Pneumonia: Overview & Treatment

Pneumonia: Overview & Treatment

Definition: Pneumonia is an infection of the lung parenchyma, causing increased secretion of fluid in the alveoli, leading to lung parenchyma consolidation.

Classification:

• Based on Anatomical Lesions:

• Lobar pneumonia: Inflammation of a single lobe, going through three stages: congestion, red hepatization, gray hepatization.

• Bronchopneumonia: Inflammation of scattered areas of both lungs, interspersed with healthy lung areas in both bronchi and alveoli.

• Based on Causes:

• Bacterial: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, anaerobic bacteria…

• Viral: Influenza A virus, respiratory viruses…

• Fungal: Pneumocytis carini, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida…

• Based on Clinical Presentation:

• Typical pneumonia: Sudden onset with high fever, cough, dyspnea.

• Atypical pneumonia: Milder symptoms, may be insidious.

• Based on Location of Infection:

• Community-acquired pneumonia: Infection acquired outside the hospital.

• Hospital-acquired pneumonia: Infection acquired in the hospital.

• Opportunistic infection pneumonia: Occurs in people with weakened immune systems.

Causes of the Disease:

• Bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites.

• Transmission route: inhalation, spread from the upper respiratory tract, spread to the lungs through the bloodstream.

Risk Factors:

• Cold, sudden cold exposure.

• After influenza, measles, sinusitis.

• Weak body (rickets, malnutrition, elderly people).

• Coma, reduced cough reflex.

• Airway obstruction.

• Chest deformities.

• Immunodeficiency.

• Acidosis.

Symptoms:

• Sudden high fever or increased fever with dry cough.

• Cough with yellow or green mucus.

• Mild or moderate dyspnea with a tendency to increase.

• Severe respiratory failure accompanied by multi-organ failure (in cases of influenza A virus infection).

Clinical Examination Symptoms:

• Chest X-ray.

• Blood count.

• Sputum culture to identify bacteria.

Complications:

• Respiratory failure.

• Lung abscess.

• Pleural effusion or empyema.

• Purulent pericarditis.

Treatment:

• Antibiotics: Treat bacterial pneumonia.

• Antiviral drugs: Treat influenza A virus pneumonia (Oseltamivir, Zanamivir).

• Pain relievers and fever reducers.

• Mucus thinning drugs.

Indications for Hospitalization:

• Patients > 65 years old, with co-morbidities (liver, kidney, COPD, diabetes).

• Respiratory failure (tachypnea, heart rate > 140 beats/minute, pO2 < 60 mmHg).

• Suspicion of Staphylococcus aureus or anaerobic bacteria pneumonia.

Notes:

• The usual treatment duration with antibiotics is 7-10 days.

• Take medication as prescribed by your doctor, do not self-medicate.

• Influenza vaccination is an effective way to prevent influenza A virus pneumonia.

Conclusion:

Pneumonia is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly. It is important to monitor your health and see a doctor when you have any suspicious symptoms.