How to treat pneumonia and its symptoms, Pneumonia is an infection or inflammation that affects the lungs, causing the alveoli (air sacs) to fill with fluid or pus, thus leading to difficulty breathing.
It results from infection with viruses, fungi, or bacteria, and its symptoms include fever, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and chills.
This disease can affect people of all ages, but it is most dangerous in children, those with weakened immune systems, and the elderly.
Types of Pneumonia
Pneumonia is classified according to the method of infection:
- Communicated pneumonia: This is pneumonia that a person contracts outside of a hospital.
- Hospital-acquired pneumonia: This is a more serious type because the bacteria causing the disease are often resistant to antibiotics.
- Aspiration pneumonia: This occurs as a result of inhaling bacteria into the lungs, especially in people taking sedatives.
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia: This affects people who are on mechanical ventilation.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
Common symptoms of pneumonia include:
- Severe chest pain that worsens when coughing.
- Coughing with phlegm or pus.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Fever and headache.
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Shivers or excessive sweating.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Blue discoloration of the lips and nails.
Causes of Pneumonia
Pneumonia can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Bacterial infections include:
- Pneumococcal disease, which is one of the most common causes of pneumonia.
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
- Haemophilus influenzae.
- Legitimateus pneumoniae.
Viral infections, which are less severe than other types and usually resolve within 1-3 weeks without treatment, include:
- Influenza virus.
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
- Rhinovirus.
Some causes of fungal infections in people with weakened immune systems include:
- Pneumocystis jirovecii.
- Cryptococcus.
- Histoplasmosis.
Treatment of Pneumonia
Treatment for pneumonia depends on its severity and type. The doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment based on the underlying cause of the infection. Antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections, antivirals for viral infections, and antifungals for fungal infections.
Pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen may be prescribed to alleviate fever and pain. Some severe cases require hospitalization for monitoring of body temperature and heart rate, in addition to home remedies such as drinking plenty of fluids and rest.
Medications that treat pneumonia
- Newclav syrup.
- Leeflox tablets.
- Actimoxiflox tablets.
- Primoxizal tablets.
- Thirgecef syrup.
- Quinostar Max.
- Linezolid antibiotic.
- Genkystar tablets.
- Floxguard tablets.
Complications of Pneumonia
Pneumonia can cause several complications, especially in the elderly and those with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions such as diabetes ,These complications include
- Breathing difficulties requiring mechanical ventilation.
- Pneumonia increases the risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart failure, emphysema, and heart attacks.
- The bacteria causing pneumonia may enter the bloodstream, leading to low blood pressure.
- Lung abscess, a pus-filled cavity within the lung resulting from bacterial infection.
Preventing Pneumonia
Pneumonia can be prevented by:
- Getting vaccinated against pneumococcal bacteria, the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia.
- Get vaccinated against pneumococcal bacteria.
- The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is given to adults over 65 and those with weakened immune systems.
- Avoid close contact with people who have pneumonia to prevent transmission.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Exercise regularly.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Quit smoking.
Article Summary
Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue that causes inflammation of the alveoli (air sacs), which may fill with fluid or pus, leading to difficulty breathing. Common symptoms include fever, severe chest pain, and cough.
Treatment depends on the severity of the case and the patient's age. Antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections, antivirals for viral infections, and antifungals for fungal infections.