Causes of lung infection
A disease called pneumonia causes the air sacs in one or
both lungs to become inflamed. The air sacs may swell with fluid or pus
(purulent material), which can lead to a cough that produces pus or phlegm, a
fever, chills, and breathing difficulties. Pneumonia can be brought on by a
number of different species, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
The severity of pneumonia can range from minor to
life-threatening. The most vulnerable groups include newborns and young
children, adults over 65, and those with health conditions or weaker immune
Pneumonia symptoms range from minor to severe, depending on
your age and general health as well as the sort of bacterium that is infecting
you. Mild symptoms and indications frequently resemble the common cold
or flu, but they remain longer.
Pneumonia can show these signs and symptoms:
- cough or breathing in your chest hurts
- confusion or shifts in consciousness (in adults age 65 and older)
- coughing, which could result in phlegm
- High temperature, perspiration, and chills
- a body temperature that is below average (in adults older than age 65 and people with weak immune systems)
- diarrhea, vomiting, or nauseous
- breathing difficulty
There may be no symptoms of the infection in newborns and
young children. Also possible are vomiting, fever & cough, agitation,
exhaustion, and lack of energy, as well as problems breathing and eating.
visit the doctor
Consult a physician if you experience breathing
difficulties, chest pain, a persistent temperature of 102 F (39 C) or higher,
or a chronic cough, particularly if you are coughing up the pus.
People in these high-risk groups should make an appointment
with a doctor immediately:
- persons over the age of 65
- Children under the age of two with symptoms
- individuals with a compromised immune system or underlying medical conditions
- those who are receiving chemotherapy or using immunosuppressive drugs
Pneumonia can swiftly turn into a life-threatening condition
for some elderly individuals, as well as for those with heart failure or
chronic lung conditions.
Pneumonia can be brought on by several bacteria. The most
prevalent are the germs and viruses in the air we breathe. Normally, your body
protects your lungs against infection by these microbes. Even if you normally
have good health, these viruses occasionally have the capacity to overwhelm
your immune system.
Pneumonia is categorized based on the types of germs that
cause it and the location of the infection.
- Pneumonia acquired in the community
The most typical form of pneumonia is community-acquired
pneumonia. It happens outside of hospitals or other healthcare facilities. It
might be brought on by:
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most typical bacterial
pneumonia culprit in the US. This particular form of pneumonia can develop on
its own or following a cold or the flu. The illness is known as lobar pneumonia
and may only affect one lung lobe.
- organisms resemble bacteria
Another pneumonia-causing agent is Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Compared to other varieties of pneumonia, its symptoms are often less severe.
This type of pneumonia, known colloquially as "walking pneumonia," is
frequently not severe enough to call for bed rest.
People with weak immune systems, chronic health conditions,
and those who have breathed high concentrations of the organisms are more
likely to get this type of pneumonia. Soil contains the fungus that causes it.
- viral infections, such as COVID-19
Some viruses that cause the common cold and the flu can also
lead to pneumonia. Pneumonia in children under the age of five is typically
brought on by viruses. Most viral pneumonia is not severe. It can, however,
occasionally get terrible. Pneumonia that might result from the 2019
coronavirus (COVID-19) is serious.
- Pneumonia contracted at a hospital
When they are in the hospital for another sickness, some
patients develop pneumonia. Due to the possibility that the bacteria causing it
may be more resistant to medications and the fact that those who contract it
are already ill, hospital-acquired pneumonia can be dangerous. The risk of
developing this type of pneumonia is increased in those using ventilators,
which are frequently employed in intensive care units.
- Pneumonia acquired in a medical facility
People who reside in long-term care facilities or who
receive medical attention in outpatient clinics, particularly kidney dialysis
facilities, are at risk for developing healthcare-acquired pneumonia, a
bacterial infection. The same bacteria that can cause hospital-acquired
pneumonia can also produce healthcare-acquired pneumonia, which is more
difficult to treat with medications.
- pneumonia due to aspiration
When you inhale food, drink, vomit, or saliva into your
lungs, aspiration pneumonia happens. Aspiration is more common if something
interferes with your natural gags response, such as brain damage or swallowing
issue, or if you use alcohol or drugs excessively.
Anyone can get pneumonia. However, the two age groups that
are most at risk are:
- children that are under 2 years old
- Those who are at least 65 years old
- Additional danger signs consist of:
- getting hospitalized
In a hospital intensive care unit, especially if you're
using a breathing machine, you're more likely to develop pneumonia (a
- persistent illness
Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and
heart disease increase your risk of developing pneumonia.
Smoking impairs your body's natural safeguards against the
viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia.
- the repressed or weakened immune system
The risk group includes those with HIV/AIDS, organ
transplant recipients, chemotherapy patients, and those on long-term steroids.
Consequences Even with therapy, certain pneumonia sufferers,
particularly those in high-risk groups, may still experience complications,
- infection in the blood (bacteremia).
The infection may spread to other organs and result in organ
failure if bacteria from your lungs reach the circulation.
- breathing challenges.
You can have problems getting adequate oxygen if your
pneumonia is severe or if you have long-term lung conditions. You might need to
stay in the hospital and use a ventilator while your lung repairs.
effusion: fluid buildup around the lungs
The lungs and chest cavity's narrow space between tissue
layers may get clogged with fluid as a result of pneumonia (pleura). You could
require a chest tube to remove the fluid if it becomes contaminated.
- Abscess in the lung.
When pus accumulates in a lung cavity, an abscess develops.
Antibiotics are frequently used to treat an abscess. To drain an abscess of
pus, surgery or a lengthy tube or needle inserted into the abscess may be
buying a vaccine.
Some strains of influenza and pneumonia can be prevented
using vaccines. Regarding getting these shots, consult your doctor. Even if you
remember getting vaccinated against pneumonia in the past, immunization
recommendations have changed over time, so it's important to discuss your vaccination
status with your doctor.
forget to immunize your kids.
For children under the age of 2 and those who are
particularly at risk for pneumococcal disease, those between the ages of 2 and
5, doctors advise a separate pneumonia vaccine. Immunization should be
given to all kids who go to a daycare facility for multiple. For children
older than 6 months, doctors also advise flu vaccines.
Regular hand washing or the use of an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer will help you prevent respiratory infections, which can occasionally
develop into pneumonia.
The natural defenses of your lungs against respiratory
infections are harmed by smoking.
Maintain a robust immune system. Get enough rest, work out
frequently, and maintain a balanced diet.
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