Pneumonia is a common and potentially severe respiratory infection affecting millions globally each year. This condition involves the inflammation of air sacs in the lungs, making it difficult for the body to get enough oxygen.
Understanding Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the alveoli, the tiny air sacs located in one or both lungs. When these air sacs become inflamed, they can fill with fluid or pus, which interferes with the lungs’ primary function of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Spotting the Signs and When to Act
The symptoms of pneumonia can vary in presentation and severity, but common indicators include a persistent cough that may produce greenish, yellow, or even bloody mucus. Other signs are fever, often accompanied by sweating and chills, shortness of breath, and chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing. Individuals may also experience fatigue, a rapid pulse, and a loss of appetite.
Symptoms can differ in certain populations. Infants and young children may exhibit less obvious signs, sometimes only presenting with vomiting, fussiness, or a general lack of energy. Older adults or those with compromised immune systems might experience confusion or a decreased mental state as a primary symptom, rather than typical respiratory distress. Immediate medical attention is necessary if someone experiences severe difficulty breathing, a bluish discoloration of the lips or fingernails, persistent chest pain, a high fever (e.g., 102°F or higher), or new confusion.
Causes and Risk Factors
Pneumonia is caused by various microorganisms, with bacteria and viruses being the most frequent culprits. Common bacterial causes include Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is responsible for a significant number of community-acquired cases, as well as Haemophilus influenzae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Viral pneumonia often results from influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). Fungi, such as Cryptococcus or Pneumocystis jirovecii, can also cause pneumonia, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
These pathogens typically spread through airborne droplets expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Contact with contaminated surfaces can also facilitate transmission. Several factors can increase an individual’s susceptibility to pneumonia:
- Age, with very young children (under 2 years) and adults over 65 years being at higher risk due to developing or declining immune systems.
- Weakened immune systems, whether from conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer treatments, or organ transplants.
- Chronic medical conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and diabetes.
- Lifestyle factors like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which compromise lung defenses.
- Recent hospitalization, especially in intensive care units, and exposure to crowded environments.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing pneumonia typically begins with a physical examination, where a healthcare provider listens to the lungs for abnormal sounds like crackles or decreased breath sounds. A chest X-ray is the primary diagnostic tool, helping to confirm the presence of inflammation and fluid in the lungs, and to determine the extent and location of the infection. Blood tests, such as a complete blood count, can indicate an infection, and blood cultures may be performed to identify the specific pathogen causing the illness, though precise identification is not always possible. In some cases, a sputum test, which involves analyzing a sample of mucus coughed up from the lungs, can help pinpoint the causative germ.
Treatment for pneumonia depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the illness. For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics are prescribed, and it is important to complete the full course of medication, even if symptoms improve, to prevent recurrence and antibiotic resistance. Certain viral pneumonias, such as those caused by influenza, may be treated with antiviral medications, though many viral cases resolve with supportive care alone. Fungal pneumonia requires specific antifungal medications.
Supportive care is a component of treatment for all types of pneumonia and includes getting adequate rest, staying well-hydrated to help thin mucus, and using over-the-counter pain relievers or fever reducers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Cough suppressants should be used cautiously, as coughing helps clear the lungs. For severe cases, oxygen therapy may be administered to maintain adequate blood oxygen levels, and hospitalization may be necessary, especially for high-risk individuals or those experiencing significant breathing difficulties.
Preventing Pneumonia
Preventing pneumonia involves a combination of vaccinations, good hygiene practices, and healthy lifestyle choices. Vaccination is a highly effective strategy, with pneumococcal vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23) recommended for specific age groups, including young children and adults over 65, and individuals with certain underlying health conditions. An annual influenza (flu) vaccine is also important, as the flu can often lead to pneumonia as a complication. The COVID-19 vaccine further contributes to prevention, reducing the risk of pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2.
Practicing good hygiene significantly reduces the spread of germs that cause respiratory infections. Frequent hand washing with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing and before eating, helps to remove pathogens. Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into the elbow, rather than the hands, helps contain respiratory droplets. Limiting contact with sick individuals when possible also helps minimize exposure.
Healthy lifestyle choices support a strong immune system, which can better defend against infections. Avoiding smoking is important, as tobacco damages the lungs’ natural defenses. Limiting alcohol consumption also contributes to overall health. Managing chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease through appropriate medical care helps reduce pneumonia risk. Maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity also support immune function and overall well-being.