Skip to main content
 
 

Pneumonia

 

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough with phlegm or pus, accompanied by chills and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia can be caused by a variety of things and can affect anyone at any age. It can be potentially life-threatening for infants and young children, people older than 65 and those with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems.

What causes pneumonia?

Pneumonia can affect anyone at any time. The most common cause of pneumonia comes from the bacteria and viruses in the air. Your body usually prevents these germs from infecting your lungs, but some strains of bacteria and germs can overpower your immune system. Other common causes for pneumonia include:

  • Bacteria or viruses acquired in your everyday life.
  • Bacteria acquired in a hospital or clinic setting. This type of bacteria can be more dangerous because it may be more resistant to antibiotics.
  • Bacteria acquired from a long-term care facility or outpatient clinic.
  • Inhaling food, drink, vomit, or saliva into your lungs, called aspiration pneumonia.

Chronic diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart disease greatly increase your risk of developing pneumonia. Smoking damages your body’s defense against bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia, putting you at higher risk of development.

What are symptoms of pneumonia?

The symptoms of pneumonia can look like those of a cold or flu and will look different for everyone, ranging from mild to severe. It will also depend on the type of germ causing the infection, your age and overall health. The most common signs and symptoms include:

  • Chest pain with breathing or coughing.
  • Confusion or changes in mental awareness.
  • Cough that produces phlegm or pus.
  • Fatigue.
  • Fever with sweating and shaking chills.
  • Lower than normal body temperature.
  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Shortness of breath.

Although most symptoms ease in a few days or weeks, you may feel tired for a month or more following the infection.

Pneumonia can be potentially dangerous for infants and young children, adults older than 65, and those with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems. Seek medical attention right away if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent fever of 102 F or higher, persistent cough, especially coughing up phlegm or pus. For more at-risk people, untreated pneumonia can result in heart failure, chronic lung problems or other life-threatening conditions.

How is pneumonia diagnosed?

To diagnose pneumonia, your provider will review your medical history and perform a physical examination, including listening to your lungs to check for abnormal bubbling or crackling sounds that are consistent with pneumonia. If your provider suspects pneumonia, additional tests may be needed:

  • Blood tests – used to confirm and identify the type of bacteria causing the infection.
  • Chest X-ray – used to diagnose pneumonia and determine the severity and location of the infection.
  • Pulse oximetry – measures the oxygen levels in your blood to determine whether the infection is preventing your lungs from moving enough oxygen into your bloodstream.
  • Sputum test – involves taking a sample of fluid from your lungs (sputum) from a deep cough and testing it to identify the cause of the infection.
  • CT scan – for people who are more at risk or who are not responding to treatment, a CT scan may be used to obtain a more detailed image of your lungs.

What are treatment options for pneumonia?

Most strains of pneumonia can be treated at home with medication. In some cases, more advanced treatment may be needed. Treatment aims to cure the infection and prevent complications that may come with it. Medication treatments may include:

  • Antibiotics – used to treat bacterial pneumonia.
  • Cough medicine – used to calm your cough to allow you to rest. Because coughing helps to loosen and move fluid from your lungs, you shouldn’t eliminate your cough completely.
  • Pain relivers – medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to reduce fever and discomfort.

What are risk factors for pneumonia?

Most people respond well to mediation treatment, but for those in high-risk groups, complications can occur, including:

  • Bacteria in the bloodstream from your lungs can spread infections to other organs, potentially causing organ failure.
  • In severe or chronic cases of pneumonia, you may have trouble breathing in enough oxygen. This may require supplemental oxygen from a breathing machine while your lungs heal.
  • Pneumonia can cause fluid buildup around the lungs, also known as pleural effusion. This fluid is removed from the lungs via a thoracentesis.
  • If pus forms in a cavity in the lung, an abscess can occur. These are typically treated with medication but can require surgical intervention in some cases.

If any of these complications occur, you may need to be hospitalized. Other reasons may include:

  • Being older than age 65.
  • You are confused about time, people, or places.
  • Your kidney function has declined.
  • Your blood pressure or heart rate is abnormal.
  • You are breathing rapidly or need breathing assistance.
  • Your temperature is below normal.

For children with high-risk conditions, hospitalization may be needed if:

  • They are younger than 2 months old.
  • They are lethargic or excessively sleeping.
  • They have trouble breathing.
  • They have low oxygen levels.
  • They appear dehydrated.

If you think you have symptoms of pneumonia, don’t wait for your symptom to get worse before seeking care. Contact your provider right away if you have difficulty breathing, develop a bluish color in your lips and fingertips, have chest pain, a high fever, or a cough with mucus.