Overview
Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lungs, primarily affecting the alveoli, the small air sacs responsible for gas exchange. It is most often caused by microbial infections, though non-infectious causes are also possible.
Affected Systems
Pneumonia involves the lungs and the bronchi and is typically treated by specialists in pulmonology or pediatrics for younger patients.
Definition
Pneumonia refers to inflammation in the lungs, specifically in the air sacs (alveoli) and smaller bronchi. The inflammation interferes with normal lung function, making it difficult to breathe and exchange oxygen.
Causes
The most common cause of pneumonia is an infection by microorganisms, primarily bacteria or viruses, and in rarer cases, fungi. In addition to infectious causes, pneumonia can also occur due to non-infectious factors, such as inhalation of chemicals, foreign objects (like vomit), toxic gases, or even radiation therapy.
Symptoms
The symptoms of pneumonia can affect both the lungs and the entire body.
Lung-Related Symptoms:
- Persistent cough caused by irritation of the respiratory tract.
- Production of phlegm, which can be thick and pus-like. Blood-streaked phlegm may also occur.
- Shortness of breath due to impaired lung function.
- In cases where the inflammation spreads to the pleura (the lining around the lungs), patients may experience sharp pain when breathing.
Other Symptoms:
- Fever or chills, a common response to systemic inflammation.
- Fatigue, muscle aches, and joint pain can develop as the body fights the infection.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also accompany pneumonia.
Diagnosis
Doctors can often suspect pneumonia based on the patient’s medical history and a physical exam. A chest X-ray is typically used to detect any changes in lung opacity or fluid buildup. If an X-ray does not provide clear results, a more detailed CT scan may be recommended. Identifying the specific cause of pneumonia requires further tests, such as sputum cultures to find the infectious agent, blood tests, or a urine antigen test for certain types of bacteria.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of infection causing pneumonia:
- Bacterial pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics. In many cases, patients are given broad-spectrum antibiotics before the exact bacteria are identified, but the treatment may be adjusted once the cause is confirmed.
- Viral pneumonia, like that caused by the flu, may benefit from antiviral medications if diagnosed early, but these are less effective if the illness progresses.
Patients with mild symptoms can often recover at home, but those with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly or young children, may need hospitalization. In severe cases where breathing is compromised, intensive care and mechanical ventilation might be necessary.
Complications
Pneumonia can have a range of outcomes depending on the patient’s health and the infection’s cause. Severe cases can lead to sepsis or shock, and localized complications in the lungs can include empyema (pus in the pleural space), lung abscess, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In extreme cases, pneumonia may result in death.
Prevention
Vaccination plays a key role in preventing certain types of pneumonia. The pneumococcal vaccine is particularly important for those at higher risk, such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses. While the vaccine doesn’t prevent all cases of pneumonia, it can significantly reduce the severity of infections caused by the pneumococcus bacterium. Annual flu vaccines also help lower the risk of viral pneumonia by preventing the flu, a common precursor to lung infections.
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