What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a disease that affects the lungs and is characterized by inflammation of the air sacs in these organs, known as alveoli. This inflammation can be caused by different agents, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms, as well as chemical substances.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of pneumonia are:
- cough
- fever
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain (especially when taking a deep breath)
The cough can be dry (without phlegm production) or productive. In this case, the phlegm may resemble mucus, contain pus, or even show blood stains.
Causes
Pneumonia is usually caused by bacteria, but other microorganisms such as viruses and fungi can also act as agents. The specific causes of this condition vary according to the infectious agent involved:
- bacteria: one of the most common ways to contract pneumonia is through bacteria. The bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, for example, is the most common among them
- viruses: the coronavirus, for example, can be responsible for cases of viral pneumonia
- fungi: fungal pneumonia is more likely to occur in people with weakened immune systems, such as patients with HIV/AIDS or those who have received transplants
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pneumonia is made through a medical consultation. Based on the reported symptoms and the information present in the physical examination, the healthcare professional should request a simple chest X-ray that shows radiological changes compatible with pneumonia. Depending on the severity, blood tests may be requested.
Treatment
The treatment of pneumonia is done with antibiotics (when the disease is caused by bacteria). Most patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), that is, an infection that developed outside the hospital environment or manifested within 48 hours after hospitalization, can be treated at home. In cases requiring hospitalization, the antibiotic is administered intravenously (directly into the patient's vein). The patient's improvement should occur two to three days after the start of treatment.
Prevention
Prevention can start with simple measures, such as healthy eating and adequate sleep time. Additionally, proper hand hygiene is also important in preventing infectious diseases.
Not smoking is an essential measure to avoid any respiratory diseases. Keeping the nose always clean and hydrated and avoiding excessive air conditioning also helps in the proper functioning of the respiratory system. Another important measure is the annual flu vaccination, as well as pneumococcal vaccines, which combat the bacteria that most commonly cause pneumonia.
References
You might also like to read about:
Bronchiolitis: acute respiratory disease that mainly affects children under two years old
Meningitis: inflammation of the meninges: three membranes that surround the brain and protect the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the nervous system
Otitis: inflammation of the middle, inner, or outer ear, which can cause a lot of pain