Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused by different types of microorganisms.
Why it occurs?
Mainly bacteria cause pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the common bacteria that Causes it in the adult. Atypical pneumonia is caused by Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Chlamydophila pneumoniae bacteria. It is often called walking pneumonia. Viruses and fungi may also cause pneumonia. Usually, infants and young children’s pneumonia is caused by viruses. The condition that increases the chance of having pneumonia are-
- Chronic lung disease (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis)
- Smokinɡ
- Cerebral palsy
- Deglutition difficulty for Parkinson's disease, stroke, dementia or other neurological conditions
- Immune system problem
- Loss of brain function because of stroke dementia or other neurologic conditions
- Living in a nursing facility
- Recent trauma or surgery
- Recent Cold, Flu or laryngitis
- Other Medical Problems such as heart disease, liver cirrhosis, Diabetes Mellitus etc.
What are the Symptoms?
The most common symptoms of pneumonia are:
- A cough with mucus that is greenish, greenish yellow, rust-colored, or streaked with blood.
- Shaking chills and fever, which may be mild or high
- Shortness of breath
- Sharp or stabbing chest pain that fluctuates with breathing/ during coughing
Other symptoms include:
- Excess sweating and clammy skin
- Sweating
- Rapid pulse
- Rapid breathing
- A headache
- Muscle pain
- Loss of appetite, low energy, and fatigue
- Bluish lips and nails
- Delirium
- Confusion (especially in older people)
- Vomiting
What can happen if it left untreated?
Pneumonia Complications are-
- Respiratory failure that requires a breathing machine or ventilator
- Bacteria spread through the bloodstream causing shock and failure of multiple organs
- Lung abscess
- Septic shock that can lead to organ failure and then death
- Pleural effusion- fluid accumulation around your lungs and infection
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Untreated pneumonia is life-threatening. It is more serious for the people with heart failure or lung disease, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and smokrs.
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