Pneumonia is a lung infection that anyone can get and may range from mild to severe. It occurs when there is inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs. These air sacs then become filled with fluid or pus, causing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, fever, chills, and cough with phlegm. Some of the signs, depending on factors such as age, overall health, type of pneumonia, and symptoms, may vary.

Signs

Fever and chills

The infection can cause fever, chills, and sweating. Adults older than 65 years and with a weak immune system might have a lower-than-usual body temperature.

Cough

Cough is another symptom to watch out for. Cough may produce green, yellow, or bloody mucus.

Shortness of breath

People experience breathlessness while doing everyday activities or even while resting.

Chest pain

Chest pain is a symptom of pneumonia that can worsen while breathing or coughing.

Fatigue

People with this lung infection may feel tired all the time.

Nausea and diarrhea

This lung infection may also cause nausea and diarrhea in some people.

Causes

Pneumonia can be caused by various bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.

Bacteria

Pneumonia is caused by bacteria called bacterial pneumonia or pneumococcal pneumonia. The most common type of bacteria that causes this type is Streptococcus pneumoniae. People with respiratory disease or viral infection and those with a weakened immune system are at a greater risk for bacterial pneumonia.

Viruses

Viruses may also cause pneumonia, though the infection is often mild and lasts for a shorter time than pneumonia caused by bacteria. Sometimes, viral pneumonia can be severe and fatal. Some viruses that can cause pneumonia include respiratory syncytial, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2.

Fungi

People with a weakened immune system are more prone to fungal pneumonia. One of the serious fungal infections is pneumocystis pneumonia. Other fungi that can cause this type of pneumonia include coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and cryptococcus.

Risk factors

Though pneumonia can affect anyone, several factors that can increase your risk are:

Age

People over the age of 65 have a weak immune system, making them more susceptible to infection. Similarly, children under the age of 2 are at a higher risk, as they have an immune system that is still developing, making them less able to fight the infection.

Weakened immune system

People with chronic lung diseases, such as asthma, or those who have HIV/AIDS or autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, or inflammatory bowel disease, are at an increased risk.

Lifestyle

Certain lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor nutrition can also increase the risk of pneumonia.

Being hospitalized

The risk increases if you are hospitalized or are on a ventilator.

Complications

This lung infection can sometimes cause serious complications such as:

Bacteremia

When the bacteria move from the lungs to the bloodstream, it can lead to septic shock or organ failure.

Lung abscess

A lung abscess is the accumulation of pus in the lung cavity. This may require drainage of the pus using a long needle or tube or surgery.

Difficulty breathing

People with severe pneumonia may have trouble breathing and may need a breathing machine till the time the lung heals.

Pleural effusion

Pneumonia can cause fluid accumulation between the membranes that line the lungs and chest cavity. This condition makes breathing difficult and is treated by draining the fluid through a chest tube or surgery.

Treatment

The treatment depends on the type of pneumonia, age, and other factors. Treatments help to cure the infection and prevent any complications. Antibiotics are usually used to treat bacterial pneumonia and certain types of fungal pneumonia. The proper dosage of antibiotics should be followed in order to prevent the infection from recurring. For viral pneumonia, apart from taking antivirals, drinking enough fluids and getting plenty of rest can help you quickly recover. In severe cases, pneumonia is treated in the hospital.

Prevention

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be prevented.

Vaccinations

Vaccines can help prevent certain types of pneumonia. The pneumococcal vaccine protects from some common types of bacterial pneumonia. Such a type of vaccine is available for both adults and children.

Practice good hygiene

It is essential to wash hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to reduce the risk of getting sick and developing pneumonia.

Lead a healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle includes eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly, which will help reduce the risk.

Quit smoking

Smoking increases the chance of developing lung infections and hence should be avoided.

Most people with pneumonia recover within a few weeks. However, if left untreated, this lung infection can become severe and life-threatening.