Pneumonia can range in severity from a condition which is so seemingly
mild that it is not diagnosed, through to a condition which can kill.
Worldwide, this condition kills more children than any other disease.
Prior to the invention of antibiotics pneumonia killed one third of its
victims, and even today, around 5% of pneumonia patients will die from
their illness.
Pneumonia results from an infection which causes the air sacs in the
lungs
to become inflamed and filled with fluid, causing breathing
difficulties. The infection may result from breathing in small airborne
droplets containing the infecting organisms. Or, it may result from
bacteria or viruses that ordinarily live in the mouth, throat or nose,
inadvertently entering the lungs. Usually the immune system can counter
these bacteria, viruses or fungi, but if a person is in an already
weakened state, pneumonia may develop. In babies and the elderly, the
typical symptoms of pneumonia may be absent. Instead there may just be
a generalised “illness” and unexplained fever and lethargy.
TYPES OF PNEUMONIAPneumonia can be divided into several different types:
- Bacterial
– the main cause is a bacterial infection, often Streptococcus
Pneumoniae. This kind of pneumonia can follow viral pneumonia.
Symptoms come on suddenly and include shaking chills, a high fever,
shortness of breath and a cough with thick green phlegm. The Pneumovax
vaccine is available against Streptococcus Pneumonia and is recommended
for the elderly, infants, smokers and people with compromised immunity.
- Viral
– A virus is the cause in about 50% of all cases of pneumonia. Onset
usually begins with flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, muscle
pain and fatigue. The cough is usually dry or produces scant white
mucus.
- Mycoplasma –
pneumonia caused by this organism can be quite mild. However, this is a
very contagious type of pneumonia and is common in children and young
adults.
- Rare forms of pneumonia are caused by fungi, and Pneumocystis carinii
– an opportunistic infection that affects people living with AIDS, or
people with greatly suppressed immune systems from organ transplant or
chemotherapy. Aspiration pneumonia is where food, liquid, chemicals or
dust spill into the lungs. This is more likely to occur in debilitated
people or those intoxicated by alcohol or drugs who then vomit.
RISK FACTORS FOR PNEUMONIA- Old age or babies
- A recent viral infection such as the flu
- Problems swallowing
- Immune suppression from disease or surgery
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Cigarette smoking
- Hospitalisation
- Injury or surgery where there is prolonged immobilisation.
DIAGNOSING PNEUMONIAThis
is done on the symptoms and signs ie worsening cough and fever and
sputum production. These may happen rapidly or be slow in developing.
There may be general symptoms of weakness and pain and unwellness.
Confirmation is made with a chest xray, blood tests and sputum culture.
PREVENTION AND TREATMENTStep 1: Seek medical helpIf you have a persistent cough, breath shortness, chest pain with
breathing or an unexplained fever, or if you feel worse after having
the flu. The faster you seek help and get treated, the less likely you
are to suffer serious consequences from your illness.
Step 2: Wash hands frequentlyYour hands are often covered with the germs which can cause pneumonia,
so get into the habit of washing hands regularly, and always before
eating. Carry a hand sanitiser in your handbag for when you are out and
unable to wash.
Step 3: Stay away from cigarettes and cigarette smokeCigarette smoke damages your lungs natural defence against lung infections.
Step 4: Look after your healthLook after your health by leading a sensible lifestyle. Limit stress as
much as possible; get plenty of sleep; eat a healthy diet and exercise
regularly to maintain a strong and resistant immune system.
Step 5: Rest and recover when you have the fluResist the temptation to be a superhero and soldier on in the face of
flu. Not only will you infect others, but you will increase the
possibility that your flu will develop into pneumonia.
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