Pneumonia

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Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation of the air sacs (alveoli) in one or both lungs. The alveoli may fill with fluid or pus, leading to cough, fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

It can range from mild to life-threatening, especially in young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

🦠 Causes of Pneumonia

Pneumonia can be caused by:

CauseExample Pathogens
BacteriaStreptococcus pneumoniae (most common), Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella
VirusesInfluenza virus, RSV, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), adenovirus
FungiPneumocystis jirovecii, Histoplasma, Cryptococcus (mostly in immunocompromised patients)

⚠️ Risk Factors

  • Age <5 or >65 years
  • Chronic illnesses (asthma, COPD, heart disease)
  • Smoking
  • Immunosuppression (HIV, cancer, steroids)
  • Recent flu or cold
  • Hospitalization or ventilator use

🧪 Symptoms

  • Cough (dry or with yellow/green/bloody sputum)
  • Fever, chills, and sweating
  • Chest pain (sharp or stabbing, worse with breathing)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Fast heartbeat or breathing
  • Bluish lips or fingernails (in severe cases)

In older adults: May present with confusion, low body temperature, and less obvious respiratory symptoms

🔬 Diagnosis

  • Physical exam: Crackles, rales, or decreased breath sounds
  • Chest X-ray: Confirms consolidation or infiltrates
  • Blood tests: WBC count, CRP, blood cultures
  • Sputum culture: To identify the cause
  • Pulse oximetry or arterial blood gases: To check oxygen levels

💊 Treatment

Depends on the cause, severity, and patient’s condition:

🔹 Bacterial Pneumonia:

  • Antibiotics: Amoxicillin, azithromycin, or ceftriaxone
  • Hospitalized patients may need IV antibiotics

🔹 Viral Pneumonia:

  • Supportive care (rest, fluids, oxygen if needed)
  • Antivirals for specific viruses (e.g., oseltamivir for influenza)

🔹 Fungal Pneumonia:

  • Antifungal medications (e.g., fluconazole, amphotericin B)

🔹 Supportive Care for All Types:

  • Oxygen therapy (if low oxygen levels)
  • Fever reducers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
  • Cough medicine (only if cough is severe and painful)

🏥 When to Seek Urgent Care

  • Severe breathing difficulty
  • Chest pain
  • High fever not responding to medication
  • Confusion or bluish skin
  • Worsening symptoms despite treatment

💉 Prevention

  • Vaccines:
    • Pneumococcal vaccines (PCV13, PPSV23)
    • Influenza vaccine
    • COVID-19 vaccine
  • Quit smoking
  • Practice good hygiene (handwashing, covering coughs)
  • Manage chronic diseases

✅ Key Facts

  • Pneumonia is a common but serious lung infection
  • Caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi
  • Early treatment improves outcomes
  • Vaccination and healthy habits help prevent it

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