One of the most common types of respiratory illnesses in children, particularly infants, is pneumonia.
It has been calculated that roughly one in seven fatalities amongst those aged five and under are caused by pneumonia.
There are several causes and risk factors of pneumonia.
This article will provide an overview of pneumonia, delving into its triggers, signs, avoidance strategies, and management. Let’s dive right in.
What Is Pneumonia?
The alveoli, the tiniest components of the respiratory system, are the most important for exchanging gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Different respiratory illnesses can have a damaging impact on these globular-shaped organs, impeding the amount of oxygen that is accessible, such as emphysema, tuberculosis, pulmonary edema, and pneumonia. Pneumonia is the most frequent of these ailments and can be fatal.
Pneumonia is a type of respiratory infection that causes the alveoli to fill up with fluid and pus instead of air. The buildup of pus is caused by inflammation of the alveoli (air sacs).
The body’s immune system is causing this swelling in reaction to any infectious agents. It is difficult to breathe due to the lack of oxygen that can be taken in. Late diagnosis of this lung infection can be life-threatening.
Mostly, it is babies and kids up to the age of 12 who are impacted by it. People aged 60 and over with compromised immune systems are at risk of developing pneumonia. The most common cause of hospitalization for children is this.
Is Pneumonia Contagious?
The two most widespread types of pneumonia are viral and bacterial, as opposed to fungal pneumonia which is less frequent. The contagion potential of the infection is dependent on elements such as the individual’s age, immune system, and the diagnosis.
This infection can be dangerous if people are not aware of it and do not get diagnosed in a timely manner. Out of the many kinds of pneumonia, bacterial pneumonia is the most hazardous.
9 Signs & Symptoms of Pneumonia
The effects of this respiratory illness can range from barely discernible to serious. The following signs and symptoms are very common in all types of pneumonia:
- Heavy coughing along with colored mucus (yellowish, greenish, and in extreme cases bloody).
- Fever
- Body sweat
- Weakness and fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Brain fogginess in older people
If you are showing signs of more than three of these issues, it is recommended that you speak to a medical professional. Early diagnosis is very beneficial for the patient’s health.
Types Of Pneumonia
The following are some common types of pneumonia:
1. Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (HAP)
Pneumonia contracted in a hospital is referred to as Hospital-acquired pneumonia. HAP spreads more easily than other forms due to its ability to become resistant to antibiotics.
2. Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
Pneumonia that is contracted outside of hospitals and medical centers is referred to as community acquired pneumonia.
3. Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)
This type of pneumonia is acquired through a ventilator.
4. Aspiration Pneumonia
Pneumonia due to aspiration can be contracted from saliva, nourishment, items, beverages, or another individual. If this pneumonia is not treated promptly, it can become quite severe.
Causes Of Pneumonia
1. Bacteria
Pneumonia caused by bacteria is the most widespread type, but it is also the most serious of them all. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most typical of the various bacterial agents.
Pneumococcal pneumonia is easily spread from person to person, from contaminated surfaces, and from contaminated food.
The symptoms of bacterial pneumonia are:
- High fever (105 degrees)
- Increased breathing
- High pulse rate
- Body sweating
- Bluish nails and lips
- Confused state.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the microbe that leads to the development of “walking pneumonia,” which is a mild form of pneumonia that is also referred to as “a-typical pneumonia.”
Signs of walking pneumonia include a low-grade fever, coughing, and symptoms similar to a cold. Bacterial pneumonia can affect all of the lungs or just one section, resulting in “lobar pneumonia.”
2. Viruses
Respiratory viruses are the causing agents of pneumonia. Pneumonia can often be caused by a variety of viral infections such as cold, rhinovirus, adenovirus, human parainfluenza virus (HPIV), human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and chickenpox.
The signs and indications of viral pneumonia are very much alike to those of bacterial pneumonia. The recovery time for viral pneumonia is quicker than for bacterial and fungal pneumonia. In the majority of situations, it can be managed with home-based treatments.
3. Fungi
Pulmonary infection caused by fungi is typically caused by inhaling fungal spores, which are usually found in dirt or bird droppings. This type of pneumonia is the rarest, and mainly affects individuals with a weakened immune system.
