Pneumonia

 

Pneumonia is a disease that causes air sacs in one or both lungs. Air sacs may be filled with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A wide variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia can be very serious from small to life-threatening. It is especially dangerous for infants and toddlers, people older than 65, and people with health problems or weakened immune systems.

Symptoms; the signs and symptoms of pneumonia vary from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of virus that causes the infection, your age, and overall health. Symptoms and symptoms are usually similar to those of the flu or flu, but they last longer. Signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include: Chest pain when breathing or coughing, confusion or changes in mental awareness (for adults 65 and older), cough which may produce phlegm, fatigue, fever, sweating, and chills. Lower body temperature than normal (for adults older than 65 years and people with weakened immune systems), nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, shortness of breath. Newborns and infants may not show any signs of infection. Or they may vomit, have a fever and cough, appear restless or tired and weak, or have difficulty breathing or eating.

Causes; many germs can cause pneumonia. The most common are bacteria and germs in the air we breathe. Your body normally prevents these germs from getting into your lungs. But sometimes these germs can weaken your immune system, even if your health is generally good. Pneumonia is classified according to the type of virus it causes and where it is infected. Community-acquired pneumonia; public pneumonia is the most common type of pneumonia. Occurs outside hospitals or other health care facilities. It may be due to: Bacteria, the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in the United States Streptococcus pneumoniae. This type of pneumonia can occur on its own or after you have a cold or flu. It may affect one part (lobe) of the lung, a condition called lobar pneumonia. Bacteria are like germs, Mycoplasma pneumoniae can also cause pneumonia. It usually produces milder symptoms than other types of pneumonia. Walking pneumonia is a common term given to this type of pneumonia, which is usually not so severe that it requires bed rest. Fungi, this type of pneumonia is most common in people with chronic health problems or weakened immune systems, and in people who inhale large amounts of organic matter. The fungus that causes it can be found in the soil or male birds and varies from place to place. Viruses include COVID-19, some germs that cause colds and flu can cause pneumonia. Bacteria are the most common cause of pneumonia in children under 5 years of age. Viral pneumonia is usually mild. But in some cases, it can be even worse. Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) may cause pneumonia, which can be very serious.

When to see a doctor? See your doctor if you have shortness of breath, chest pain, chronic fever of 102 F (39 C) or more, or a persistent cough, especially if you have a cough. People in these high-risk groups must see a doctor: Adults over the age of 65, children under 2 years with symptoms and signs, people with subtle conditions or weakened immune systems, people who receive chemotherapy, or who take antidepressants. For some older adults and people with heart disease or chronic lung problems, pneumonia can be a life-threatening condition.

Hospitalized pneumonia; some people get pneumonia while in the hospital because of another illness. Hospitalized pneumonia can be very dangerous because the germs it causes may become very resistant to antibiotics and because the people who get it are already sick. People who are on ventilators, which are often used in the intensive care unit, are at greater risk for this type of pneumonia. Pneumonia in health care; pneumonia in health care is a viral disease that occurs in people who live in long-term care facilities or who receive care at outpatient clinics, including kidney dialysis centers. Like hospital-acquired pneumonia, health care pneumonia can be caused by bacteria that are highly resistant to antibiotics. Aspiration pneumonia occurs when you inhale into your lungs food, drink, vomit, or saliva. Breathing is most likely if something interferes with your normal gag reflexes, such as brain damage or swallowing problem, or excessive use of alcohol or drugs.

Risk factors; pneumonia can strike anyone. But the two most vulnerable age groups are Children 2 years or younger, people 65 years of age or older. Other risk factors include Hospitalization; you are at high risk for pneumonia if you are in the intensive care unit of a hospital, especially if you are on a ventilator. Chronic disease; you are more likely to get pneumonia if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart disease. Smoking damages your body's natural defenses against the bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia. The immune system is weakened or suppressed. People with HIV / AIDS, who have had a transplant, or who are receiving chemotherapy or long-term treatment are at risk.

Prevention of pneumonia: Get Vaccinated; vaccines are available to prevent some forms of pneumonia and the flu. Talk to your doctor about taking these pictures. Vaccination guidelines have changed over time so be sure to review your vaccination status with your doctor even if you remember that you have previously received a pneumonia vaccine. Make sure children are vaccinated; doctors recommend a separate vaccine for pneumonia for children under 2 years of age and children aged 2 to 5 who are at high risk for asthma. Children who go to a group child care center should also get vaccinated. Doctors also recommend shooting shots in children older than 6 months. Practice cleanliness; to protect yourself from respiratory infections that sometimes lead to pneumonia, wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based disinfectant. Do not smoke; smoking damages the immune system of your lungs from respiratory infections. Keep your immune system strong. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet.

 Samina Zaheer (Health Tips, Health Care)