.webp)
Causes of Pneumonia
Bacteria: The most common bacterial cause of pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae, but other bacteria such as Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, and Staphylococcus aureus can also be responsible.
Viruses: Influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, and rhinovirus are among the viruses that can lead to pneumonia, especially in children and the elderly.
Fungi: Fungal pneumonia is less common but can occur, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. Fungal pathogens such as Pneumocystis jirovecii (associated with HIV/AIDS), Cryptococcus neoformans, and Histoplasma capsulatum can cause pneumonia.
Other microorganisms: Less commonly, pneumonia can be caused by atypical pathogens such as Chlamydia pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, as well as by certain parasites and other organisms.
Bacterial pneumonia is a type of lung infection caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila. It occurs when bacteria enter the lungs and multiply, leading to inflammation of the air sacs (alveoli) and the surrounding lung tissue. This can result in symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including cough, fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and fatigue.
Symptoms:
Diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history review, and diagnostic tests such as chest X-rays, blood tests (to check for elevated white blood cell count), and sputum culture. Treatment usually involves antibiotics to target the specific bacteria causing the infection. The choice of antibiotic may vary depending on factors such as the severity of the pneumonia, the patient's age, underlying health conditions, and any antibiotic resistance patterns in the community. In addition to antibiotics, supportive care such as rest, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter pain relievers or fever reducers may help alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics may be necessary. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and promote recovery from bacterial pneumonia.
Viral pneumonia is a lung infection caused by viruses such as influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, and coronavirus (including SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19). Unlike bacterial pneumonia, which is caused by bacteria, viral pneumonia specifically results from viral infections affecting the lungs. Viral pneumonia can cause inflammation of the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, leading to symptoms ranging from mild to severe respiratory distress.
Symptoms:
Diagnosis of viral pneumonia often involves clinical evaluation, including symptoms and medical history, as well as diagnostic tests such as chest X-rays and sometimes viral testing of respiratory samples (such as throat swabs or sputum samples). Treatment for viral pneumonia typically focuses on managing symptoms and supporting the immune system, as antibiotics are not effective against viruses. This may include rest, staying hydrated, using over-the-counter medications to reduce fever and relieve symptoms, and in some cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed, especially for severe cases or when caused by specific viruses such as influenza. In cases of COVID-19 pneumonia, treatment may also involve supportive care such as oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation in severe cases. Prevention measures such as vaccination against influenza and COVID-19, practicing good hand hygiene, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals can help reduce the risk of viral pneumonia.
Fungal pneumonia is a type of lung infection caused by various fungi, including Histoplasma, Blastomyces, and Cryptococcus. These fungi are commonly found in soil, bird droppings, and other environmental sources. Fungal pneumonia typically occurs when fungal spores are inhaled into the lungs, leading to infection and inflammation of the lung tissue. This type of pneumonia is more common in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, or individuals undergoing chemotherapy.
Symptoms:
Diagnosis of fungal pneumonia often involves a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history review, and diagnostic tests such as chest X-rays, CT scans, blood tests (including fungal serology), and sometimes bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) to collect samples for fungal culture and identification. Treatment for fungal pneumonia depends on the specific fungus causing the infection and may include antifungal medications such as azoles (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole), echinocandins (e.g., caspofungin), or amphotericin B. In addition to antifungal therapy, supportive care such as oxygen therapy and managing underlying health conditions is important for recovery.
Antibiotics: If the pneumonia is bacterial in nature, antibiotics are typically prescribed to kill the bacteria causing the infection. The choice of antibiotic depends on the specific type of bacteria involved and may be adjusted based on the results of any cultures or tests.
Antiviral medication: If the pneumonia is caused by a virus, such as influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), antiviral medications may be prescribed. However, in many cases of viral pneumonia, supportive care is the mainstay of treatment, as antibiotics are not effective against viruses.
Antifungal medication: If the pneumonia is fungal in origin, antifungal medications will be prescribed to treat the infection. Fungal pneumonia is less common but can occur in individuals with weakened immune systems or certain underlying health conditions.
Supportive care: This includes measures to help manage symptoms and support the body's ability to fight the infection. It may include:
Hospitalization: Some cases of pneumonia, especially those in which the individual is very young, elderly, or has underlying health conditions, may require hospitalization for close monitoring and intensive treatment. In the hospital, intravenous antibiotics or antiviral medications may be administered, and additional supportive measures, such as oxygen therapy or respiratory support, may be provided.
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
Symptoms of pneumonia can vary depending on factors such as age, overall health, and the type of organism causing the infection. Common symptoms include cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and sometimes nausea or vomiting.
Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The most common cause is bacteria, with Streptococcus pneumoniae being the most prevalent bacterial culprit. Viral pneumonia is often caused by influenza viruses or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), while fungal pneumonia is less common and usually affects people with weakened immune systems.
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as chest X-rays, blood tests, and sputum tests to identify the specific organism causing the infection.
Anyone can get pneumonia, but certain groups are at higher risk, including older adults, children under 2 years old, people with weakened immune systems, individuals with chronic health conditions such as asthma or COPD, and smokers.
Yes, pneumonia can be contagious, especially when caused by bacteria or viruses. It can spread through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. However, the contagiousness depends on the specific cause of pneumonia and how it is transmitted.
Treatment depends on the cause of pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics, while antiviral medications may be used for viral pneumonia. Fungal pneumonia may require antifungal drugs. Rest, hydration, and supportive care are also important for recovery.
It's important to see a doctor if you experience symptoms of pneumonia, especially if you have difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, high fever, or if symptoms worsen despite home care. Prompt medical attention can help prevent complications and speed up recovery.
Oncology
Neurology
Gastroenterology
Pulmonology
Liver Transplant
Urology
Orthopedics
Cardiology
040 6700 0000 
040 6700 0111
Doctor
Speciality