The most usual illustration of this type is Pneumocystis jirovecii, Histoplasma spp., and Cryptococcus spp.
What Are The Risk Factors?
Infants and the aged population are most likely to contract this disease. Other potential hazards are addressed in the following section.
- A hospitalized person is at high risk for acquiring this infection, especially if on a ventilator.
- Diseases like asthma and other pulmonary disorders can lead to causing pneumonia.
- Smoking can affect the body’s immune system against the infectious agents causing pneumonia.
- People with a weakened immune system, chemotherapy, and those with an organ transplant are at high risk.
When To See A Doctor?
Identifying the issue at an early stage is highly beneficial as it eliminates the possibility of any further problems. See a doctor right away if you have severe chest pain, a fever of high intensity, vomiting, labored breathing, a cough, and blue fingernails.
If the patient is over the age of 65, under 12 years of age, and has a pre-existing condition or an impaired immune system, it is recommended that you consult a physician. A belated detection and therapy of the infection can make it life-threatening.
Treatment Options For Pneumonia
The method of managing pneumonia depends on the kind you are dealing with and how serious it is. The doctor might give you a set of drugs to ease the discomfort and reduce the signs.
1. Prescribed Medications
Oral medications can be used to address bacterial pneumonia. The doctor will administer antibiotics over a period of time to get rid of the pus and liquid in the alveoli and reduce the pain.
Your healthcare provider will suggest antiviral drugs since antibiotics will not be effective against viruses. In spite of that, most cases of viral pneumonia are able to be taken care of without difficulty in the home.
Antifungal medications will help in clearing the lung infection. This course might take several weeks.
2. Hospitalization
If the ailment deteriorates, hospitalization is usually the optimal solution since the personnel will monitor your signs. They will base their choices on your health condition.
3. Over-The-Counter Medication
Your healthcare practitioner can suggest non-prescription medications based on your condition to help relieve the indications of your pneumonia. These medications include:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Coughing syrups are also helpful in limiting the cough. However, coughing assists in getting rid of the excess mucus and liquid from the lungs.
Home Remedies for Pneumonia Symptoms
For cough
At the start of your pneumonia, you could have a cough. It may begin within the first day, or it might take a few days to appear.
Coughing is beneficial in eliminating the sickness as it forces out the liquid buildup in the lungs, so you don’t want to cease coughing altogether. You may want to try to lessen the amount of coughing you do so that it will not disturb your sleep or bring about more pain and discomfort.
It is possible that your cough could linger for a while during and after healing, and it could last for multiple months after being infected.
1. Try a saltwater gargle.
Rinsing your mouth with salt water may help to reduce the amount of mucus in your throat and decrease any discomfort.
2. Drink hot peppermint tea.
Peppermint can also help alleviate irritation and expel mucus. Studies indicate that it may be a successful remedy for congestion, inflammation, and discomfort.
If you don’t have peppermint tea yet, you can find it in both loose and bagged versions at your local supermarket or you can buy it online. If you possess fresh peppermint, it is simple to make your own tea.
You may want to take a few deep breaths and savor the smell of the peppermint tea while it is brewing. This might help clear your nasal pathways.
For shortness of breath
If you have pneumonia, your rate of breathing could increase quickly and shallowly, or it might get worse over the span of a few days.
You may even experience breathlessness while you’re resting. Your doctor may prescribe medication or inhalers to help. Be sure to abide by the instructions and doses given by your doctor as you experiment with the ideas presented below.
If the advice given does not provide relief and your breathing becomes more labored, you should obtain medical attention right away.
3. Use a handheld fan.
A 2021 review has indicated, albeit with limited proof, that running a handheld fan over a person’s face may provide some short-term relief from shortness of breath in those suffering from COPD.
The root source of respiration problems can vary in individuals with pneumonia, but utilizing a fan may help you to recover your breath.
Employing a hand-held fan will help your symptoms diminish.
4. Drink a cup of coffee.
Consuming a cup of coffee could potentially aid in alleviating shortness of breath. Consumption of caffeine could potentially lead to widening of the airways, and a research study in 2021 proposed that it could possibly ease some of the signs of COVID-19 and work against the virus SARS-CoV-2.
It takes your body 3-5 hours to reduce the amount of caffeine in your system by half. If caffeine can open your airways, this is when it is likely to be most effective.
