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What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs. It is caused by a bacteria, fungus or a virus and causes inflammation in the lungs, making you feel weak and sick. In this condition, the air sacs apostrophe or the alveoli of the lungs are filled with fluid or pus and cause a fever, cough, chills and breathing difficulties. It can be mild, but can also get worse in infants, older adults above 65 years of age and in others who have health concerns or weakened immune systems.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia?

The signs and symptoms of pneumonia may vary from being mild to severe, depending on certain factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, the age, and the overall health. Some of the signs and symptoms of this condition may include:

• Fever, shaking chills or sweating
• Dry cough
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Chest pain
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of appetite
• Joint and muscle aches
• Wheezing
• Confusion, especially in elderly people

What are the causes of Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is often the result of a pneumococcal infection that is caused by a bacterium called ‘streptococcus pneumonia.’ Besides, many other types of bacteria can cause pneumonia, as well as viruses, and in rare cases, fungi.

Some other types of pneumonia include:

Aspiration Pneumonia: This is caused by breathing in vomit, an object such as peanut, or a harmful substance such as chemical or smoke.
Viral Pneumonia: This condition is mostly caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is sometimes also caused by influenza type A or B and is extremely common in young children.
Fungal Pneumonia: Pneumonia caused by a fungus is rare and is most likely to affect people with a weakened immune system.
Hospital-acquired Pneumonia: This condition is one that develops in the hospital while being treated for some other condition or while having an operation. People in intensive care who are on breathing machines are at a much higher risk of developing ventilator-associated pneumonia.

How to Treat Pneumonia?

The treatment for pneumonia depends on the type of pneumonia and the severity of the case. The general treatment includes taking all the prescribed medications and vaccinations and participating in a follow-up care. You may also be advised to get a chest x-ray, to ensure that your condition has been successfully treated. In cases of bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics are used and must be taken as instructed. Most people improve after one to three days of the treatment. In cases of viral pneumonia, antibiotics are useless and therefore, certain anti-viral drugs may be prescribed to help treat the condition. The symptoms of this may improve within one to three weeks post-treatment.

Apollo Experience

We, at Apollo Clinic, offer you few of the best services and treatment options for various conditions, one of which includes pneumonia. With a team of few of the best pulmonologists in the country, who have tremendous knowledge and expertise in the field of pulmonology, and aim to provide you with the best medical solutions for all your respiratory health issues.