Lung infections are increasing rapidly and need urgent medical attention. Pneumonia refers to a chronic lung inflammation, ranging from mild to severe conditions, with many complications, affecting the entire respiratory system. Pneumonia causes difficulties in breathing, fever, chronic cough and many more which require thorough medical treatment to clear it off. This blog provides an in-depth explanation of the risk factors that affect pneumonia, including its severity, causes, and symptoms.

What are Respiratory Infections (Pneumonia)?

Pneumonia is an inflammation, occurs in your lungs due to bacterial, viral, or fungal exposures. It does not have any specific age to attack, especially after 55; the chances of getting Pneumonia are higher. Swelling of your lung tissues causes extra fluid or PUS production in your lungs. It can affect one lung (unilateral pneumonia) or both (bilateral pneumonia). Bacterial pneumonia is more serious than viral inflammation, and it can cause various lung problems.

With medical advancements and recent research, the cure rates of pneumonia have now increased, while early detection and accurate treatment management can rationally improve the chances of full recovery.

Common Symptoms of Pneumonia:

Pneumonia – this respiratory infection is a symptomatic disease with specific causes and age-related differences; children, older people, and young people exhibit distinct pneumonia symptoms. 

In children, pneumonia symptoms can be seen, including

• Coughing
• Fever
• Chest infection
• Discomfort in the chest
• Breathing with noise
• Problem in feeding
• Crying more than normal
• Low energy level

In adults, symptoms of bacterial pneumonia:

• Chest pain during breathing or coughing
• Fatigue and weakness
• Rapid breathing
• Feeling chest tightness
• Chilling and sweating
• Coughing with mucus (yellow, green or bloody coloured)

For all, the symptoms of viral pneumonia:

• High fever
• Weakness 
• Feeling fatigue
• Extreme tiredness
• Body pain or muscle stiffness
• Loss of appetite

What are the different types of Pneumonia?

Depending on the type, you can get several kinds of respiratory infections, which require proper care and management to reduce their risks.

Community-acquired Pneumonia (CAP):  Community-acquired pneumonia may occur due to bacteria, viruses, and fungi. People get affected by it anywhere except a hospital or any healthcare facility. It happens when you breathe, eat or inhale, and swelling in your lungs, cough, and breathing difficulty can be the common symptoms.

Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (HAP):  This type of lung infection is common among people who are admitted to a hospital or exposed long time at any healthcare facility. It can be strong enough to reduce it with antibiotics. Complications include being unable to cough, breathing problems, or a weakened immune system.

Aspiration pneumonia:  When you get Pneumonia from inhalation of food, liquids, or vomit into the lungs, it may cause aspiration pneumonia.

Bacterial Pneumonia:

Bacteria cause mostly community-acquired pneumonia through their bacterial exposures. People become infected when any diseased person coughs or sneezes, releasing tiny droplets that contain bacteria. Through the air, these tiny particles and bacteria can be transmitted when you breathe or inhale.

Your risk of developing pneumonia or lung infections increases if your immune system isn’t strong. Conditions such as asthma, emphysema, or heart disease also make you more vulnerable.

Viral Pneumonia:

Viruses are the next major reason behind pneumonia. Many viruses can trigger pneumonia along with common cold, seasonal flu, and even the coronavirus that leads to COVID-19. Signs and symptoms of Viral pneumonia can be very mild or quite intense, depending on the infection and your overall health.

Treatment focuses on easing the symptoms you’re dealing with. People with conditions like asthma or emphysema might need medications that support easier breathing. 

To lower fever or reduce discomfort, your doctor may recommend acetaminophen or an NSAID. In some situations, they may also prescribe an antiviral medication or a drug to improve breathing.

Fungal Pneumonia: Fungal pneumonia is a rare type of pneumonia that only occurs if you have low or weakened immunity.  Mostly chemotherapy, autoimmune disease patients have a higher chance of this pneumonia as their immunity is very low or weakened.

Do you know what causes Pneumonia? 

Pneumonia, a respiratory infection, can happen because of the presence of various microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, or parasites in your respiratory system. The common causes & symptoms of pneumonia vary depending on your health condition, environmental exposures, immune system, and age.

Bacterial pneumonia, the common type of pneumonia, can be caused by viruses, bacterial exposures – Streptococcus pneumoniae, the common bacteria that can be the reason of pneumonia.

Viral bacteria can happen due to influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and coronaviruses. 

Fungi can cause pneumonia, especially in people with weak immune systems or chronic conditions. Histoplasma, Coccidioides, and Cryptococcus can be common concerns.

Is Pneumonia a contagious disease?

