How pneumonia can be prevented and treated

What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the alveoli or the air sacs in one or both the lungs. The alveoli or the air sacs get filled with fluid which leads to breathing difficulties. Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, or virus or fungi, although bacterial pneumonia is the most common type.

Depending on factors such as your physical health and immunity, pneumonia can range from severe mildly to life threatening.

Symptoms of pneumonia
Broadly the symptoms of any pneumonia infection resemble flu or cold but last longer and are difficult to treat. They include:

• A cough (that doesn’t respond to usual cough treatments and lasts longer)
• Phlegm or mucus discharge
• Chest pain and shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Fever and chills
• Nausea/Vomiting

Causes and types of pneumonia
According to the CDC, viral pneumonia is commonly caused by influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) while bacterial pneumonia is usually caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). Pneumonia resulting from being on a ventilator is known as ventilator-associated pneumonia. Additionally, fungal pneumonia may be caused by fungi found in soil and bird droppings.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is a more serious kind of pneumonia that is acquired during hospital stays as the bacteria involved can often be antibiotic resistant.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is pneumonia that is acquired outside of hospitals or medical institutions.

Pneumonia tends to be contagious, and both the bacterial and viral kinds can be spread via inhalation of air-borne pneumonia-causing germs.

Diagnosis of pneumonia
Usually, pneumonia can be diagnosed via a physical exam which includes doctors examining your chest with a stethoscope to look for abnormal sounds and a chest X-Ray. However, in certain cases, depending on the severity of the symptoms, and risk related complications, further Pneumonia – treatment tests may be required before Pneumonia – treatment can be prescribed. These Pneumonia – treatment tests include:

• A blood test to confirm an infection, though it cannot diagnose the cause
• A sputum test where a sample from the patient’s lungs is tested to identify the cause.
• Pulse oximetry uses an oxygen sensor, placed on a finger, to check whether the lungs are supplying enough oxygen to the bloodstream.
• A urine test is usually used to identify the bacteria.
• A CT scan is used to get a clearer and more detailed picture of the lungs.
• A fluid sample is used when there is fluid in the pleural space of the chest which is obtained using a needle placed between the ribs. The fluid is tested to determine the cause of the infection.
• A bronchoscopy is done to examine the airways in the lungs but is only performed in severe cases.

Treating pneumonia
Pneumonia – treatment depends on the cause. Bacterial pneumonia is treated using antibiotics. This Pneumonia – treatment has a high success rate, and doctors choose antibiotics depending on age, risk factors, symptoms and other complications. In infants or people above a certain age or more serious cases, hospitalization may be required where intravenous antibiotics, oxygen, and breathing treatments are prescribed and recommended to patients.

Viral pneumonia cough treatment usually does not require hospitalization and is treated with antiviral medication such as Tamiflu. It may take one to three weeks for complete Pneumonia – treatment.

Pneumonia shot, how often is it needed
According to the CDC, vaccination and regular pneumonia shots can protect against several pneumonia-causing bacteria and viruses. According to the CDC patients aged 65 years or above should first receive a dose of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), followed at least one year later by a dose of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23).

If the patient had already received any doses of PPSV23, the dose of PCV13 should be given at least one year after the most recent PPSV23 dose. If the patient had already received a dose of PCV13 at a younger age, another dose is not recommended.

Pneumonia shot side effects
Side effects of pneumonia shots include low fever, chills, nausea, pain, tenderness, and redness anywhere on the body and mild soreness and redness at the injection site. You must always consult your doctor before taking the shots and inform him/her immediately if any of the side effects are too severe.

Prevention of pneumonia
Pneumonia can be prevented by regular vaccination, good hygiene, washing hands regularly, disinfecting surfaces that are frequently touched and taking good preventive care if diagnosed with medical conditions such as diabetes and heart problems. Quitting smoking can also be beneficial.