Pneumonia is
a lung infection that can make you very sick. You may cough, run a fever, and
have a hard time breathing. For most people, pneumonia can be treated at home.
It often clears up in 2 to 3 weeks. But older adults, babies, and people with
other diseases can become very ill. They may need to be in the hospital.
You can get
pneumonia in your daily life, such as at school or work. This is called
community-associated pneumonia. You can also get it when you are in a hospital
or nursing home. This is called healthcare-associated pneumonia. It may be more
severe because you already are ill. This topic focuses on pneumonia you get in
your daily life.
Germs called
bacteria or viruses usually cause pneumonia.
Pneumonia
usually starts when you breathe the germs into your lungs. You may be more
likely to get the disease after having a cold or the flu. These illnesses make
it hard for your lungs to fight infection, so it is easier to get pneumonia.
Having a long-term, or chronic, disease like asthma, heart disease, cancer, or
diabetes also makes you more likely to get pneumonia.
Symptoms of
Pneumonia:
The general
symptoms of bacterial pneumonia can develop quickly and may include:
chest pain
shaking
chills
fever
dry cough
wheezing
muscle aches
nausea
vomiting
rapid
breathing
rapid
heartbeat
difficulty
breathing
Some symptoms
may indicate a medical emergency. You should seek immediate medical attention
if you have any of these symptoms:
skin with
bluish tone (from lack of oxygen)
blood in
sputum (coughed-up mucus)
labored
breathing
high fever
(102.5°F or higher)
confusion
rapid
heartbeat
Many germs
can cause pneumonia. The most common are bacteria and viruses in the air we
breathe. Your body usually prevents these germs from infecting your lungs. But
sometimes these germs can overpower your immune system, even if your health is
generally good.
Pneumonia is
classified according to the types of germs that cause it and where you got them
infection.
Community-acquired
pneumonia
Community-acquired
pneumonia is the most common type of pneumonia. It occurs outside of hospitals
or other health care facilities. It may be caused by:
Bacteria. The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in the U.S. is Streptococcus
pneumoniae. This type of pneumonia can occur on its own or after you've had a
cold or the flu. It may affect one part (lobe) of the lung, a condition called
lobar pneumonia.
Bacteria-like
organisms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae also can cause pneumonia. It typically
produces milder symptoms than do other types of pneumonia. Walking pneumonia, a
term used to describe pneumonia that isn't severe enough to require bed rest may be caused by M. pneumoniae.
Viruses. Some
of the viruses that cause colds and the flu can cause pneumonia. Viruses are
the most common cause of pneumonia in children younger than 5 years. Viral
pneumonia is usually mild. But in some cases, it can become very serious.
Fungi. This
type of pneumonia is most common in people with chronic health problems or
weakened immune systems, and in people who have inhaled large doses of the
organisms. The fungi that cause it can be found in soil or bird droppings.
Risk factors:
Pneumonia can
affect anyone. But the two age groups at highest risk are:
Children who
are 2 years old or younger developing
People who
are age 65 or older
Other risks factors include:
Chronic
disease. You're more likely to get pneumonia if you have asthma, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease or heart disease.
Weakened or
suppressed immune system. People who have HIV/AIDS, who've had an organ
transplant, or who receive chemotherapy or long-term steroids are at risk.
Smoking.
Smoking damages your body's natural defenses against the bacteria and viruses
that cause pneumonia.
Being
hospitalized. You're at greater risk of pneumonia if you're in a hospital
intensive care unit, especially if you're on a machine that helps you breathe
(a ventilator).
Complications:
Pneumonia can
be treated successfully with medication. However, some people, especially those
in high-risk groups, may experience complications, including:
Bacteria in
the bloodstream (bacteremia). Bacteria that enter the bloodstream from your
lungs can spread the infection to other organs, potentially causing organ
failure.
Lung abscess.
An abscess occurs if pus forms in a cavity in the lung. An abscess is usually
treated with antibiotics. Sometimes, surgery or drainage with a long needle or
tube placed into the abscess is needed to remove the pus.
Fluid
accumulation around your lungs (pleural effusion). Pneumonia may cause fluid to
build up in the thin space between layers of tissue that line the lungs and
chest cavity (pleura). Of the fluid becomes infected, you may need to have it
drained through a chest tube or removed with surgery.
Difficulty
breathing. If your pneumonia is severe or you have chronic underlying lung
diseases, you may have trouble breathing in enough oxygen. You may need to be
hospitalized and use a breathing machine (ventilator) while your lung heals.
Tests and
diagnosis:
Your doctor
will start by asking about your medical history and doing a physical exam,
including listening to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for abnormal
bubbling or crackling sounds that indicate the presence of secretions.
If pneumonia
is suspected, your doctor may recommend the following tests:
Chest X-ray.
This helps your doctor diagnose pneumonia and determine the extent and location
of the infection. However, it can't tell your doctor what kind of germ is
causing pneumonia.
Blood tests.
Blood tests are used to confirm infection and to try to identify the type of
organism causing the infection. However, precise identification isn't always
possible.
Pulse
oximetry. This measures the oxygen level in your blood. Pneumonia can prevent
your lungs from moving enough oxygen into your bloodstream.
Sputum test.
A sample of fluid from your lungs (sputum) is taken after a deep cough and
analyzed to help pinpoint the cause of the infection.
Your doctor
might order additional tests if you're older than age 65, are in the hospital,
or have serious symptoms or health conditions. These may include:
Pleural fluid
culture. A fluid sample is taken by putting a needle between your ribs from the
pleural area and analyzed to help determine the type of infection.
CT scan. If
your pneumonia isn't clearing as quickly as expected, your doctor may recommend
a chest CT scan to obtain a more detailed image of your lungs.
Prevention:
To help
prevent pneumonia:
Get
vaccinated. Vaccines are available to prevent some types of pneumonia and the
flu. Talk with your doctor about getting these shots.
Make sure
children get vaccinated. Doctors recommend a different pneumonia vaccine for
children younger than age 2 and for children ages 2 to 5 years who are at
particular risk of pneumococcal disease. Children who attend a group child care
center should also get the vaccine. Doctors also recommend flu shots for
children older than 6 months.
Practice good
hygiene. To protect yourself against respiratory infections that sometimes lead
to pneumonia, wash your hands regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Don't smoke.
Smoking damages your lungs' natural defenses against respiratory infections.
Keep your
immune system strong. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly and eat a healthy
diet.
