Pneumonia, medically called pneumonia, is an inflammatory condition of lung tissue in which the alveoli (small air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange takes place) fill with fluid or pus. It can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Pneumonia can affect one or both lungs and is a serious health problem that can be life-threatening, such as in the elderly, young children, and people with weakened immune systems.
What causes pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung tissue of infectious origin, during which the alveoli, which are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body, are filled with sputum or pus. This causes difficulty in breathing, disruption of the oxygenation process and many related symptoms. The causes of pneumonia are diverse, including infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens, as well as noninfectious factors.
Bacterial pneumonia
The most common cause of pneumonia is bacteria. Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is the main cause of bacterial pneumonia, especially in adults. Other bacteria, including Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and atypical bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila can also cause pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia usually comes on suddenly, with high fever, chills, and a wet cough.
Viral pneumonia
Viruses are the second most common cause of pneumonia. Influenza virus (influenza), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the recent pandemic SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) are among the most common viral causes of pneumonia. Viral pneumonia usually starts as an upper respiratory infection with a dry cough, fever and headache and can later progress to a more serious condition.
Fungal pneumonia
Fungal pneumonia is less common and usually affects people with immunodeficiency conditions, such as those with HIV/AIDS, taking immunosuppressive drugs, or those with other immune system disorders. Fungi such as Pneumocystis jirovecii, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Histoplasma capsulatum can cause pneumonia, especially in people who live or travel to specific geographic areas where these fungi are common.
Aspiration pneumonia
Aspiration pneumonia occurs when food, liquid, vomit, or foreign bodies enter the lungs, causing inflammation. Aspiration pneumonia usually occurs in individuals who have difficulty swallowing due to neurological disorders or in the presence of impaired consciousness, such as after anesthesia or alcohol or drug use.
Risk factors
Certain risk factors increase the risk of developing pneumonia. These include age (infants and those over 65), smoking, chronic health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, diabetes and others, as well as immunodeficiency conditions.
Symptoms of pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infectious process in which the lung alveoli, which are responsible for gas exchange (oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide release), become filled with inflammatory exudate. This leads to a deterioration in respiratory function and causes a variety of symptoms that can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. The symptoms of pneumonia are varied and depend on many factors, including the type of pathogen, the patient's age, general health, and existing comorbid conditions.
Main symptoms
- Fever, chills, sweating: Pneumonia usually begins with a sudden fever, sometimes exceeding 38°C, chills and profuse sweating, especially at night. These symptoms are caused by the body's inflammatory response to the infection.
- Cough: Cough is one of the most common symptoms of pneumonia. It may be dry at first, but later often becomes wet, with discharge of sputum (sometimes with blood).
- Difficulty breathing: Alveolar filling with exudate reduces the efficiency of gas exchange, resulting in shortness of breath, especially during exercise and, in severe cases, at rest.
- Chest pain: Inflammation and irritation of the pleura (the lining of the lungs) can cause sharp, knife-like chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing.
Additional symptoms
- Headache, confusion: Especially in the elderly, headache, general weakness or even confusion states may occur, which are caused by intoxication and lack of oxygen.
- Muscle aches, fatigue: General body aches, especially muscle aches and fatigue, are typical of infectious diseases, including pneumonia.
- Lack of appetite, weight loss: Prolonged lack of appetite and associated weight loss can result from general exhaustion and increased metabolism due to inflammation.
Signs of a serious condition
In some patients, pneumonia can progress to a serious condition characterized by extreme shortness of breath, cyanosis (blue skin or lips due to lack of oxygen in the blood), loss of consciousness due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen in the tissues), and, in rare cases, sepsis, a dangerous reaction of the body to infection. which can lead to organ failure and death.
What are the possible complications of pneumonia and how can they be prevented?
Pneumonia is a serious medical condition that, without proper treatment, can lead to various health-threatening and even life-threatening complications. Complications can be related both to the course of the disease itself and to the patient's general state of health, and may occur due to the spread of infection or the body's response to infection.
The main complications of pneumonia:
- Pleurisy and pleural effusion: Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, the lining of the lungs, which can cause severe chest pain. The inflammation can lead to a build-up of fluid between the pleura, called a pleural effusion (pleuritis), which can make breathing difficult and require a procedure to remove the fluid.
- Lung abscess: This is a half-filled cavity in the lung tissue, usually due to a bacterial infection. Treatment of a lung abscess may include long-term use of antibiotics and sometimes surgical intervention.
- Sepsis: This is a serious, whole-body inflammatory reaction to an infection that can develop into pneumonia and lead to organ failure or death. Treatment for sepsis is urgent and includes antibiotics and supportive care in the intensive care unit.
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome: This is a severe form of respiratory failure in which the alveoli of the lungs fill with fluid, causing a severe reduction in the supply of oxygen to the blood. This condition requires immediate intensive treatment, including oxygen therapy and sometimes artificial ventilation.
How to avoid pneumonia complications?
Early initiation of treatment
The sooner proper treatment is started, the less likely complications are. This is especially important in the case of bacterial pneumonia, where early use of antibiotics can prevent the progression of the disease.
Vaccines
Vaccines are an effective way to prevent certain types of pneumonia, especially pneumococcal and influenza pneumonia. Vaccinations are recommended for at-risk groups, including children, the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions.
Good hygiene and health care
Regular hand washing, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet and adequate rest help to strengthen the immune system. It is also important to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, which can weaken the body's resistance to infections.
Epidemic precautions
Following recommended precautions, such as wearing masks and avoiding large gatherings during outbreaks of respiratory infections, reduces the risk of infection and the development of pneumonia.
Consultation with a healthcare professional
In case of symptoms of pneumonia, consult a doctor immediately. People with existing health problems or immunodeficiency conditions need regular check-ups and follow individual treatment plans.
Proper management of pneumonia and a responsible approach to your health can help prevent serious complications and ensure a speedy recovery.
Sources of information
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
- The New England Journal of Medicine
- The Journal of Infectious Diseases
- The Lancet Respiratory Medicine
- American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
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