For chest pain
The onset of chest pain can be sudden or it can be a gradual development that happens over the course of several days. You should anticipate having some discomfort or pain in your chest if you contract pneumonia. Most chest pain will diminish after four weeks of receiving treatment.
5. Drink a cup of turmeric tea.
A 2020 review indicates that curcumin, a compound present in turmeric, may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties that can help the body ward off pneumonia.
A 2018 review supported curcumin’s potential to help with pain, possibly even the intense chest pain that can come with pneumonia (even though the study didn’t particularly focus on chest pain).
You can get turmeric tea from a grocery store near you or purchase it online. You can also prepare your own tea using turmeric powder.
6. Drink a cup of ginger tea.
Recent studies have shown that ginger has the ability to reduce inflammation and treat pain. Current research has yet to determine if ginger is effective in treating chest pain, however, it is a safe and hydrating option to attempt to alleviate the discomfort associated with pneumonia.
Ginger teas can be bought in either bulk or in pre-packed bags from supermarkets or on the internet. You could also employ fresh ginger to create your own ginger tea.
For fever
Your temperature may increase rapidly or gradually over a period of several days. With treatment, it should subside within the week.
7. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
OTC medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) can be used to reduce a fever and ease discomfort.
If it is possible, try to take any pain medication with a meal or when your stomach is full. This decreases the chance of experiencing adverse reactions, like feeling sick.
Adults can usually consume one or two 200mg pills every 4 to 6 hours. You shouldn’t exceed 1,200 mg per day.
For children, follow the directions on the packaging.
8. Drink some fenugreek tea.
A study conducted in 2018 revealed that consuming fenugreek tea may lead to increased perspiration. Sweating can be a way to reduce your temperature when you have a fever, potentially giving you some relief.
9. Stay hydrated.
Consuming a sufficient amount of liquid and minerals with electrolytes if you have a fever can stop you from becoming dehydrated. Making your own popsicles or drinking cold drinks can both provide hydration and help cool you off.
10. Apply a lukewarm compress or take a lukewarm bath.
Soaking in a warm bath could be a way to help reduce your body temperature.
A lukewarm compress can be used as an alternative to a bath if it is not convenient, to help reduce body temperature from the outside in. It may be appealing to use an ice pack, but the sudden change in temperature can cause shivering. A warm compress gives a gentler and more pleasant temperature difference.
For chills
Chills may come on before or during a fever. They typically subside after your fever breaks. The duration of treatment for pneumonia could go on for as long as one week, depending on when you start.
11. Drink warm water.
If you don’t care for peppermint tea, you can substitute it with a cup of hot water. This can assist in keeping you hydrated and warm your body from within.
12. Have a bowl of soup.
A steaming bowl of soup can provide not only nourishment, but also replenishment of essential fluids while providing a cozy feeling inside.
Preventing Pneumonia Naturally
Pneumonia isn’t always preventable. Making changes to your everyday life or avoiding things that could make your symptoms worse may help to reduce your chances of having severe symptoms.
Such measures include:
- washing your hands thoroughly and regularly to reduce your risk for infection
- avoiding cigarette smoke or quitting if you already smoke tobacco
- where possible, avoiding areas with high levels of air pollution
- eating a nutritious and balanced diet
- staying active and exercising regularly
- stress relief
- maintaining a regular sleep schedule and good sleep hygiene
- sticking to any prescribed treatments or interventions from a healthcare professional
Receiving a vaccine can also help reduce your risk for developing pneumonia as a complication of certain infections, including:
- chickenpox
- COVID-19
- haemophilus influenzae type b (hib)
- influenza (flu)
- measles
- pneumococcal
- pertussis, or whooping cough
Conclusion
Lungs are the most crucial organ of the body. Without them, a person wouldn’t even survive minutes. Illnesses such as pneumonia can interfere with the normal functioning of the lungs and cause difficulty in breathing for the affected individual.
A lack of understanding and delayed identification can be dangerous for both the person’s wellbeing and the people surrounding them. You should monitor any changes in your symptoms and tell your doctor if they are similar to the ones listed. The management of pneumonia is largely contingent upon the kind of pathogen involved.