Pneumonia occurs when an infection irritates the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs often fill with fluid, causing flu and cold-like symptoms. There are several different microorganisms that can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia is most serious in more vulnerable populations, like young children and older adults.
Common symptoms of pneumonia include:
The symptoms can range from light to severe, depending on how old or young you are, how healthy you are, and what infected you. If you have milder symptoms, it may feel like you have a long-lasting cold.
Infants often show no signs of infection. Common symptoms in infants include vomiting and a lack of energy. See a doctor if you’re older than 65, have a child younger than 2 with symptoms, or have a health condition that may weaken your immune system.
Many different types of organisms can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia is classified based on what virus or bacteria caused it.
The types of pneumonia include:
The biggest risk factors for pneumonia include being younger than 2, older than 65, in the hospital, having a chronic illness that affects the lungs, and smoking.
If your healthcare provider suspects pneumonia, they will do a thorough physical exam and take a medical history. They’ll listen to your lungs for any abnormal sounds like crackling. Blood tests and sputum tests can help pinpoint the cause of infection, while imaging tests like an X-ray or CT scan will definitively diagnose pneumonia.
Complications of pneumonia include bacteria entering the bloodstream, which could cause organ failure, difficulty breathing, an abscess in the lung, and fluid buildup around the lung.
Treatment for pneumonia targets clearing the infection and managing symptoms. You may be prescribed antibiotics or antifungals as well as cough medicine and pain medication. In certain circumstances, hospitalisation may be necessary.
Pneumonia is not always preventable, but getting vaccinated, maintaining good hygiene practices, and refraining from smoking are important steps to take towards prevention.