Learn How Dangerous Pneumonia Can Be If Left Unattended & Things to Control it

Anyone can get this lung infection. However, children under the age of two and those over 65 are more susceptible. This is due to the fact that their immune systems are not robust enough to fight infections. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, virus, or fungus. Do you know that bacteria are the most common cause of developing pneumonia in adults, while viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in school-aged children? Pneumonia causes inflammation in one or both lungs air sacs (alveoli) and tubes in your airways (bronchioles) to swell that may result in fluid or pus in your lungs. Breathing becomes challenging due to problems with oxygen exchange as alveoli are filled with fluid or pus. Pneumonia is a potentially fatal infection that can range in severity from mild to severe or life-threatening lung infection.

Causes and Risk Factors of Pneumonia

The common causes of pneumonias are germs, either bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.

• Bacterial pneumonia: Infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, also called pneumococcal disease, is the most common cause of community acquired pneumonia.
  
  
• Viral pneumonia: Pneumonia can be caused by viruses responsible for the cause the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), common cold, influenza, COVID-19.
  
  
• Fungal pneumonia: It is caused by fungi and is not common. Infection doesn’t spread from one person to another.
  
  

Risk factors of pneumonia include:

• Age: Children up to two years and adults who are 65 years and older are at increased risk.
  
  
• People with chronic disease: Risk of pneumonia increases in people with weak immune systems, major long-term health issues, or are currently hospitalized particularly on ventilator, or chronic (ongoing) diseases. People with cancer, HIV, asthma, sickle cell disease, or damaged or removed spleens may fall under this category.
  
  
• Smokers or drinkers: Individuals who smoke or drink heavy amounts of alcohol are more prone to pneumonia.
  
  

• Use of certain medications: Medications, such as steroids or certain cancer drugs increases risk.
  
  

Symptoms of Pneumonia

 

The symptoms of pneumonia in children and adults are as follows:

• Abnormal body temperature, such as fever and chills or a lower-than-normal body temperature in older adults or people with weak immune systems
• Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath due to poor oxygen exchange
• Productive cough, possibly with mucus or phlegm that is yellow, green, or bloody
• Congestion or chest pain when you cough or breathe
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Confusion or changes in mental status, especially among older adults
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

 

 

Complications of Pneumonia: How Dangerous Pneumonia Can Be?

 

Pneumonia can result in complications affecting the lungs, such as lung abscesses, pleural effusion, and respiratory failure. Serious side effects from pneumonia that may necessitate hospitalization include:

 

• Breathing problems like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) that causes low blood oxygen or respiratory failure.
  
  
• Pleural effusion, which is an abnormal accumulation of fluid surrounding the layers of tissue of the lungs and chest cavity.
  
  
• Sepsis or blood-stream bacteria (bacteremia), refers to viable bacteria in the blood. The pneumonia-causing bacteria can go into your circulation, infecting other organs and causing organ failure or sepsis.
  
  
• A lung abscess is a localized collection of pus in your lungs. Your lungs may develop pus-filled holes as a result of pneumonia.
• Kidney, liver, and heart damage can occur when these organs don't get sufficient oxygen or when the immune system responds negatively to the infection. Pneumonia can also result in the inflammation of the outer lining of the heart (pericarditis).

 

 

Prevention and Management of Pneumonia

Pneumonia can be very serious and even life-threatening. You can take the following steps to prevent it:

• Vaccination: Getting vaccinated against bacteria and viruses that frequently cause pneumonia is the best method to prevent it. Pneumococcal vaccines protect against pneumonia bacteria. Getting vaccinated for the flu or COVID-19 can help lower the risk of viral pneumonia.
• Quit smoking: Give up smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke. Smoking not only harms your lungs but also increases your risk of illness.
  
  
• Healthy lifestyle: Consume a healthy diet, exercise and get enough rest.
  
  
• Good hygiene: Clean your hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitizer before eating.
  
  
• Limit air pollution: Air pollution can significantly increase your risk of pneumonia. 

 

Treatment of pneumonia

The treatment of pneumonia is determined by the type and severity of the pneumonia, as well as your age and overall health. Here are some standard therapies and other measures to treat pneumonia:

 

• Antibiotics: They are typically recommended to treat bacterial pneumonia. One should still take the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor.
  
  
• Other medications: Antiviral drugs may be recommended for viral pneumonia. Antifungal medication may be used for fungal pneumonia. You can use over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin to treat fever and muscle soreness.
• Cough medication: To help relieve your cough, you can use cough medication, but you should consult your doctor first.
• Fluids: To help break up secretions and raise phlegm, drink a lot of fluids.
• Rest: Get plenty of rest.
• Steer clear of smoke: Avoid all forms of smoke, including wood smoke, secondhand smoke, and smoking.
  
  

Lung infections like pneumonia can sometimes cause serious or fatal illness or even death. It's critical to consult a doctor if you or your loved one is exhibiting signs of pneumonia, especially if you have certain risk factors. The infection has the potential to quickly progress and become fatal if treatment is not received. You may be more at risk if you have a compromised immune system, are an older adult, or have underlying medical conditions like renal or heart disease. Prompt diagnosis and early treatment is a key for better management of pneumonia.

 

If you have any questions related to pneumonia or its complications, you can check with our physician at Ask a doctor, 24x7.