Things you need to know

Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by a number of different factors, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Pneumonia affects millions of people every year. The most affected ones are the younger generation, like infants and newborns and elders above 60 years, and people with chronic illnesses.

Walking pneumonia

It is a type of pneumonia that is not severe enough, and no hospitalisation is required. It is a mild cold and does not require you to stay at home and walk around normally. 

Note- Walking around should only be done once the doctor has ruled out all possible factors.

The symptoms of pneumonia vary on whether it is mild or severe. Depending on the relevant factors, type of germ, age and health otherwise. Following are some common symptoms of pneumonia:-

• Chest pain
• Difficulty in breathing 
• Severe cough
• Fever
• Excessive sweating and shivering 
• Body temperature lower than normal
• Vomiting and nausea
• Diarrhoea

Several bacteria and viruses in the air can cause pneumonia. Though our body can fight off these bacteria and viruses, if your immune system isn’t strong enough, it can overpower and start affecting the lungs.

Bacterial pneumonia

Streptococcus pneumoniae, haemophilus influenzae, mycobacterium tuberculosis, gram-negative bacilli and anaerobes are some bacterias that are responsible for community-acquired bacterial pneumonia.

Fungi pneumonia

Pneumocystis pneumonia, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis and cryptococcus are some fungal pneumonia that is caused when spores enter your lungs and multiply. It commonly occurs in people with compromised immune systems or chronic health problems. It can easily affect people with no healthy immune systems or severe health problems.

Viruses

Influenza virus, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Rhinovirus, Human parainfluenza viruses (HPV) and Adenovirus are some viruses that can cause viral pneumonia.

The process involves treating the infection and making sure to prevent further complications. 

• Giving the prescribed medications to treat pneumonia, not before identifying the type of pneumonia and cause behind it
• Pain relievers are given as per the level of pain. It helps to reduce fever and pain aspirin, advil acetaminophen might be advised
• Medicine to relieve coughing and allow you to rest. The dosage is given not to stop coughing entirely because slight coughing will help loosen and move fluid from your lungs