Understanding the Causes, Symptoms and Health Hazards of Pneumonia

"Understanding the Causes, Symptoms and Health Hazards of Pneumonia"

Pneumonia, or what is commonly called "lung infection," is a lung infection caused by a virus invading the lungs. The virus enters the lungs and causes inflammation of the air sacs and surrounding tissues. Infection can occur in many ways, such as through coughing, sneezing, or inhaling airborne particles. It is most common during the rainy and winter seasons and can be found in all genders and ages, particularly in children under 2 years old, those over 65 years old, and those with weakened immune systems. In some cases, the infection may be severe and can lead to death.

Causes of Pneumonia

There are two causes of Pneumonia:

- Infections are the most common cause, which depends on age group, occupation, pre-existing conditions, international travel, smoking habits and environmental factors such as viruses like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza, Coronavirus, bacteria such as Streptococcus Pneumoniae, Haemophilus Influenzae, Atypical bacteria and Fungi.

- It can also be caused by non-infectious agents such as pollutants, smoke, chemicals and some medications used to control heart rate.

Symptoms of Pneumonia

Include:

Fever, chills, and sweating
Coughing and mucus
Rapid or difficulty breathing
Pain or pressure in the chest or face while breathing or coughing
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Older people may have more general symptoms such as fatigue, confusion, and low body temperature
Infants may have poor feeding, vomiting, or diarrhea
Symptoms may vary from person to person depending on the type of infection, age, and overall health of the patient.

Diagnosis of Pneumonia
The doctor will diagnose pneumonia by relying on clinical symptoms, physical exam, and chest X-ray. Further tests in laboratory are conducted to confirm the diagnosis and identify the causative microorganism, such as blood cell count, blood culture, sputum culture, and examination for biomarkers like procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) that indicate infection and severity. Polymerase

chain reaction (PCR) for respiratory viruses and atypical pathogens from sputum, and pneumococcal and legionella antigen from urine may also be considered when available. In addition, arterial blood gas to assess the severity of the disease can also be done.

Treatment for Pneumonia

Comprises of:

Targeted and appropriate medication based on age, underlying conditions, immunization status, travel history, and environment, as well as previous medications administered within the last three months which may cause infection.
Symptomatic treatment for respiratory infections caused by viruses and other organisms, where doctors may consider prescribing antipyretics, expectorants, bronchodilators and, in cases of severe symptoms, blood transfusions.

Treatment of complications such as pleural effusion or pneumothorax which may require drainage or aspiration, as well as cases of severe respiratory failure which require intubation and ventilator support, as well as

close monitoring in the ICU.

Prevention of Pneumonia

It is recommended to follow the following advice: For those at risk, including infants under 2 years old, people over 65 years old, and those with weakened immune systems or certain chronic illnesses, vaccination can reduce the risk of pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumonia or its strain. There are two types of vaccines:

Conjugated vaccine, which provides protection against 13 strains of pneumococcal bacteria (PCV 13);
Polysaccharide vaccine, which provides protection against 23 strains of pneumococcal bacteria (PPSV 23). The vaccination program should be under the advice of a doctor.

Actions to Avoid Pneumonia

Avoid staying in overcrowded or polluted places such as smoking areas, gas stations, exhaust fumes from vehicles, or cold air
Do not smoke or drink alcohol
Do not share personal items such as face towels, body towels, and drinking glasses

If you have a cold or flu, do not leave it