Throughout life, people are exposed to various health conditions. Some can be more serious than others or lead to further complications. One such condition is pneumonia, which affects the lungs and leads to respiratory difficulty. In this guide, you will read about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for the condition.
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection developed in the lungs. It affects the air sacs, causing inflammation as these air sacs, called alveoli, fill with pus or fluid. There are three main forms of pneumonia, classified as viral, bacterial, and fungal pneumonia. Viral and bacterial pneumonia are both contagious, spreading via coughs and sneezes. They can also be picked up from contaminated surfaces and objects.
Where and how a person develops pneumonia are used to further classify the condition. These are known as:
- > Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) – When a person develops pneumonia whilst in hospital.
- > Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) – This is pneumonia that develops outside of hospital.
- > Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) – A name given to pneumonia developed whilst a person is on a ventilator.
- > Aspiration pneumonia – This is when pneumonia is triggered by food, drink, or saliva entering the lungs.
Pneumonia is a condition that can potentially lead to death. According to the British Lung Foundation, around 220,000 people in the UK receive a diagnosis of pneumonia every year. In some cases, this can prove fatal, with adults aged 65 and over most vulnerable to complications.
Causes of Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung infection most commonly caused by bacteria or viruses. Over 100 strains of pneumonia-triggering infections have been discovered, though it is thought that only a few are responsible for the majority of cases.
Most cases of community-acquired pneumonia are caused by bacterial infections. A bacteria called streptococcus pneumoniae is responsible for nearly half of these cases. Viral infections, which are responsible for a third of all pneumonia cases, are usually associated with rhinovirus, influenza, and other viruses that proliferate throughout the year.
Pneumonia can also be caused by fungi and parasites, though these are rare triggers in the UK. However, people with suppressed immune systems may be more vulnerable to these varieties of pneumonia, as well as viral and bacterial conditions.
Anyone can get pneumonia. It is a condition that affects people of all ages every year. However, certain people are at increased risk. People who smoke or who have been exposed to lung irritants are more likely to develop pneumonia, for example.
Other people who are vulnerable include:
- > Children up to two years old
- > Adults aged 65 or older
- > People with weakened immune systems
- > Habitual drinkers and alcoholics
- > People who struggle with swallowing
- > Pregnant people
- > People with chronic medical conditions
- > Illegal drug users
- > People who are or have recently been on a ventilator
Symptoms of Pneumonia
When most people think of pneumonia, the first thing that comes to mind is a persistent cough. This is one of the main symptoms of the condition, but it is not the only one people are likely to experience. The infection can also cause fever, accompanied by sweating and/or chills.
A person with pneumonia is likely to experience chest pain and shortness of breath, which can both get worse during light activity such as walking around the house. They are also likely to experience fatigue, a loss of appetite, and regular headaches. In some cases, they may also feel nauseous or start vomiting.
Pneumonia symptoms are considered severe if a person is struggling to breathe or experiences constant chest pain. A sustained fever of 39°C or higher is another serious symptom, as is coughing up pus. If a person is experiencing these severe symptoms, it is important they see a doctor as soon as possible.
Furthermore, over-65s, children younger than two, people with chronic health conditions, or those with weakened immune systems should see a doctor as soon as it is suspected they have pneumonia.
Stages of Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a progressive condition, gradually worsening over time before it gets better. In most cases, it occurs in four stages.
Stage 1
The first stage of a pneumonia infection is called the congestion phase. This is where the fluid in the lungs first begins to build up, causing them to become heavy and congested. A person in the congestion phase will experience difficulty breathing, tiredness, and coughing. Sometimes this cough may produce mucus.
Stage 2
If a person with pneumonia could see their lungs during stage 2, they would see that they had become redder. This is due to a process called red hepatization, which sees additional red blood and immune cells enter the lungs to fight the infection. As this immune response takes hold, symptoms are likely to worsen. Coughing may become more frequent, with more mucus, and shortness of breath may be more regular. The body is likely to develop a fever and the person should expect to feel even more tired. In some cases, a person may experience blue lips or fingernails; if this is the case, it is important that they receive medical attention.
Stage 3
During this stage of a pneumonia infection, the symptoms of stage 2 are likely to continue. However, inside the body the infection will be coming under control. Red blood cells disintegrate, leaving only immune cells in place. This would make the lungs appear grey if they could be seen from outside.
Stage 4
Known as the resolution stage, this is when the immune cells begin to properly remove the infection from the body. Symptoms will improve, though the person with pneumonia may continue to cough for a while, producing phlegm and mucus. This is a good thing, as it will remove fluid and infectious material from the lungs, speeding up recovery.
How to Treat Pneumonia
As there are several varieties of pneumonia, there is no cure-all treatment available. However, pneumonia can be treated, reducing the likelihood of complications. The sooner a person with pneumonia receives treatment, the sooner they can overcome the infection and begin their recovery.
Medications
Once a doctor determines the cause of the infection, they can prescribe medication to fight the cause. For bacterial pneumonia, a doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics. It is important that people take the full course of antibiotics otherwise they may risk the infection coming back and being more resistant to treatment.
However, viral infections cannot be treated by antibiotics. Instead, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Viruses are often easy to clear with adequate at-home care, though, and medication will likely only be prescribed if it doesn’t go away on its own.
Over-the-Counter Medication
Though not cures for pneumonia, some over-the-counter medications can help to make symptoms more manageable. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen can all help to reduce any pain and relieve a fever. If a person is struggling to relax due to their cough, cough medicines can help to reduce the discomfort. It is important to remember, however, that coughing helps to clear the lungs.
Home Care
Often, unless a person is experiencing severe pneumonia symptoms, the infection can be beaten at home. Self-care and patience are the keys to recovery. The main ways to treat pneumonia at home are to drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest. However, it is important to take medication as prescribed.
Hospital Treatment
If symptoms become severe, it may be necessary for a person with pneumonia to go into hospital. This may also be the case if there are other health conditions involved. In hospital, it is easier to track heart rate, body temperature, and oxygen levels. A hospitalised pneumonia patient may receive specific therapies to improve breathing or provide oxygen directly; they may also receive direct injections of antibiotics if they have bacterial pneumonia. In some cases, it may be necessary for a person with pneumonia to be placed on a ventilator.
Recovery from Pneumonia
Recovering from pneumonia can be a lengthy process. It is a condition that is taxing on the body and a person in recovery may continue to cough for some time as they clear their lungs of leftover fluid. Tiredness can persist for some time, and it may take some time until a person feels healthy again. This is normal. A person can expect to still experience the aftereffects of a pneumonia infection for several weeks.
If the infection appears to go away before a person has finished their course of antibiotics, it is important that all the treatment is still completed. This will ensure the infection is wiped out and prevent the condition from coming back, and could also help to speed up recovery.
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