Understanding Pneumonia: Causes and Symptoms

Pneumonia was once a feared disease before antibiotics changed treatment approaches. Today, advancements in antibiotics have significantly improved recovery chances. However, hospital-acquired pneumonia shows increased drug resistance, posing challenges for healthcare providers.

Early signs of mild pneumonia resemble cold and flu but last longer. Key symptoms include chest pain during breathing and coughing. Older adults (over 65) may experience confusion or mental changes. Fatigue, fever with sweating and chills, and a weak immune response are common indicators.

Patients might also experience shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Infants and newborns may show signs like restlessness, exhaustion, fever, coughing, and difficulty eating or breathing. Urgent medical attention is essential if breathing problems, chest pain, high fever (102°F or above), or persistent cough occur. High-risk groups include seniors, young children, those with respiratory conditions like COPD, weakened immune systems, or underlying health issues—who require prompt care.

Pneumonia results from bacterial infections, commonly Streptococcus pneumoniae, known as bacterial pneumonia. It often develops after cold or flu. The infection typically affects one lung lobe, termed lobular pneumonia. Milder forms caused by organisms like Mycoplasma pneumonia are called walking pneumonia, often not requiring bed rest. Fungal pneumonia occurs after inhaling large amounts of fungi, more common in immunocompromised individuals. Viral pneumonia, caused by cold and flu viruses, is usually mild but can become severe in children under five. While not always deadly, pneumonia demands timely treatment, especially for vulnerable populations.