Pneumonia is a medical condition in which viruses, bacteria, or fungi attack one or both lungs of an individual. And this will cause devastating infection to the air sacs and fill them with pus, which eventually leads to breathing problems. In simple words, it’s a lung infection that can range from mild to severe. In addition, it is a contagious disease, meaning it can transmit from one person to another.
Pneumonia does not discriminate the people on the basis of age & sex; whether its a male, female, elder adults, children or young adults, anyone can become a victim of this deadly disease. However, people over 65 years of age and below five years of age have a higher risk of developing more severe symptoms of this disorder. This is because they do not have enough immunity to fight against infectious viruses and bacteria.
You will be surprised to know that around 2.5 million around the world die from Pneumonia every year. Not just that, in 2017, every hour, 14 children in India died from this respiratory infection, says UNICEF. If you or your loved one have a continual cough, chest pain, and breathing issues, seek immediate medical help and visit the nearby multispecialty hospital.
If Pneumonia is detected on time, you can easily get cured with medicine. However, if you go to the pulmonologist late, Pneumonia can cause serious health problems and even lead to death. Here we are going to discuss key symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Key Symptoms Of Pneumonia
- Cough with greenish, yellowish, or even bloody mucus.
- Constant fever and extreme sweating.
- Breath shortness while resting or doing routine chores.
- Shooting pain in the chest, which gets nasty during coughing.
- Weakness, and tiredness.
- Extreme headaches & muscle pain
- Diarrhea and loss of appetite
Major Causes Of Pneumonia
As has been discussed above, Pneumonia is a respiratory disease that is caused by various viruses, fungus, and bacterias. Let us discuss them in detail.
Pneumonia Due To Bacteria
When the lungs are affected by certain bacteria, it is known as bacterial Pneumonia. There are numerous bacterias that can lead to respiratory problems, but Streptococcus is the most common one. This type of Pneumonia also called Pneumococcal. It usually attacks only one part of a lung (known as lobar Pneumonia).
People who have had surgery, have a poor immune system, or have breathing problems are more prone to bacterial Pneumonia. Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Chlamydophila pneumoniae are common bacterias that can affect the lungs functionality.
Pneumonia Due To Virus
Apart from bacterias, there are also some viruses that can harm the upper respiratory tract and cause Pneumonia. This form of the respiratory disorder is known as viral Pneumonia. Influenza, RSV, SARS, and CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus) travels your respiratory system through the air and infect your lungs badly. Generally, Influenza attacks small children, and respiratory syncytial viruses cause harm to adults.
If you become a victim of viral Pneumonia, antibiotics won’t be effective & you need to consult physicians. There are many multi-speciality hospitals in Mohali and other parts of the country that provide elite pneumonia treatment.
Pneumonia Due To Fungus
When the fungus affects the respiratory system, the condition is known as fungal Pneumonia. It can be caused by endemic or opportunistic fungi and sometimes by both. This type of Pneumonia is among the leading causes of deaths in developing as well as in developed countries and affects people with low immunity. Coccidioidomycosis, Cryptococcus, and Histoplasmosis. Are the most common types of fungus found in soils & cause lung infection.
How Can Pneumonia Be Treated?
To diagnose Pneumonia, the first doctor does a physical exam and listens carefully to your lungs. And on hearing any rumble or crackling sound, they recommend you to have a blood test, sputum test, and chest X-ray. If Pneumonia is detected, the doctor prescribes antibiotics (for bacterial infection), antiviral medicines (for viral infection) and drugs like fluconazole, econazole, etc., to get rid of fungal Pneumonia.
The Bottom Line -:
Pneumonia is a serious health condition, which can be acquired in or outside the hospital. Whatever be the case, it is vital to recognize its symptoms on time and see the pulmonologist as soon as possible.