All You Need to Know About Pneumonia This Season

Pneumonia, often caused by viral or bacterial infections, makes breathing difficult and can lead to serious complications. Similarly, the flu, a type of pneumococcal disease, shares common causes with pneumonia. However, treatment varies depending on the specific cause and the severity of the illness, making accurate diagnosis essential for effective care.

What is Pneumonia?

It is a lung disease caused by bacteria or fungi. It causes lung tissue and can cause fluid in your lungs. However, this disease is usually more severe than its viral version. It can either affect one lung or both of your lungs. 

Types of Pneumonia 

Here are a few types of this disease :

Community-acquired Pneumonia:

When it affects you outside of a healthcare facility, doctors call it community-acquired pneumonia. However, there can be several causes:

• Bacterial: It is the most common form of infection which can be caused by ear, sinus and meningitis. It causes atypical pneumonia which has mild symptoms including Haemophilus influenzae, Legionella and so on. 
• Virus: Viruses which can cause the common cold including flies and covid 19 are often responsible for this disease. 
• Fungi: Fungus like Cryptococcus and coccidioides are some uncommon causes of this virus. People with compromised immune systems are at risk of developing pneumonia.
• Protozoa: Protozoa like Toxoplasma and pneumonia.

Hospital-acquired Pneumonia 

You can be affected by HAP while you are in a healthcare facility or hospital for illness or procedure. HAP is considered more severe than CAP as it is often caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 

Healthcare-associated Pneumonia

You can get infected by HCAP by staying at outpatients or staying in clinics. As the HCAO are antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 

Ventilator-associated Pneumonia

If you require a respirator or breathing machine in the hospital, you are at risk of developing VAP. Similarly, the same type of bacteria can cause CAP, which is often drug-resistant. Moreover, hospital-acquired infections significantly contribute to VAP cases, highlighting the importance of prevention and proper care.

Who is at risk of being infected by pneumonia? 

You are at risk of being infected by this disease if 

• Your age is above 65
• You have sustained lung or heart disease. 
• If you are looking for swallowing difficulties. 
• If you are in a hospital or a long-term care facility. 
• If you smoke
• If you are pregnant 
• If you have a weakened immune system 
• If you are in hospital 

Symptoms of pneumonia 

Here are some symptoms of the disease which you should be aware of:

• High fever
• Cough 
• Tiredness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath 
• Sweating 
• Chest pain
• Loss of appetite
• Bluish skin
• Confused mental state

  

Conclusion 

In conclusion, this disease  is treated the same way in children as in adults, but children are at a higher risk due to their age. With numerous causes and various symptoms, it’s easy to feel confused. If you notice signs of something serious, such as a high fever or bloody or coloured mucus, you should not ignore them and should seek medical attention. If you want to learn more about it visit Salus clinic. Here at Salus Clinic, we make sure all your questions regarding health concerns are answered or treated and leave the place doubt-free.