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that itself cannot spread. But it may spread through viruses and bacteria from person to person. Older people and children have more risk of getting affected by pneumonia due to its germs that can be transmitted through various factors. 

Contagious pneumonia spreads through:

• Airborne droplets
• Touching contaminated surfaces
• Sharing utensils, cups, and personal items
• Close physical interaction

If symptoms like fever, constant cough, chest pain, or breathlessness appear, consult a medical professional early and get your tests at Nirnayan Healthcare, the best pathology lab in Kolkata.

Long-term effects of pneumonia on the lungs:

Pneumonia treatments and recovery can be prolonged for seniors and children; in some cases, lead to long-term health complications.

• Severe pneumonia can cause reduced lung flexibility and breathing problems.
• If pneumonia causes Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), patients may experience:
• Long-term lung stiffness
  
• Reduced oxygen exchange
  
• Chronic breathlessness
  
• Need for rehabilitation

Since pneumonia directly affects the lungs, it can sometimes leave behind lasting harm. The infection triggers significant inflammation, causing the air sacs (alveoli) to fill with fluid and making it harder for you to breathe normally.

Fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion) from pneumonia may heal with thickening of the pleura, making the lungs slightly stiff,

This may cause:

• Mild breathing discomfort
  
• Difficulty expanding the lungs fully

Diagnosis of Pneumonia:

After following the symptoms and complications, your doctor may ask you about how many times and conditions those symptoms occur, as one or both lungs are at risk of respiratory infections.

Your doctor may ask you about your lifestyle, habits like smoking, to better understand the causes of pneumonia, and check the rumbling sound in your lungs. Then, after checking, several diagnosis processes may be recommended for checking what’s going on currently with pneumonia, including, 

• Chest X-ray
• Blood tests
• Sputum tests
• Bronchoscopy
• CT scan

Pneumonia is extremely severe for patients aged 65 and for those who have already had lung infections, asthma, or chronic heart disease. In these cases, emergency hospitalisation may be recommended by your doctor depending on the conditions.

To ensure your lung health, you can book all your pathology tests, screening tests, or sputum culture at Nirnayan Healthcare, the best laboratory chain in Kolkata, and get precise and accurate diagnosis reports at home.

Prevention tips for reducing pneumonia risks:

1. Vaccination: Getting a pneumococcal vaccination, influenza vaccination, and COVID-19 vaccination. For children, routine immunisations like Hib, pertussis, and measles are essential to prevent infections that can progress to pneumonia.

2. Home remedies: Many people may believe in home remedies in the primary stage to reduce their vulgarity, with some simple tips at home:

• Avoid cold items to eat or drink
• Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke exposure
• Practice good hygiene by washing hands and using sanitisers
• Reduce exposure to air pollution and harmful chemicals
• Wear masks in crowded or high-risk areas
• Cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Take prescribed medications regularly
• Get routine checkups for lung health if you have existing respiratory issues
• Maintain good nutrition and hydration

Health complications related to pneumonia:

Pneumonia is not always an easy-to-care disease; if ignored or exposed more, it may trigger serious health problems that may require urgent hospitalisation. Related complications include:

Severe breathing problems: Chronic pneumonia can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Pleural effusion (fluid buildup): Lung inflammation can cause excess fluid collection in the lungs, making breathing more difficult.

 Bloodstream infection (bacteremia) and sepsis: The virus or infections of pneumonia can cause several blood infections, sepsis, and, in such cases, even multi-organ failure.

Lung abscess: In some cases, pneumonia may create pockets of pus within the lung tissue, known as lung abscesses, which may require drainage or prolonged treatment.

Pneumonia treatment options:

For mild pneumonia, some preventive tips and mild medication courses can manage it. If the condition does not improve and it gets worse with time, you require a doctor’s consultation. Even hospitalisation can be suggested. Finding out the causes of pneumonia, your pneumonia treatment will be like, including

• Antibiotic dosages may be recommended.
• In viral pneumonia, vaccination and antiviral medications may be prescribed
• Oxygen therapy helps prevent such complications
• IV fluids, respiratory support, or close monitoring are needed

Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics. In some cases—especially with pneumonia that develops in a hospital setting—your doctor may suggest tests to identify the exact bacteria involved so they can prescribe the most effective medication.

Nirnayan Healthcare provides 24*7 pathology services across Kolkata wide range of advanced pathology care and treatment.

Conclusion:

Most lung infection cases are curable and manageable with proper medical diagnosis and treatment. Advancing care and treatment can reduce pneumonia risks and enhance patient care with the right diagnosis and faster recovery. Nirnayan Healthcare has experienced pathologists and special screening departments for delivering accurate diagnoses and reliable test reports.