Pneumonia is a lung inflammatory disease that mostly affects the tiny air sacs called alveoli. Inhaling chemical irritants can also cause it, while infections with bacteria, viruses, fungus, or other microbes are the usual cause. The infection results in the air sacs filling with fluids or pus, which causes symptoms like fever, coughing, and trouble breathing.
Causes
- Streptococcus pneumoniae and other bacteria are frequently the cause of bacterial pneumonia.
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza (flu) viruses, and other respiratory viruses are frequently the cause of viral pneumonia.
- Various fungi can cause fungal pneumonia, which is more common in individuals with compromised immune systems.
Symptoms
- Cough up pus or phlegm.
- chills, sweating, and fever.
- breathlessness.
- chest pain that gets worse when you cough or breathe.
- weakness and exhaustion.
- Lips or nails with a bluish colour (signalling low oxygen levels).
Diagnosis
- review of medical history and physical examination.
- X-ray of the chest or other imaging studies.
- tests on blood to determine the infectious agent.
- To identify the kind of microbe causing the infection, culture the sputum.
Treatment
- drugs to treat bacterial pneumonia.
- antiviral or antifungal drugs for pneumonia caused by viruses or fungi.
- supportive care, which may involve hospitalization in extreme situations but also involves relaxation and consuming enough fluids.
- oxygen treatment when a patient has respiratory trouble.
Pneumonia can range in severity from moderate to severe, and consequences are possible, particularly in susceptible groups like the elderly, small children, and people with compromised immune systems. Getting medical help as soon as possible is essential for a precise diagnosis and the right course of therapy. It is best to speak with a healthcare provider if you think you or someone else could have pneumonia.
