How to protect yourself from pneumonia

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia (or pleural effusion) occurs when fluid builds up in the lungs due to inflammation or infection (the so-called “pneumonia”). It can cause a variety of symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, and chest congestion (pneumonia can also be caused by viruses or bacteria). People who develop pneumonia may need additional care. This can include oxygen therapy and medications such as antibiotics.

Types of pneumonia

There are two types of pneumonia: community and hospital. Community pneumonia is usually caused by germs, such as viruses or bacteria, that live on your skin and mucous membranes, but it’s not always easy to detect. Hospital pneumonia is typically caused by bacteria that spread through the airways when you breathe. As a result, people with pneumonia become very sick or die.

Symptoms of pneumonia
The most common symptom of pneumonia is a dry cough that produces thick or white mucus that comes out of your nose or mouth. If you have pneumonia, you will often experience a dry cough that won’t go away. Other symptoms include: 

 worsening chest pain

Fever (or body aches and pains)

New confusion or memory problems (known as encephalopathy)

Changes in smell or taste

A new loss of appetite

Dizziness or mild headache

A new weakness or fatigue

If you think you may have pneumonia, contact your healthcare provider right away. They will give you advice and help you manage your symptoms. Here are some more signs that a person may have pneumonia:

 worsening chest pain or discomfort

 worsening shortness of breath

 worsening chest discomfort

worsening vomiting or diarrhea. worsening confusion or memory problems, such as trouble remembering things (known as anterograde amnesia),

worsening dizziness, lightheadedness, or changes in balance (balance problems)

 worsening loss of appetite

 worsening fatigue

 worsening weak immune system

 worsening joint or muscle pain

A new or worsening fever

worsening nausea or vomiting

worsening diarrhea

New or worsening fever (fever can last longer than a few days). In this case, a different medical condition may be causing the symptoms. A doctor will check for other infections.

Diagnosis of pneumonia

Diagnosis is important before you seek treatment. Diagnosis can include examining the following:

Your blood may show the presence of bacteria or viruses that are causing the cough and chest pain.

Your sputum (which is secreted from your nose or mouth into small pouches called phlegm)
Your urine (this can help see if there are any parts of the urinary tract that can block airways)

Your spleen, which contains white or yellowish fluid that can indicate whether you’re infected or damaged,

Your lungs (Your lung tissue can look clear or cloudy when you’re coughing or wheezing; this can indicate whether your lung tissue has become inflamed or damaged.)

Your heart, which can look like it’s beating fast or slow, can indicate whether it’s beating quickly or slowly. An x-ray can be used to diagnose pneumonia if there is no obvious sign of a bacterial infection. You should never have a CT scan unless you have another health reason. This type of test does not provide a full diagnosis.

Treatment of pneumonia

Treatment depends on the severity of the disease and its complexity. Some treatments include:

Oxygen therapy—to keep the infection from getting worse

Antibiotics—to kill the germ causing the infection

Antifungal medication—to help prevent fungal growth in the lungs and other organs (such as the brain)

Medications to treat respiratory issues, such as bronchitis and asthma

Prevention of pneumonia

In general, there are steps you can take to lower your chance of developing pneumonia.
Get enough rest and sleep.

Watch your intake of certain foods, especially those high in calories and sugar.

Get plenty of water and fluids.

Limit your use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drug products, such as cough medicines.

Regular exercise can lower your chance of developing pneumonia.

Get vaccinated for diseases that can trigger pneumonia.

Follow good hand hygiene practices and regular dental visits.