Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs with a range of possible causes. It can be a serious and life-threatening disease.
It normally starts with a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.
The lungs become inflamed, and the tiny air sacs, or alveoli, inside the lungs fill up with fluid.
Pneumonia can occur in young and healthy people, but it is most dangerous for older adults, infants, people with other diseases, and those with impaired immune systems.
In the United States (U.S.), around 1 million trusted Source people are treated in the hospital for pneumonia each year, and around 50,000 die from the disease.
Fast facts on pneumonia
Here are some key points about pneumonia. More detail is in the main article.
- Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages.
- It is the leading cause of death due to infection in children younger than 5 years of age worldwide.
- Pneumonia and influenza together are ranked as the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S.
- Those at high risk for pneumonia include older adults, the very young, and people with underlying health problems.
Symptoms
The first symptoms of pneumonia usually resemble those of a cold or flu. The person then develops a high fever, chills, and cough with sputum.
Common symptoms include:
- cough
- rusty or green phlegm, or sputum, coughed up from lungs
- fever
- fast breathing and shortness of breath
- shaking chills
- chest pain that usually worsens when taking a deep breath, known as pleuritic pain
- fast heartbeat
- fatigue and weakness
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea
- sweating
- headache
- muscle pain
- confusion or delirium, especially in older adults
- dusky or purplish skin color, or cyanosis, from poorly oxygenated blood
Symptoms can vary depending on other underlying conditions and the type of pneumonia.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the pneumonia.
- Bacterial types of pneumonia are usually treated with antibiotics.
- Viral types of pneumonia are usually treated with rest and plenty of fluids. Antiviral medications can be used in influenza.
- Fungal types of pneumonia are usually treated with antifungal medications.
Doctors commonly prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) medications to help manage the symptoms of pneumonia. These include treatments for reducing fever, reducing aches and pains, and suppressing coughs.
In addition, it is crucial to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated helps to thin out thick phlegm and mucus, making it easier to cough up.
Hospitalization for pneumonia may be required if symptoms are especially bad or if an individual has a weakened immune system or other serious illnesses.
In the hospital, patients are generally treated with intravenous antibiotics and fluids. They may need a supplemental oxygen supply.
In children
In most children, the immune system can protect them from pneumonia. If a child does develop pneumonia, it is usually due to a virus.
Symptoms include:
- difficulty breathing
- not feeding properly
- coughing
- fever
- irritability
- dehydration
Toddlers may complain of pain in their chest, and they may vomit after coughing.
Treatment includes plenty of rest and a regular intake of fluids. The doctor may suggest over-the-counter for abdominal problems, but cough medicines will not help. Adults should not smoke around children, especially if they have pneumonia.
Causes
Bacteria and viruses are the main causes of pneumonia. Pneumonia-causing germs can settle in the alveoli and multiply after a person breathes them in.
Pneumonia can be contagious. The bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia are usually inhaled.
They can be passed on through coughing and sneezing, or spread onto shared objects through touch.
The body sends white blood cells to attack the infection. This is why the air sacs become inflamed. The bacteria and viruses fill the lung sacs with fluid and pus, causing pneumonia.
Risk factors
Those most at risk include people who:
- are aged under 5 years or over 65Trusted Source years
- smoke tobacco, consume large amounts of alcohol, or both
- have underlying conditions such as cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), asthma, or conditions that affect the kidneys, heart, or liver
- have a weakened or impaired immune system, due, for example, to AIDS, HIV, or cancer
- take medicines forTrusted Source gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- have recently recovered from a cold or influenza infection
- experience malnutrition
- have been recently hospitalized in an intensive care unit
- have been exposed to certain chemicals or pollutants
Some groups are more proneTrusted Source than others to pneumonia, including Native Alaskan or certain Native American ethnicities.
Prevention
There are two different vaccines to prevent pneumococcal disease, the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia.
These cover a wide variety of pneumococcal infections and are recommended for both children and adults, depending on their health conditions.
- pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, or Prevnar
- pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, or Pneumovax
![[vaccines can help protect against pneumonia]](http://i0.wp.com/cdn1.medicalnewstoday.com/content/images/articles/151/151632/vaccines-can-help-protect-against-pneumonia.jpg?w=1845)
Prevnar (PCV13)Â is normally included as part of an infant’s routine immunizations.
It is recommended for children under 2 years, adults over 65 years, and those between the ages of 2 and 64 years with certain medical conditions.
Pneumovax (PPSV23) is recommended for children and adults who are at increased risk of developing pneumococcal infections.
This includes:
- adults aged 65 years or older
- people with diabetes
- those with chronic heart, lung, or kidney disease
- people who consume large amounts of alcohol or who smoke
- those without a spleen
Those aged between 2 and 64 yearsTrusted Source with certain other medical conditions may be advised to have this vaccine
The vaccine may not completely protectTrusted Source older adults from pneumonia, but it can significantly reduce the risk of developing pneumonia and other infections caused by S. pneumoniae), including blood and brain infections.
Along with vaccinations, physicians recommend:
- regular hand washing
- covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- refraining from smoking
- eating healthfully
- exercising 5 days a week
- staying away from the sputum or cough particles of others with pneumonia
Most people recover from pneumonia in 1 to 3 weeks. Those at risk of severe symptoms should ensure they keep up their vaccinations.
Diagnosis
A doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history and will carry out a physical examination.
![[lung X ray for pneumonia diagnosis]](http://i0.wp.com/cdn1.medicalnewstoday.com/content/images/articles/151/151632/lung-x-ray-for-pneumonia-diagnosis.jpg?w=1845)
They may suspect pneumonia if they hear coarse breathing, wheezing, crackling, or decreased breath sounds when listening to the chest through a stethoscope.
The doctor may also check the oxygen levels in the blood with a painless monitor on the finger called a pulse oximeter.
Chest X-rays can confirm a pneumonia diagnosis and show which areas of the lungs are affected.
A CT scan of the chest may provide more detailed information.
Blood tests measure the white blood cell count.
This helps determine how severe the infection is, and whether a bacteria, virus, or fungus is the likely cause.
Blood cultures may reveal whether the microorganism from the lungs has spread into the blood stream.
An arterial blood gas (ABG)Â blood test may provide a more accurate reading of the body’s oxygen and carbon dioxide levels and other factors.
A sputum analysis can determine which organism is causing the pneumonia.
A bronchoscopy is sometimes used for further investigation.
A thin, flexible, and lighted tube called a bronchoscope is passed down into the lungs. This enables the doctor to examine directly the infected parts of the airways and lungs. The patient is under anesthetic.
