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Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the lung alveoli (small air sacs). When the sacs fill with fluid or pus, this leads to symptoms of pneumonia, such as a productive cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing (wheezing).
Although pneumonia can be mild in some cases, it can be life-threatening when it develops in infants, children, people over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems [1].
Because the infection can be serious, learn more about the types of pneumonia and their manifestations so you can more easily notice any potential changes in your body’s condition.
The treatment recommended by the specialist doctor depends on the type of pneumonia existing. This means that it is important to find the exact cause and pathogen, so that the treatment is as effective as possible [2].
Types of pneumonia include:
Bacterial pneumonia
Bacteria are the most common cause of pneumonia in adults. They can be spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing.
If you have a weakened immune system or other conditions such as asthma or heart disease, the risk of developing this infection is much higher.
Symptoms associated with bacterial pneumonia are:
- productive cough;
- fever;
- rapid breathing;
- chest pain;
- respiratory difficulties;
- fatigue.
Since pneumonia of this type will require antibiotic treatment, the doctor will perform some tests to determine the type of bacteria and the most effective antibiotic against it. [3].
Viral pneumonia
Viruses are the second most common cause of pneumonia. There are several types of viruses that can cause infections, such as those associated with the common cold or the flu.
Symptoms of viral pneumonia are flu-like and can include:
- fever;
- chills;
- nasal congestion;
- dry cough, which can then become productive;
- headache (headache);
- muscular pain;
- fatigue.
Since antibiotics cannot cure viral pneumonia, the medicines prescribed by the specialist will focus mainly on the symptoms presented and their relief. [3].
Fungal pneumonia
Fungi are the rarest cause of pneumonia. The risk of fungal pneumonia is low among healthy people but is increased among those with weakened immune systems. Some scenarios that can increase the likelihood of a fungal infection include:
- organ transplant;
- chemotherapy;
- medicines used to treat autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis;
- HIV.
Symptoms of fungal pneumonia are similar to other types of pneumonia and can include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, etc. [3].
Aspiration pneumonia
This occurs when you breathe in food, liquids, vomit, or saliva into your lungs. Disorders of swallowing (swallowing) that can lead to this type of pneumonia can have many causes, such as old age, problems with the gag reflex, excessive alcohol consumption, etc.
Aspiration pneumonia can manifest itself with:
- chest pain;
- productive cough, which may contain blood or pus;
- fever;
- difficulty in breathing;
- profuse sweating;
- confusion.
The recommended treatment will take into account the severity of the pneumonia and the presence of additional conditions. In severe cases, ventilators can also be used to support breathing.
The prognosis depends on several factors such as:
- the health of the person before developing pneumonia;
- the size of the portion of the lung affected [4].
Because pneumonia can be severe or even fatal, it is not recommended to ignore the symptoms or associate them with milder conditions. Talk to your GP as soon as possible to find out the exact cause and appropriate treatment!
References:
- “Pneumonia.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pneumonia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354204. Access to data: 07.11.2022
- Miller, Corin. “7 different types of pneumonia”. Health, Health, www.health.com/condition/pneumonia/types-of-pneumonia. Access date: 07.11.2022
- “What are the types of pneumonia?” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/lung/pneumonia-types. Access date: 07.11.2022
- “Aspiration pneumonia.” Mount Sinai health system, www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/aspiration-pneumonia. Access date: 07.11.2022
