Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the lungs’ air sacs; it can affect one or both lungs. That inflammation can cause the air sacs to fill with pus and/or fluid. Pneumonia severity can range from mild to potentially lethal. It is particularly dangerous to infants, small children, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems.
Pneumonia is sometimes categorized by how or where the patient contracted it. Community-acquired pneumonia describes pneumonia contracted in the larger community, as opposed to a healthcare facility like a hospital. It is the most common type.
Hospital-acquired pneumonia can be dangerous because the patients are already ill and because the bacteria causing it are often resistant to antibiotics. Patients on breathing machines are particularly vulnerable.
Aspiration pneumonia can develop if the patient inhales saliva, vomit, food, or drink into their lungs. Patients with a condition that has disrupted their gag reflex are especially susceptible. Excessive use of drugs or alcohol can also increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
Pneumonia symptoms can vary depending on its severity, cause, and the age of the patient. An infant with pneumonia, for example, may vomit, have a cough and/or fever, and be lethargic. They may also be restless and have trouble eating and breathing. Some infants with pneumonia may not show any symptoms at all.
People with mild cases of pneumonia will often show the same symptoms as those associated with colds or influenza. Their symptoms will last longer, however. Patients with compromised immune systems and/or who are over 65 may develop abnormally low temperatures. Older adults may also show signs of confusion.
Other symptoms of pneumonia can include the following:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain caused by coughing or breathing
- Cough that can produce mucus
- Fever, sweating, or chills accompanied by shaking
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea, nausea, and/or vomiting
A patient should see a doctor if they develop a fever that’s 102° F (39° C) or over, have trouble breathing, develop chest pain, or have a persistent cough, especially if they’re also hawking up phlegm.
Causes of Pneumonia
Pneumonia has multiple causes. For example, there are several bacteria that can cause pneumonia. In the United States, Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most likely cause of bacterial pneumonia. It infects over 900,000 patients per year. It is possible for it to develop on its own or right after another respiratory infection like the flu. There is a vaccine that can prevent it.
Bacterial pneumonia can also be caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria meningitidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. Bacteria like Legionella pneumophila can cause atypical pneumonia.
Pneumonia can also be caused by some of the same viruses that cause the flu or colds. While viral pneumonia is typically mild, it can sometimes be extremely serious. Viral pneumonia is most common in children under five years old.
Pneumonia can also be caused by some types of fungi. Fungal pneumonia is most common in people who are chronically ill and/or have compromised immune systems.
Organisms called Mycoplasma are yet another cause of pneumonia. Mycoplasma have characteristics of both viruses and bacteria, and they are the smallest beings that can cause disease. They are most likely to affect young adults and older children, and they usually cause “walking pneumonia” in which the symptoms are mild enough so that the patient doesn’t have to stay in bed.
Treatment Options for Pneumonia
The treatment for pneumonia will depend on the type of pneumonia, its severity and cause, and the patient’s age and overall health. For example, antibiotics only help people with bacterial pneumonia. Similarly, the doctor will prescribe antiviral medication to treat somebody with viral pneumonia.
Some treatments, like cough medicine, will simply try to relieve the symptoms. The doctor may also recommend drugs to reduce pain or lower a fever.
In some cases, the patient can treat themselves at home. They will need to take the full course of anti-bacterial or anti-viral medication they were given. If they stop too soon, the medication may not have killed all of the microbes causing the pneumonia, and they will eventually get sick again.
The patient should drink plenty of water to loosen the mucus in their lungs and stay hydrated. They should also get plenty of rest and stay home until they are no longer feverish and have stopped coughing up phlegm. Since pneumonia can recur, the patient should slowly ease back until their usual routine.
Pneumonia can be severe enough to require hospitalization. This is especially true if the patient is over 65, has severe symptoms, and/or isn’t getting better despite medical treatment.