pneumonia

The leading cause of hospitalization in both children and adults is pneumonia. Most of the cases can be treated successfully, but it can take a longer time, may take weeks, for a person to fully recover. Fever, a dry cough, headache, muscle pain, chest pain and weakness. All of these can indicate a person has pneumonia. But what exactly is pneumonia? How serious is it? How can it be treated or prevented?

What is pneumonia?

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. When an individual has pneumonia, the alveoli are filled with pus and fluid, making breathing painful and limiting oxygen intake. Pneumonia can affect one, or both lungs.

Pneumonia is usually a result of a bacterial infection or viral infection, it can be caused by breathing in vomit, a foreign object, such as a peanut, or a harmful substance, such as smoke or a chemical.

Pneumonia that develops following the passage of food particles, drink, or some other object into the lungs is called aspiration pneumonia.

Types of pneumonia

• Bacterial pneumonia.
  This pneumonia is caused by bacteria, the most common of which is streptococcus pneumonia. Other types of bacteria that can cause pneumonia, include Legionella pneumophila (this pneumonia is often called Legionnaires' disease), Mycoplasma pneumonia (which is called “atypical” because of the unique features of the bacteria itself), Chlamydia pneumonia, and Haemophilus influenza.
   
• Viral pneumonia.
  Responsible for about one-third of all pneumonia cases, this type is caused by various viruses. Viral pneumonia is often mild and goes away on its own within a few weeks, but in some cases, treatment in a hospital is needed. People that have viral pneumonia, are also at risk of getting bacterial pneumonia. Viruses that cause pneumonia include Respiratory syncytial virus, some common cold and flu viruses, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, etc.
   
• Fungal pneumonia. 
  Fungal pneumonia is an infection of the lungs by fungi. It can be caused by either endemic (fungi that occupy specific ecological niches in the environment and thus have circumscribed geographic ranges) or opportunistic fungi (fungi that are nonpathogenic in the host, many of which are part of the normal upper respiratory tract flora), or a combination of both. This pneumonia is more common in people who have weakened immune systems or chronic health issues. Some of the types include Pneumocystis pneumonia, Coccidioidomycosis, which causes valley fever, Histoplasmosis, Cryptococcus, etc.

 

Signs and symptoms of pneumonia

The signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include:

• Cough, which may produce greenish, yellow, or even bloody mucus.
• Fever, sweating, and shaking chills.
• Shortness of breath.
• Rapid, shallow breathing.
• Sharp or stabbing chest pain, worsened when you breathe deeply or cough.
• Loss of appetite, low energy, and fatigue.

Stages of Pneumonia

1. Stage 1: Congestion.
   
   This stage occurs within 24 hours of infection when many bacteria are present in the lungs, but few white blood cells are available to fight the infection. In this stage, the lungs may look red because the blood flow is increased, and the lung tissue is swollen.
   
   
    
2. Stage 2: Red hepatization.
   
   This stage occurs from 48 to 72 hours and lasts for about 2 to 4 days. The affected lung becomes more dry, granular, and airless and resembles the consistency of the liver. Red cells, white cells, bacteria, and cellular debris can clog the lung airways. Red blood cells and immune cells that enter the fluid-filled lungs to combat the infection give the lungs a red appearance. Although the body is beginning to fight the infection during this stage, one may experience worsening symptoms. 
   
   
    
3. Stage 3: Gray hepatization. 
   
   This stage occurs on days 4 to 6 and continues for 4 to 8 days. Red blood cells will disintegrate during this stage, giving the lungs a grayish color. But, immune cells remain, and symptoms will likely persist.
   
   
    
4. Stage 4: Resolution.
   
   This is the final recovery stage and occurs during days 8 to 10. Now, the fluids and breakdown products from cell destruction are reabsorbed. Macrophages, a type of large white blood cell, are present and help to clear other white blood cells, called neutrophils, and leftover debris. This debris is usually coughed up. During this stage, the airways and the alveoli, return to normal lung function. 
   
   

Who is at risk?

Anyone can get pneumonia, but certain factors can increase the risk:

• Age; the risk is higher for children who are age 2 and under and adults aged 65 and older.
• Lifestyle habits, such as smoking, heavy alcohol use, and malnourishment.
• Exposure to certain chemicals, pollutants, or toxic fumes.
• Having a lung disease or a weakened immune system, or recently being sick with a cold or the flu.

Treatment of Pneumonia

Pneumonia can be a serious illness that takes weeks or months to recover from. Some people feel better and are able to return to their normal routines in one to two weeks.

Mild pneumonia can usually be treated at home with rest, antibiotics (if it's likely to be caused by a bacterial infection), and by drinking plenty of fluids. More severe cases may need hospital treatment.

Once a person starts taking antibiotics, symptoms should begin to improve. Oral antibiotics can treat most cases of bacterial pneumonia. When feeling better, the intake of antibiotics should not be interrupted. It is important to notice that antibiotic medications don't work on viruses.

Recovery time differs, but sometimes it can take anywhere from one to six months for a person to recover and regain strength after being hospitalized for pneumonia.

Prevention of Pneumonia

Here is what we can do to help to prevent pneumonia:

• Maintaining good hygiene, which includes washing your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Regular physical activities, plenty of sleep, and a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables can help to boost your immune system to easily fight with infections.
• Do not smoke, because smoking can damage your lungs, so it would be harder for your body to defend itself from germs and disease.
• Do not be around sick people, being close to them increases your risk of catching what they have.
• Vaccines can help prevent infection by some of the bacteria and viruses that can cause pneumonia.