Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation of the air sacs (alveoli). It is inflammation and fluid or pus in your lungs caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. It makes it difficult to breathe and can cause a fever and cough with yellow, green or bloody mucus.

Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs. The lungs are made up of small sacs called alveoli, which fill with air when a healthy person breathes.

What is the Symptoms of Pneumonia?

Symptoms of pneumonia can start suddenly or gradually over a few days.

They include:-

• Shortness of breath
• Fever( low-grade or high)
• Cough( dry or with phlegm)
• Chest pain
• An aching body
• Feeling very tired
• Loss of appetite
• Making wheezing noises when you breathe – babies may also make grunting noises
• Confused – more common in older people
• Fast breathing (tachypnea)
• Chest pain that comes and goes, or happens when breathing or coughing
• Short of breath

What is the type of Pneumonia?

Classification by cause

Bacterial pneumonia: Caused by bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus.

Viral pneumonia: Caused by viruses such as influenza, RSV, and coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2).

Fungal pneumonia: Caused by fungi( e.g. Histoplasma, aspergillus). Seen in people with weak immunity.

Classification by location and circumstances

The most common 5 types of Pneumonia are:

1. Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)

Occurs in people who are not hospitalized.

• Most common type: usually caused by bacteria like streptococcus pneumoniae.

2. Aspiration Pneumonia

• It occurs when foreign substances, such as food, drink, saliva, or vomit, are inhaled into the lungs.

• Common in individuals with swallowing difficulties, impaired consciousness, or weakened gag reflex.

3. Atypical Pneumonia (Walking Pneumonia)

• Often caused by bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, or viruses.

• Symptoms are milder compared to typical pneumonia and may include low-grade fever, dry cough, fatigue, and sore throat.

• Patients can typically function despite illness; hence, the term “walking pneumonia.”

4. Viral Pneumonia

• It is caused by various viruses, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and adenovirus.

• Symptoms may resemble those of bacterial pneumonia but tend to develop more gradually.

• It can lead to severe complications, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

5. Bacterial Pneumonia

• The most common type of pneumonia is caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae.

What is the causes of pneumonia?

Common causes of pneumonia

• Bacteria
• Fungi
• Viruses

What is the diagnosis of pneumonia?

Your doctor will start by asking about your medical history and doing a physical exam, including listening to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for abnormal bubbling or crackling sounds that suggest pneumonia.

If pneumonia is suspected, your doctor may recommend the following tests:

Blood tests:- Blood tests are used to confirm an infection and to try to identify the type of organism causing the infection. However, precise identification isn’t always possible.

Chest X-ray:-This helps your doctor diagnose pneumonia and determine the extent and location of the infection. However, it can’t tell your doctor what kind of germ is causing the pneumonia.

Pulse oximetry:-This measures the oxygen level in your blood. Pneumonia can prevent your lungs from moving enough oxygen into your bloodstream.

Sputum test:-A sample of fluid from your lungs (sputum) is taken after a deep cough and analyzed to help pinpoint the cause of the infection.

What is the Prevention of pneumonia?

1.Vaccination

• Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV, PPSV)- protects against bacterial pneumonia.
• Flu vaccine(influenza)-reduces viral pneumonia risk.
• Covid-19 vaccine- prevents COVID-related pneumonia

2. Maintain Good Hygiene

• Wash hands regularly.
• Use sanitizer when outside
• Avoid touching your face with unclean hands.

3. Strengthen Your Immune System

• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Get enough sleep(7-8 hours).
• Drink plenty if water.
• Regular exercise.

4. Avoid Smoking

• Smoking damage lung tissue and increases pneumonia risk.

What is the treatment of pneumonia?

Treatment for pneumonia involves curing the infection and preventing complications.

People who have community-acquired pneumonia usually can be treated at home with medication. Although most symptoms ease in a few days or weeks, the feeling of tiredness can persist for a month or more.

The treatment of pneumonia depends on the cause, severity, age, underlying conditions, and overall health.

Your doctor might recommend antibiotics if he/she suspects bacterial infection. Some of the commonly prescribed antibiotics include:

• Amoxycillin + clavulanic acid
• Azithromycin
• Ciprofloxacin
• Moxifloxacin
• Linezolid

Most viral pneumonias are treated supportively unless caused by specific treatable viruses. Specific antiviral medications for different causes include:

Influenza-related pneumonia:

• Oseltamivir
• Zanamivir

Medicines for fungal pneumonia, which is mostly seen in immunocompromised patients:

• Fluconazole
• Itraconazole
• Amphotericin B

Fever and pain management:

• Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
• Ibuprofen

Cough suppressants or expectorants:

• Guaifenesin
• Dextromethorphan