Understanding Pneumonia: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Strategies

Pneumonia: Common Causes and Symptoms

As winter approaches, concerns about colds, coughs, flu, and pneumonia grow. While these illnesses can occur anytime, the risk is higher during colder months. Educating oneself about pneumonia—its types, causes, symptoms, and prevention—is essential for staying healthy.

What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. Its severity ranges from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions, especially dangerous for infants and young children.

Individuals with weakened immune systems, existing health issues, or those over 65 are at increased risk. When infected, the air sacs fill with pus or fluid, causing pain and breathing difficulties, depending on the infection’s severity.

Various germs cause pneumonia, primarily airborne bacteria and viruses. A healthy immune system typically fights off these microbes; however, when immunity is compromised, pneumonia can develop. Chronic illnesses like heart disease, cancer, asthma, or diabetes also elevate risk. Pneumonia is classified into different types based on the infecting organism and the infection source.

Types of pneumonia include:

Bacterial pneumonia: Often caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumonia, or Legionella pneumophila.

Viral pneumonia: Triggered by respiratory viruses, more common in children and seniors, usually milder and short-lived.

Mycoplasma pneumonia: Caused by mycoplasmas, with features of both bacteria and viruses, leading to mild illness in older children and young adults.

Fungal pneumonia: Resulting from inhaling fungi from soil or bird droppings, affecting those with weakened immune defenses. Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is a fungal form that predominantly affects immunocompromised individuals.

Another classification considers where the infection was acquired:

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP): Contracted outside hospital settings, often after viral illnesses like flu. It is the most prevalent form, often requiring hospitalization during winter.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP): Develops in hospitalized patients, especially those with other health issues, and tends to be more severe.

Healthcare-associated pneumonia: Acquired in healthcare environments such as clinics, dialysis centers, or nursing homes.

Symptoms of pneumonia vary based on severity, age, health condition, and the germs involved. Common signs include:

Chest pain during coughing or breathing

Confusion or altered mental state, especially in seniors

Cough, possibly with phlegm

Fatigue

Fever, chills, sweating

Low body temperature

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Shortness of breath

Early or mild pneumonia might resemble cold or flu symptoms but last longer. Infants may display vomiting, fever, fatigue, difficulty breathing, or poor feeding.

Is pneumonia contagious?

While pneumonia itself is not directly contagious, germs like bacteria and viruses that cause it can spread through coughs, sneezes, and close contact, making transmission possible.

Prevention Tips

Preventive measures include vaccination against pneumonia, maintaining good hygiene, avoiding smoking, and strengthening immunity through adequate sleep, balanced diet, and regular exercise.