Pneumonia is a contagious infection in one or both lungs.
Pneumonia can affect anyone. But newborns, children and the elderly often suffer from pneumonia because of their reduced ability to fight against the diseases. Pneumonia in such an age group can be fatal.
Pneumonia is more common in physically weak people. Pneumonia is caused by a variety of germs. Attacks by certain types of germs can cause lung infections and pneumonia.
These germs can adversely affect the respiratory system. Pneumonia can also be transmitted from the community and hospital.
Pneumonia is more likely to occur in newborns, Worsening of or neglecting common cold, winter seasons, people who are exposed to pollution, heavy smoking, and immunocompromised people who are being treated for any disease.
People with diabetes, asthma, chronic tuberculosis, chronic illness, respiratory problems, low immunity, use of steroids, contact with people with pneumonia, are more likely to get pneumonia. Also, a 24 to 48-hour hospital stay can lead to pneumonia infections.
This is known as Hospital-acquired pneumonia. Some people catch pneumonia during a hospital stay for another illness. People who are on breathing machines (ventilators), often used in intensive care units, are at higher risk of this type of pneumonia.
Hospital-acquired pneumonia can be serious because the bacteria causing it may be more resistant to antibiotics and because the people who get it are already sick. Some people may have silent pneumonia which causes normal symptoms.
Silent pneumonia can be diagnosed only when you come to the hospital for treatment of other diseases. Pneumonia is a disease of the chest and lungs. It is natural to have cough and respiratory problems due to lung disease.
Pneumonia also causes fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, tingling in the abdomen, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and weakness of the body. See your doctor if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent fever of 102 F (39 C) or higher, persistent cough, especially if you’re coughing up the pus.
X-rays or CT scans can tell if an infected person has pneumonia. Antibacterial drugs are widely used to treat pneumonia caused by other causes. As pneumonia worsens, water and pus can build up in the lungs, and infections can spread to other parts of the body.
Gradually the organs of the body stop working, and if left untreated, pneumonia can lead to death. The first step in preventing death from pneumonia is not to neglect the common cold. As pneumonia can be passed from one person to another, wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, and staying away from crowds help prevent pneumonia.
Vaccines against pneumonia can also be given to prevent pneumonia. Pneumonia can also be prevented by paying attention to hygiene and cleanliness. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet. Smoking can further complicate those who already have pneumonia.
So it’s better to stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Also, if you have any signs of pneumonia, you need to see a doctor asap.
