Pneumonia is a lung infection that can make you very sick. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Pneumonia affects people of all ages, but it is more serious in babies, older adults, and people with weak immune systems.
What Happens in Pneumonia?
Your lungs are made up of small air sacs called alveoli. These air sacs fill up with air when you breathe. In pneumonia, these sacs become filled with pus or fluid, which makes it harder to breathe and for your body to get the oxygen it needs.
Causes of Pneumonia
There are several causes:
• Bacteria (like Streptococcus pneumoniae): This is the most common cause, especially in adults.
• Viruses (like flu or COVID-19): Common in children and during cold or flu seasons.
• Fungi: Rare, but more likely in people with weak immune systems.
Sometimes pneumonia starts after a cold or flu, when your body is already weak from fighting off another illness.
Signs and Symptoms
Pneumonia symptoms can be mild or severe, depending on your age and health. The most common symptoms include:
• Cough (may bring up mucus or phlegm)
• Fever and chills
• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain, especially when you breathe or cough
• Fatigue (feeling very tired)
• Fast heartbeat
• Loss of appetite
Who is at Risk?
Pneumonia can happen to anyone, but some people have a higher risk:
• Adults 65 and older
• Children under 5 years old
• People with chronic illnesses (like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)
• People who smoke
• People with weak immune systems (like those with cancer, HIV, or who take certain medications)
• People recently in hospitals or on a ventilator
How is Pneumonia Diagnosed?
To diagnose pneumonia, a doctor may:
1. Listen to your lungs with a stethoscope for crackling or bubbling sounds.
2. Order a chest X-ray to see if your lungs have infection.
3. Check your oxygen levels using a pulse oximeter on your finger.
4. Take a blood test to look for signs of infection.
5. Collect a sample of mucus (sputum) from your cough to check what germ is causing the illness.
Treatment Options
• Bacterial pneumonia: Treated with antibiotics.
• Viral pneumonia: Often goes away on its own, but rest and medicine for symptoms (like fever or cough) help.
• Fungal pneumonia: Treated with antifungal medication.
If symptoms are severe, some people may need:
• Oxygen therapy
• Hospital care
• IV antibiotics and fluids
Home Care Tips
If you have mild pneumonia and are recovering at home, these tips can help:
• Take all medicines as prescribed
• Get plenty of rest
• Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated
• Use a humidifier to ease breathing
• Avoid smoking or secondhand smoke
How to Prevent Pneumonia
1. Get vaccinated:
o Pneumococcal vaccines (recommended for children, older adults, and high-risk groups)
o Flu vaccine every year
o COVID-19 vaccine
o Other vaccines (like measles and whooping cough) can also help prevent infections that lead to pneumonia
2. Practice good hygiene:
o Wash your hands regularly
o Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
o Avoid touching your face
3. Stay healthy:
o Don’t smoke
o Eat a balanced diet
o Get regular exercise
o Manage other health problems like asthma or diabetes
4. Avoid close contact with sick people if you’re at high risk.
When to See a Doctor
Call your doctor right away if you or someone you know has:
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• A high fever (over 38.5°C)
• A cough that won’t go away
• Feeling tired or very weak
Don’t wait—early treatment can prevent serious problems.
Final Thoughts
Pneumonia is a serious illness, but many people recover fully with the right care. Knowing the signs and acting quickly is important. Stay up to date with your vaccines, keep your immune system strong, and don’t hesitate to see a doctor if you feel unwell. Taking these steps can help protect you and your loved ones from pneumonia.
Sources:
• Harvard Health Publishing: Pneumonia
• Cleveland Clinic: Pneumonia Overview
• American Lung Association: Symptoms and Diagnosis
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Pneumonia
• Johns Hopkins Medicine: Pneumonia