Pneumonia is a disease involving the lungs

Pneumonia is a disease involving the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It causes inflammation of the lung tissue specifically the alveoli which are the air sacs of the lungs. These sacs are then filled with fluid or with pus, depending on the type and severity of the infection. Its incidence is more in children, elderly and immunocompromised individuals than in healthy people.

Bacterial pneumonia is usually caused by Streptococcus pneumonia, viral pneumonia is caused mainly by the influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus, and fungal pneumonia is usually caused by fungi in soil or bird droppings. Fungi usually affect immunocompromised individuals. Pneumonia in children can be a problematic issue which requires the intervention of a Child Specialist in Lahore.

Types of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is classified according to the organism causing pneumonia (bacterial, viral, or fungal) and it is also classified based on where or how you can get it. This includes

• Hospital-acquired pneumonia or HAP
• Community-acquired pneumonia or CAP
• Ventilator-associated pneumonia or VAP
• Aspiration pneumonia which caused by aspiring bacteria into your lungs when you have a problem with swallowing.

Transmission of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is transmitted through contact by coughing or sneezing or by touching the infected person. It is also transmitted by contact with the infected surface.

In the case of fungal pneumonia, the fungus is present in soil or bird droppings and is transferred directly to the person.

Risk factors of Pneumonia

The risk factors of pneumonia are

• Infants (birth to 2 years of age)
• Elderly (65 and above)
• Immunocompromised patients (like HIV)
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic lung conditions like asthma, COPD
• People who have chronic diseases like diabetes, heart failure
• Smokers
• People who live in a polluted environment or work there
• People living in crowded spaces
• Patients who have been hospitalized long term
• Long-term ventilated patients

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of pneumonia differ depending on the type of organism causing pneumonia. The findings in the lungs also differ depending on the type of organism causing it. Some of the general signs and symptoms are

• Fever
• Productive cough (producing mucous)
• Chills
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Body aches

Diagnosing Pneumonia

Pneumonia is diagnosed by taking a detailed history and observing the signs and symptoms. The chest is examined for any abnormal sounds of the lungs. When it is suspected there are various tests like chest x-ray, blood, sputum culture, bronchoscopy, etc which are given to confirm the diagnosis.

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Treatment of Pneumonia

Treatment of pneumonia depends on the type of organism causing it. For bacterial pneumonia, oral or intravenous antibiotics are prescribed. For viral pneumonia, antivirals are given and antifungals are given for fungal pneumonia.

The accompanying symptoms are treated accordingly with paracetamol, aspirin, and cough syrups. The patient may or may not be hospitalized depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Prevention of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a preventable disease by not coming into contact with the diseased person, being up to date on your vaccination, quitting smoking, taking care of your hygiene, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Complications of Pneumonia

Complications of pneumonia are

• Chronic pneumonia
• Lung abscess
• Bacteremia
• Pleural effusion
• End organ damage
• Death

Conclusion

Pneumonia is a highly infectious disease involving the respiratory system that may be of bacterial, viral, or fungal origin. The symptoms are productive cough, fever, and shortness of breath and it mainly affects children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. It is a treatable and preventable disease but may prove deadly if interventions are not done timely. So it is recommended to get an appointment with a Child Specialist in Karachi at the earliest.