Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can cause pneumonia.

Pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. It is most serious for infants and young children, people older than age 65, and people with health problems or weakened immune systems.

The severity of pneumonia depends on the type of organism causing the infection, your age, and your overall health. Most cases of pneumonia can be treated successfully, though it may take time to recover fully.

Signs and symptoms of pneumonia vary from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, and your age and overall health. Mild signs and symptoms often are similar to those of a cold or flu, but they last longer.

Common symptoms include:

• Chest pain when you breathe or cough
• Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older)
• Cough, which may produce phlegm
• Fatigue
• Fever, sweating and shaking chills
• Lower than normal body temperature (in adults older than age 65 and people with weak immune systems)
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Shortness of breath

Symptoms in children:

• Fever and chills
• Cough
• Rapid breathing
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability or restlessness

Seek emergency care if:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• High fever (above 39°C/102°F)
• Severe cough with blood
• Confusion (especially in older adults)
• Blue lips or nails (cyanosis)

• Symptoms lasting more than a few days
• Fever that doesn't improve
• Worsening symptoms
• Difficulty breathing
• Underlying health conditions
• Age 65 or older
• Weakened immune system

For mild cases, self-care can help:

1. Rest:

   • Get plenty of rest
   • Don't return to work or school too soon
   • Allow your body time to recover

2. Stay Hydrated:

   • Drink plenty of fluids
   • Water, juice, clear broth
   • Helps loosen mucus

3. Take Medications as Prescribed:

   • Complete full course of antibiotics (if prescribed)
   • Don't stop early even if you feel better
   • Take pain relievers/fever reducers as needed

4. Manage Symptoms:

   • Use a humidifier
   • Gargle with warm salt water (for sore throat)
   • Get plenty of sleep

5. Monitor Symptoms:

   • Watch for worsening
   • Check temperature regularly
   • Note any new symptoms

• Symptoms of pneumonia
• High fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Cough with blood
• Symptoms not improving after a few days
• Risk factors (age, weakened immune system)

• Very mild symptoms
• Following treatment plan
• Symptoms improving
• No high fever or breathing difficulties

Diagnosing pneumonia may involve:

1. Physical Examination:

   • Listen to lungs with stethoscope
   • Check for abnormal sounds (crackles, wheezing)
   • Check oxygen levels
   • Assess breathing

2. Chest X-Ray:

   • Shows infection in lungs
   • Helps determine extent and location

3. Blood Tests:

   • Complete blood count
   • Check for infection markers
   • May identify type of organism

4. Sputum Test:

   • Analyze phlegm sample
   • Identify bacteria or virus

5. Pulse Oximetry:

   • Measures oxygen in blood
   • Low levels may indicate severe pneumonia

6. CT Scan (if needed):

   • More detailed images
   • May be used if X-ray unclear

Treatment depends on the type and severity of pneumonia:

1. Bacterial Pneumonia:

   • Antibiotics (oral or IV)
   • Complete full course
   • Usually improves within 3-5 days

2. Viral Pneumonia:

   • Antiviral medications (if appropriate)
   • Rest and symptom management
   • Antibiotics don't help

3. Fungal Pneumonia:

   • Antifungal medications
   • May need longer treatment

4. Symptom Management:

   • Pain relievers/fever reducers
   • Cough medicine (if needed)
   • Oxygen therapy (if needed)

5. Hospitalization (if severe):

   • IV antibiotics
   • Oxygen therapy
   • Breathing treatments
   • Monitoring

Recovery Time:

• Mild cases: 1-2 weeks
• More severe: Several weeks to months
• Full recovery may take time

Prevent pneumonia by:

1. Vaccination:

   • Pneumococcal vaccine (for at-risk groups)
   • Annual flu vaccine
   • COVID-19 vaccine

2. Good Hygiene:

   • Wash hands frequently
   • Use hand sanitizer
   • Avoid touching face

3. Don't Smoke:

   • Smoking damages lungs
   • Increases pneumonia risk
   • Quitting improves lung health

4. Stay Healthy:

   • Get adequate sleep
   • Eat healthy diet
   • Exercise regularly
   • Manage chronic conditions

5. Avoid Sick People:

   • Stay away from people with respiratory infections
   • Wear mask if needed
   • Practice social distancing when appropriate

When pneumonia occurs:

1. Infection: Bacteria, virus, or fungus enters lungs
2. Inflammation: Immune system responds
3. Fluid Accumulation: Air sacs fill with fluid or pus
4. Symptoms: Cough, difficulty breathing, fever
5. Recovery: Immune system clears infection, lungs heal

The inflammation and fluid make it harder for oxygen to reach the bloodstream, causing breathing difficulties.

• More vulnerable to severe pneumonia
• May need hospitalization more often
• Watch for signs of difficulty breathing
• Vaccination is important

• Higher risk of complications
• May have different symptoms (confusion, lower fever)
• May take longer to recover
• Vaccination recommended

• Higher risk of severe pneumonia
• May be caused by unusual organisms
• May need longer treatment
• Prevention is especially important

It depends on the cause. Bacterial and viral pneumonia can be contagious, but fungal pneumonia usually is not. The organisms that cause pneumonia can spread through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Mild cases may resolve in 1-2 weeks. More severe cases may take several weeks to months for full recovery. Fatigue may persist for weeks after other symptoms improve.

Yes, through vaccination, good hygiene, not smoking, and maintaining good overall health. Vaccination is especially important for at-risk groups.

Go to the hospital if you have difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, high fever, confusion, or if you're in a high-risk group and have pneumonia symptoms.

Only for bacterial pneumonia. Viral pneumonia doesn't respond to antibiotics. Your doctor will determine the cause and appropriate treatment.