Pneumonia [Overview] - Causes, Types, Signs & Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment [Patient Education]

Pneumonia is defined as inflammation in the substance of the lung; Which is usually caused by bacteria. However, it can also be caused by viruses & fungi. There are several different types of pneumonia. Community acquired pneumonia is the commonest type, and it is acquired through the community. Hospital acquired pneumonia occurs following a hospital stay for some other condition. This type of pneumonia could be quite nasty, because bacterial strains causing hospital acquired pneumonia are highly resistant to usual antibiotics. Aspiration pneumonia occurs following aspiration of food material or stomach content, caused by impaired swallowing. Immunocompromised patients can acquire pneumonia due to a genetic defect, immune suppressive medication, or due to H I V infection. Because the patient is immunocompromised in this type, it is considered as a different entity. Ventilator associated pneumonia, is acquired through mechanical ventilation on a critical care unit.
Common signs & symptoms of pneumonia include the following. Fever, with or without chills & rigors. Productive cough with white or purulent sputum. Coughing up blood, also known as hemoptysis. Loss of appetite due to inflammatory mediators. Shortness of breath, due to impaired oxygen exchange. Malaise. Cyanosis. Confusion.
Increased respiratory rate, also called tachypnea. Increased heart rate, or tachycardia. Low blood pressure. Mild chest pain during inspiration, this is known as pleuritic type chest pain.
Now let’s discuss about the diagnosis. First, the patients blood oxygen saturation will be assessed by a pulse oximeter. Blood tests will show elevated white blood cell counts; And C reactive protein levels due to on going inflammation. Chest X ray is mandatory in suspected pneumonia cases. Here we have a normal chest X ray. This is a chest X ray of a pneumonia patient. Small white arrows indicate the consolidation in the lung due to inflammatory infiltrate in pneumonia. In addition to these tests, sputum is taken for microscopic examination & culture to identify the causative organism.
Finally let’s discuss about the treatment. Mild pneumonia can usually be treated at home with antibiotics, and plenty of rest. A patient should always finish taking a prescribed course of antibiotics even if he or she feels better. In addition to antibiotics, pain killers such as paracetamol & ibuprofen may be given to relieve pain. Patients are also advised to avoid smoking; And drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. By contrast, severe pneumonia is treated in a healthcare setting, with intravenous fluid & antibiotics, and appropriate supportive care. Supplemental oxygen may also be needed in some cases.

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