Pneumonia is an infection of lungs that inflames the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, causing them to fill with fluid or pus. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Pneumonia can range from mild to life-threatening, especially in young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

Contagious:

Yes, many chest infections are contagious, depending on the cause. They can be spread by coughs, droplets spread, sneezes and or touching contaminated surfaces.

Viral infections like flu, COVID-19, or RSV spread easily through coughs, sneezes, or touching contaminated surfaces.  Bacterial infections like pneumonia from Streptococcus pneumoniae or Mycoplasma pneumoniae can also spread through droplets from coughing or close contact.

Fungal chest infections are usually not contagious and affect people with weakened immune systems.

Causes of Pneumonia

Pneumonia can be caused by various infectious agents, including:

Bacteria – these are various kinds of organism, including most common is Streptococcus pneumoniae, Tuberculosis (pandemic in third world countries), other bacteria, such as staphylococcus pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila, can also cause pneumonia.

Viruses – Influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 are common viral causes.

Fungi – More common in people with weakened immune systems, fungal pneumonia can be caused by Histoplasma or Pneumocystis jirovecii.

Symptoms of Pneumonia

Symptoms vary according to the severity of the condition:

  • Fever with or without chills
  • Cough with phlegm (sputum) or dry cough
  • Shortness of breath/ difficulty in breathing
  • Chest pain, especially when breathing or coughing
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea (sometimes)
  • Confusion, drowsiness (especially in older adults or in severe condition)

Diagnosis of Pneumonia

As with all conditions a medical history and physical exam are key in determining the severity.

Radiological investigation: a simple Chest X-ray shows which part and how much the lungs are involved. In certain situation High resolution CT scan may also be needed to assess the severity.

Blood tests – Detect infection and its severity.

Sputum test – this helps to identifies bacteria or viruses in mucus.

Bronchoscopy: in certain situations where sputum culture cannot be collected, an invasive procedure called Bronchoscopy is performed. A flexible tube with camera is passed through the airways, Broncho alveolar lavage (BAL) is collected and send for analysis.

Treatment of Pneumonia

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the infection:

Bacterial Pneumonia – Treated with antibiotics.

Viral Pneumonia – there aren’t many antiviral therapy, but for Influenza infection anti-viral are available which can be given

Fungal Pneumonia – antifungal medications.

In severe pneumonia, hospitalization is mandatory for oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and intravenous medications.

Prevention of Pneumonia

  • Vaccination are available for certain bacteria and viruses. Consult our local physician foe further guidance. These vaccine can reduce the risk of developing common infections in the community.
  • Good hygiene, by doing frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with sick people.
  • Healthy lifestyle – Eating well, exercising, and avoiding smoking.

COMPLICATION OF PNEUMONIA:

Respiratory Failure: It can cause breathing difficulty, requiring oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation.

Pleural Effusion:  this condition occurs when fluid get accumulated in the lining around the lungs, which may need drainage.

Lung Abscess: it’s a pus-filled cavity in the lung, sometimes requiring surgery.

Severe Sepsis/ septic shock: this is a life-threatening condition which leads hemodynamic instability and causing multi-organ failure.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): this is severe lung inflammation leading to critical breathing difficulties. And low oxygen. BiPAP and Mechanical ventilation are required to support the lungs.

Conclusion

Pneumonia is a treatable condition. With early diagnosis and treatment, one can prevent the complications to develop. Vaccination helps in preventing those community acquired infections and good hygiene practices play an important role in reducing the risk of infections.