Your immune system destroys the vast majority of bacteria and viruses in your air. Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can cause infections in the lungs. Your body's immune system, designed to fight off infections, kicks into high gear when these viruses enter your respiratory system.
Inflammation of the alveoli, or air sacs, can be caused by immune cells seeking out and destroying invading pathogens. Air sacs can inflame and swell with fluid and pus, triggering pneumonia symptoms. Figure out the pulmonary system's operation.
Bacteria
Pneumococcal pneumonia affects a large percentage of the population. Streptococcus pneumoniae, which often resides in the nose and throat, is responsible for pneumococcal pneumonia.
Annually, it infects more than 900,000 people in the United States. Pneumonia caused by bacteria can appear on its own or develop after a person has already been sick with a virus. Many cases of bacterial pneumonia only involve a single lobe of a lung.
It's termed lobar pneumonia when this happens. Individuals with compromised immune systems, those who have recently undergone surgery, those with a history of respiratory disease or viral infection, and those who are elderly are at a higher risk of contracting bacterial pneumonia.
Viruses
Pneumonia can be caused by viruses infecting the lungs, nose, and throat. The influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19, cause most cases of adult viral pneumonia. In infants and young children, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading viral cause of pneumonia.
Viruses cause most cases of pneumonia and often don't stay as long as bacterial pneumonia. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and respiratory failure are common outcomes of COVID-19 pneumonia, which can severely reduce blood oxygen levels (ARDS).
Most cases of SARS-CoV-2 virus-caused pneumonia involve infection in both lungs. Oxygen exchange gets compromised as fluid accumulates in the lungs, making breathing hard. The healing process may take months.
Fungi
People with preexisting conditions or compromised immune systems are more likely to get fungal pneumonia, as are those repeatedly exposed to high concentrations of the fungus responsible for the disease, such as those who work with contaminated soil or clean up bird droppings.
Simply put, Pneumocystis causes a very dangerous fungal illness known as pneumocystis pneumonia. People with compromised immune systems, either from HIV/AIDS or from using immunosuppressant drugs for an extended period (often for cancer treatment or transplant management), are at risk.
Complications
However, certain patients, especially those in high-risk categories, may still have complications from pneumonia after receiving therapy.
Bloodstream Bacteria
As the bacteria enter the circulation through the lungs, they can travel to other organs and potentially cause organ failure.
Breathing Issues
It may be difficult to take in enough oxygen if your pneumonia is severe or you have persistent underlying lung disorders. While your lung recovers, you may require hospitalization and the assistance of a breathing machine (ventilator).
Pleural Effusion
A common complication of pneumonia is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, the gap between the layers of tissue that lines the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). If the fluid becomes infected, you could require surgery or a chest tube insertion.
Pneumonia
When pus collects in a hollow area of the lungs, the condition is known as an abscess. Medications like penicillin and tetracycline are commonly used to heal an abscess. Abscesses can be drained surgically or using a long needle or tube inserted into the affected area.
Prevention
As a means of avoiding pneumonia:
• Have A Vaccination
Some strains of influenza and pneumonia can be prevented using vaccines. Ask your doctor about receiving these injections. Even if you are certain that you had a pneumonia vaccine in the past, you should talk to your doctor about updating your immunizations in light of the new recommendations.
Vaccinate Kids
For children at high risk for pneumococcal illness, doctors prescribe a separate pneumonia vaccination for those under age two and those between the ages of 2 and 5. Children who spend time in a group childcare setting should also get immunization. Paediatricians also advise getting a flu vaccination for any child above the age of 6 months.
Keep Yourself Clean
Frequent hand washing or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like pneumonia.
Is It Possible to Spread Pneumonia?
Some strains of pneumonia may be passed from person to person, which is a resounding yes. Most cases of pneumonia are disseminated by respiratory droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Close friends and family can then inhale these drops.
Once you've contracted pneumonia, there's no telling how long you'll remain contagious. The length of time you could transfer pneumonia to others depends on the type of pneumonia you have and the underlying reason.
Bacterial pneumonia often infects patients for 48 hours after they begin antibiotic treatment and their fever subsides.
