient coughs up yellowish and greenish mucus, and sometimes with blood,
• Slight or severe fever (in older people the temperature rises less often),
• Chills,
• Dyspnea that comes on only when climbing stairs.

Additional symptoms of pneumonia include:

• Sharp or stabbing pain in the sternum that worsens with deep inspiration or coughing
• Headache
• Excessive sweating
• Loss of appetite and fatigue ,
• Confusion in the mind, especially in the elderly.

Depending on the cause of the disease (bacteria or virus), symptoms may vary. With bacterial pneumonia body temperature can rise up to 40 °C. In some, this type of disease causes severe sweating, as well as a sharp increase in heart rate and breathing. Due to the lack of oxygen in the body, the lips and nails of the patient may acquire a bluish tint. Sometimes the patient has confusion or delirium.

The initial symptoms of pneumonia of viral origin are identical to those of influenza: fever, dry cough, headache, muscle pain and weakness. Within 12-36 hours, shortness of breath appears, the cough becomes more pronounced and a small amount of mucus is coughed up along with it. Sometimes the patient has a very high temperature, and the lips become blue.

Who is most at risk of getting sick?

Risk factors for pneumonia include:

• Smoking and alcohol abuse,
• Recent viral infection – colds, laryngitis, influenza oectasis, cystic fibrosis,
• Cerebral palsy,
• Other serious diseases – heart or kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus,
• Cognitive impairment (loss of brain function) due to dementia, stroke or other neurological diseases,
• Recent surgery or injury,
• Taking certain medications,
• Having an autoimmune disease,
• Malnutrition.

How to detect pneumonia?

Different approaches are used to treat this condition. The choice of one of them depends on the cause of the disease, the severity of the symptoms, the age and general health of the patient.

To diagnose pneumonia, a therapist performs a physical exam, during which he listens to the lungs with a stethoscope. If the lungs are inflamed, the doctor will hear a crunch and rumbling during inhalation. Sometimes the patient will wheeze, making it very difficult for the therapist to hear breathing sounds in certain areas of the chest.

If inflammation is suspected and there are no symptoms, the therapist will refer you for a chest x-ray. Some patients are referred for other diagnostic procedures:

• Complete blood count – to count the number of white blood cells,
• Computed tomography of the chest – to get a better view of the lungs,
• Sputum microbiology – to detect the microorganism that caused pneumonia,
• Bronchoscopy is a procedure used to look at the airways in the lungs. This test is performed if the patient is hospitalized and antibiotics do not have the desired effect.

Inflammation of the lungs: treatment and prevention

It is very important for a therapist to understand what exactly caused the inflammation, because the choice of treatment tactics depends on it. The main task of the doctor is to save the patient from infection and prevent the development of dangerous complications.

Most patients are treated at home and should follow simple guidelines:

• Drink plenty of fluids to make the cough less dry and sputum easier to cough up,
• Get plenty of rest,
• Control temperature with aspirin, NSAIDs (ibuprofen and naproxen), or paracetamol.

In the treatment of pneumonia, you should not take cough medicine without first consulting a physician. Coughing is one of the ways our body gets rid of infection.

In some cases, the patient is hospitalized:

• If the patient has other serious illnesses,
• If the symptoms are very severe,
• If the patient is unable to take care of themselves, cannot eat or drink,
• If the patient is a small child or an elderly person (65 years of age or older),
• If the patient’s condition has not been improved by antibiotics.

Usually pneumonia of viral origin antibiotics are not prescribed; Sometimes a doctor prescribes antiviral drugs. In most cases, with inflammation of viral origin, the patient recovers within 1-3 weeks.

For mild bacterial pneumonia patients without comorbidities are prescribed macrolide antibiotics – azithromycin, clarithromycin or erythromycin. If, in addition to pneumonia, the patient has other serious diseases (heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney disease, diabetes mellitus), he is prescribed either more powerful antibiotics or an increased dosage of macrolide drugs.

Can pneumonia be prevented?

In order to reduce the chances of getting this disease, it is recommended:

• Get vaccinated

American doctors recommend getting vaccinated every year to prevent seasonal flu. Children under 5 and people aged 65 and over should be vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia.

• Wash your hands frequently

Wash your hands frequently, especially after blowing your nose, going to the bathroom, changing your baby’s diapers, and before eating and preparing food.

• No smoking

Tobacco reduces the ability of the lungs to fight infection.

What are the possible complications of pneumonia?

If the disease is started or left untreated, inflammation can lead to the following complications:

• Respiratory failure, a potentially life-threatening condition in which insufficient oxygen is supplied from the lungs to the blood,
• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) – severe form of respiratory failure,
• Sepsis (blood poisoning) is a condition characterized by uncontrolled inflammation throughout the body,
• Lung abscess is a very rare but extremely serious complication of pneumonia. It occurs when pockets of pus form inside or around the lungs.