Pneumonia means infection or inflammation of the lung tissue. The most common type of pneumonia is bronchopneumonia, which affects the smallest airways in the lungs (the bronchioles). If the infection spreads to one or more compartments in the lung (lobes) it is called lobar pneumonia.
Pneumonia most commonly affects people over the age of 70 and, although usually treatable, is still the most common cause of death from infection. Pneumonia is much more rare than it used to be in children and young adults, however, it can be a serious condition, particularly for the elderly or people with weakened immune systems.
The outcome of pneumonia depends on many factors, including:
- the degree of resistance (immunity) to the infection,
- the age of the patient,
- the type and size of the infecting organisms,
- the speed of diagnosis, and
- the availability of antibiotics.
Symptoms
Pneumonia usually starts with a cough, accompanied by phlegm, which may be rusty in colour if a small amount of blood is being coughed up. There may also be fever and pain in the chest, which may develop into fast, shallow breathing. If it is not treated, the oxygen levels in the blood may drop, causing confusion and unconsciousness.
Causes
Pneumonia is caused by a wide range of germs, including:
- Streptococcus,
- Haemophilus,
- Klebsiella,
- Legionella, and
- Tuberculosis.
It can also be caused by inhaling irritant substances, especially vomit. This is called aspiration pneumonia.
Some pneumonias are caused by allergies to work-related materials (occupational hazards). These are often known as:
- farmer’s lung,
- pigeon’s fancier’s lung,
- wool-sorter’s lung,
- malt-worker’s lung, and
- cheese-handler’s lung.
Another work-related cause is an allergy to inhaled dust from sugar cancer waste (bagassosis).
There are many factors that may increase the risk of pneumonia occurring, such as:
- bronchiectasis,
- smoking,
- chronic alcohol misuse,
- intravenous drug misuse,
- weakened immune system (through spleen removal, chemotherapy or AIDS for example),•
- cystic fibrosis, or
- lung cancer.
Diagnosis
Pneumonia is diagnosed through the symptoms of a cough with phlegm and shallow breathing or breathlessness. The doctor may also listen to your chest with an instrument called a stethoscope. Another diagnosis technique is the percussion method, which involves spreading the fingers on the chest with the middle finger pressing down firmly on the skin. The doctor will tap on the middle finger with his other hand, listening for sounds that indicate that there is a solid substance in the lungs.
A chest x-ray can usually confirm the diagnosis and a sample of phlegm may be sent for examination, to identify the infecting germ. This is helpful in deciding which antibiotic treatment to prescribe.
Treatment
Intensive antibiotic therapy is essential in treating pneumonia. This is usually given directly into a vein (intravenously) in hospital.
It may also be necessary to receive inhaled oxygen in order to raise the oxygen levels in the blood, and some patients may need to be given fluids by transfusion or other supportive measures.
Prevention
There is no guaranteed way of preventing viral and bacterial infections. However, your immune system will be stronger and you will be better able to cope with any infection if you stay healthy. The best way to achieve this is to lead a healthy lifestyle:
- Eat a regular balanced diet which is low in fat, sugar and salt and high in fresh fruit and vegetables (at least 5 portions per day)
- Drink plenty of plain, fresh water (at least two litres per day)
- Cut down on drinks containing caffeine
- Drink alcohol in moderation
- Take regular exercise (at least 20 minutes, three times per week that gets you slightly out of breath - a brisk walk is the best)
- Give up or cut down on smoking - if you don’t smoke, don’t start
- Get plenty of sleep
- People prone to chest infections should avoid any environmental causes of infection, and be careful if any household member has an infection.
Source: NHS Direct
Last Editorial Review: 15/1/2010
