Pneumonia: How can it affect one? What can be done to prevent and treat it?

Pneumonia can be described as an illness of the lungs of one or both caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. The condition causes inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs, also known as alveoli. The alveoli are filled with pus or fluid, making it difficult for patients to breathe. Both bacterial and viral pneumonia can be transmitted. 

This means that they can transmit from one person to another by inhaling droplets of airborne particles in a cough or sneeze. It is also possible to contract the types of pneumonia you are experiencing when you come into contact with objects or surfaces that the pneumonia-causing viruses or bacteria have contaminated. Fungal pneumonia can be contracted by contacting the surroundings, and it doesn’t spread from one person to another.

Causes

Pneumonia is when germs enter your lungs, causing an infection. The immune system’s response to fight the infection triggers inflammation of the air sacs in your lungs (alveoli). This can lead to the lung’s air sacs filling with liquids and pus and cause pneumonia-related symptoms. Many kinds of infectious agents could cause pneumonia, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

• Bacteria: 

One of the most frequent causes of pneumonia caused by bacteria is Streptococcus pneumoniae. The type of pneumonia could be present on its own or following the flu or a cold, and it could affect only one portion (lobe) in the lung. This is known as lobar pneumonia.

• Mycoplasma: 

Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes pneumonia, and it usually causes more mild symptoms than other forms of pneumonia. It is common to call this kind of pneumonia “walking pneumonia.” It does not require bed rest.

• Fungi: 

This kind of pneumonia is frequent in those suffering from chronic health problems or weak immune systems and those who have inhaled high quantities of the pollutants. The fungi responsible for it are present in soil or bird droppings and differ based on the fungus location.

• Viruses: 

Some of the viruses that cause colds and the flu may cause pneumonia the most frequent causes of pneumonia for children less than five years of age. The majority of cases of pneumonia caused by viral infections are mild, and however, in some cases, it may become extremely serious.

Complications

Even with viral pneumonia treatment, pneumonia patients, in particular, those with high-risk groups could be troubled with complications, which include:

• Bacteria that get into the bloodstream through your lungs may transmit the infection to other organs, causing organ failure.
• If your pneumonia is serious or you suffer from chronic lung conditions, you may have difficulty getting enough oxygen into your lungs. You might require hospitalization, at a pneumonia hospital and use a breathing device (ventilator) until your lung heals.
• Pneumonia may result in the accumulation of fluid within the small space between the tissue layers that line the lungs and the chest cavities (pleura). If the fluid is infected, it may be necessary to drain it through an airway or a chest tube or remove it through surgery.
• An abscess occurs when pus builds up inside a cavity in the lung. Antibiotics usually treat abscesses. Sometimes surgical intervention or drainage using an elongate tube or needle placed in the abscess is required to eliminate the pus.

Prevention

1. Get vaccines: Vaccines are available to protect against certain kinds of flu and pneumonia. Consult your physician about having these shots. The guidelines for vaccination change over time, so ensure that you review your vaccination history with your physician even if you remember getting a pneumonia vaccination.
2. Children Vaccines: Pneumonia specialist doctors recommend a different pneumococcal vaccine for children under age two and children aged between 2 and 5 years old who are at a higher risk of pneumococcal infection. Doctors recommend flu shots for children who are older than six months.
3. Keep Clean: To protect yourself against respiratory infections that can result in pneumonia, you should wash your hands often or apply an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
4. Do not Smoke: Smoking damages your respiratory system’s natural defenses against respiratory infections. Make sure your body’s immune system is in good shape. Get enough sleep, work out regularly, and consume a balanced and healthy diet.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will begin by asking questions about your medical history and then perform a physical examination, including the lungs of your patient with the help of a stethoscope, to look for unusual crackling or bubbling sounds that may indicate the presence of pneumonia. If you suspect you may have pneumonia, the doctor might recommend some of the tests below:

1. Blood tests: The use of blood tests determines the severity of the infection and attempts to identify the kind of organism that causes the illness. However, the exact identification of an organism isn’t always achievable.
2. Chest X-ray: This can help your doctor diagnose pneumonia and identify the extent and extent and severity. But, it’s not possible to reveal to your doctor the kind of bacteria is causing pneumonia.
3. Pulse oximetry: This measures the oxygen level in your blood. It is possible for pneumonia to prevent your lungs from getting enough oxygen into your bloodstream.
4. Sputum test: A sample of the fluid in your lung (sputum) is collected following an intense cough, and it is examined to determine the source of infection.
5. CT scan: If your pneumonia isn’t getting rid of as fast as you’d expect, your physician may suggest an abdominal CT scan to get an even more precise image of your lung.
6. Pleural culture: A fluid sample is collected by placing an instrument between your ribs within the pleural region and then examined to determine the kind of infection.

Treatment

Treatment for pneumonia includes stopping the illness and avoiding complications. Taking medications at home is often enough to treat patients who have contracted pneumonia from a community. Most symptoms vanish in the course of a few months or even weeks. But fatigue can last up to a month.

The treatment options you are offered are dependent on the severity and type of your respiratory illness, your age, and overall health. There are several options available:

Antibiotics: 

These medicines are used to treat the symptoms of bacterial pneumonia. It could take a while to determine the kind of bacteria that causes your cough. Then, choose the most effective antibiotic for treating it. If you don’t see improvement in your symptoms your physician may suggest an alternative antibiotic. Reach out to any best hospitals in Coimbatore to get the right pneumonia treatment.

Cough Medicine: 

This medicine may be used to soothe your cough so you can take a break. It is a good idea not to completely eliminate your cough. Because it will loosen and remove fluid from your lungs.

Pain relievers: 

You may take them when you need to treat discomfort and fever.