Pneumonia is a condition caused by inflammation of the lung tissue. The lung consists of tiny air sacs called alveoli, which are responsible for taking oxygen in and carbon dioxide out of the bloodstream.
When these air sacs become inflamed or infected, they can’t function properly and cause problems with breathing. This is pneumonia. When you have pneumonia, your body produces mucus that helps protect you from bacteria and viruses.
You may have heard about pneumonia as an old person’s disease, because older people are more likely to develop it due to age-related issues like weakening immune systems. But there is no reason to be alarmed if you fall ill with pneumonia at any age.
This article will discuss what causes pneumonia and how to treat it. You can learn about other health conditions related to this.
There are many common signs of pneumonia such as dry cough, difficulty in breathing, high fever, continuous sweating. All of these are known as the common signs of pneumonia disease and if you ever see them in your body then it is very serious issue and you have to consult with a professional doctor of this field. Medication is necessary to be taken on time in this disease.
What Is Pneumonia?
The word “pneumonitis” refers to inflammation of the lungs. So when someone says they have pneumonia, they mean they have lung inflammation. In addition to being an inflammatory condition, pneumonia is also contagious. The virus, bacteria, or fungus that causes it enters the lung through an inhalation injury, usually as a result of something like smoke inhalation, aspiration, or another medical procedure.
In some cases, pneumonia is spread through direct contact with someone who has the infection. When you get pneumonia, you start to produce excess mucus, which you cough up. It then spreads to others through droplets in the air, especially when you’re coughing. If you don’t take care to cover your mouth while you’re coughing, the mucus will land on surfaces like doorknobs and faucets and other places where people come into contact with it.
While most people know they should always cough into their sleeves, not their hands, many still use their hands to clean themselves after using the bathroom. And many people don’t even wash their hands before eating. So if you do come down with pneumonia, make sure you practice good hygiene to prevent spreading it around.
How Do I Get Pneumonia?
Most often, when you get pneumonia, you catch it from a person already sick with the condition. For example, if you visit a friend who is sick with pneumonia, you can contract it too. There are other ways to get it, though. You could inhale the bacteria or virus that causes it, for instance.
Is Pneumonia Contagious?
Yes, it is. You can catch pneumonia from touching things contaminated with the microorganisms that cause it. You can also catch it by inhaling the particles floating in the air that contain microorganisms that cause it. If you haven’t been vaccinated against the germs that cause it, you’ll probably get it, too.
Is Pneumonia Dangerous?
No, pneumonia isn’t dangerous. However, it can be very serious. If left untreated, it can lead to death. As long as you see a doctor promptly, the chances of dying are low. But if you ignore it, the consequences can be life-threatening.
Can Pneumonia Be Prevented?
Yes, you can try to prevent pneumonia. One way to avoid catching it is to avoid getting sick in the first place. Another way is to get vaccinated against its germs. While it’s important to get immunized, you can get vaccinated just once and still stay protected for years. Also, it’s important to keep your home free of respiratory infections, so you don’t pass them along to others.
Other Health Conditions Related to Pneumonia
There are a few different types of pneumonia, but most of them are caused by germs similar to those that cause influenza, including Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcal germ), Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and other organisms.
Some forms of bacterial pneumonia require antibiotic treatment, while others don’t. Viral pneumonia doesn’t need antibiotics. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a condition that results from hypersensitivity to fungal spores found in air pollution. It causes swelling of the airways and can lead to permanent scarring. If you suffer from ABPA, you may need steroids or other drugs to help clear it up.
If you’ve ever had tuberculosis, you’re at risk for developing active tuberculosis if you get exposed to the germs that cause it again. Some experts believe that reactivation occurs when a patient becomes infected with a new strain of TB, rather than reinfection. If you have a positive tuberculin skin test, you’re at increased risk for developing active TB. You may want to talk to your doctor about whether further testing is necessary.
Other common symptoms include fever, chills, shortness of breath, fatigue, and a dry cough. Other signs of pneumonia include wheezing, chest pain, and a rapid heartbeat. These symptoms indicate that the pneumonia has progressed beyond mild and may require hospitalization. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
