A number of organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. the air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing the cough to produce pus or phlegm, a fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
Pneumonia is most dangerous for infants and young children, adults over 65, and those with health conditions or weakened immune systems. Pneumonia can range in severity from mild to life-threatening.
SYMPTOMS OF PNEUMONIA
Mild signs and symptoms are frequently similar to those of a cold or flu, but they last longer. Pneumonia signs and symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on factors like the type of germ causing the infection, age, and general health.
Pneumonia symptoms and warning signs can include:
- breathing or coughing causes chest pain
- (In adults 65 and older) Confusion or changes in mental awareness
- a cough that could result in phlegm
- Fatigue
- High temperature, perspiration, and chills
- (In adults over 65 and in those with weakened immune systems) Lower than normal body temperature
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
Infants and newborns may not exhibit any symptoms of the infection, or they may vomit, have a fever and cough, seem agitated or exhausted and lacking in energy, have trouble breathing, or have trouble eating.
CAUSES OF PNEUMONIA
The types of germs that cause it and the location of the infection are used to categorize different types of pneumonia.
Community Acquired Pneumonia
Since it develops outside of hospitals or other medical facilities, community-acquired pneumonia is the most typical type of pneumonia.
- Bacteria.It can happen on its own or after a cold or the flu, making it the most frequent cause of pneumonia.Lobar pneumonia is a term used to describe a type of pneumonia that only affects one lobe of the lung.
- Bacteria-like organisms.The term “walking pneumonia” is used informally to refer to a type of pneumonia caused by the mycoplasma pneumoniae bacterium, which typically causes milder symptoms than do other types of pneumonia.
- Fungi.The fungi that cause it can be found in soil or bird droppings and vary depending on geographic location. People with chronic health conditions or immune systems that are weakened as well as those who have inhaled large doses of the organisms are more likely to develop this type of pneumonia.
- Viruses, including COVID-19.Viral pneumonia is typically mild, but it can occasionally become very serious. Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) may cause pneumonia, which can become severe. Viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in children under the age of five.
Hospital Acquired Pneumonia :People who are on breathing machines (ventilators), which are frequently used in intensive care units, are at higher risk of developing pneumonia. Hospital-acquired pneumonia, which some people contract while in the hospital for another illness, can be serious because the bacteria causing it may be more resistant to antibiotics and because the people who get it are already ill.
Aspiration Pneumonia :Aspiration is more likely if something interferes with the normal gag reflex, such as a brain injury or swallowing issue, or if there is excessive alcohol or drug use. Aspiration pneumonia occurs when we inhale food, drink, vomit, or saliva into our lungs.
RISK FACTORS OF PNEUMONIA
However, the two age groups most at risk from pneumonia are:
- young children, those under the age of two
- individuals over the age of 65
Other risk factors include:
Being hospitalized.
Chronic disease.
Smoking.
Weakened or suppressed immune system.
COMPLICATION OF PNEUMONIA
Even with treatment, complications from pneumonia can arise for some people, particularly for those in high-risk groups.
- Bacteria in the bloodstream (bacteremia).Lung-derived bacteria have the potential to infect other organs and cause organ failure if they enter the bloodstream.
- Difficulty breathing.Having trouble breathing in enough oxygen can occur if the pneumonia is severe or if underlying lung diseases are chronic.
- Fluid accumulation around the lungs (pleural effusion).If the fluid becomes infected, one may need to have it drained through a chest tube or removed with surgery. Pneumonia may cause fluid to accumulate in the tiny space between layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity (pleura).
- Lung abscess.When pus accumulates in a lung cavity, an abscess develops, which is typically treated with antibiotics but occasionally necessitates surgery or drainage through the insertion of a long needle or tube into the abscess.
PREVENTION OF PNEUMONIA
- Keep up with your hygiene. Wash your hands frequently or sanitize them with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to guard against respiratory infections, which can occasionally progress to pneumonia.
- Avoid smoking-Smoking impairs the lungs’ built-in resistance to respiratory infections.
- Keep immune system strong-Get enough rest, work out frequently, and maintain a balanced diet.
- Take care of childrendiapers should be changed routinely, especially during the winter.
HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE FOR PNEUMONIA
Bryonia :Very helpful when pneumonia is accompanied by chest pain. There is stitching pain in the chest that worsens with deep breathing and coughing.
Arsenic Album :Effective homeopathic medication for treating pneumonia brought on by eating cold foods. Indicared when pain is located specifically in the upper third of the right lung. There is a suffocating feeling, which gets worse when lying down or while sleeping.
Antimonium Tart :When the patient experiences shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, excessive chest rattling from mucus that is not being expectorated, or jaundice along with pneumonia, this medication is very effective in treating the condition.
Hepar Sulph :When there is a loose cough and rattling of mucus, as well as a fever and chills accompanying the aforementioned symptoms, pneumonia is treated very effectively with this medication even though the sputum may be unpleasant.
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