Neglecting treatment for lung diseases can lead to serious consequences such as pulmonary fibrosis and heart problems. Therefore, it is necessary to work on avoiding the causes of these diseases, monitoring the symptoms that indicate pneumonia, and adhering to appropriate treatment procedures, as we will explain in this article by Dalili Medical

What is pneumonia?

 

Pneumonia is an infection that leads to inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs, causing them to fill with fluid or phlegm. This condition affects the normal function of the lung and the exchange of oxygen. The severity of pneumonia can vary from mild to severe, depending on the type of pathogen causing the infection and the general health condition of the patient.

When can pneumonia lead to death?

 

A person with pneumonia can die if respiratory function fails, or when the lungs do not respond to oxygen through ventilators. In this case, the patient may be exposed to blood poisoning due to a lack of oxygen in the body, which may lead to death.

**The difference between viral and bacterial pneumonia**

 

Bacterial pneumonia is caused by a bacterial infection, and in some cases it can lead to blood poisoning. In this case, blood cultures test positive for the bacteria responsible for the pneumonia. Sputum cultures also help determine the type of bacteria causing the disease. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial pneumonia, while viral pneumonia often gets better on its own. However, viral pneumonia can lead to secondary bacterial pneumonia.

**What is "silent pneumonia"?**

 

Silent pneumonia is usually caused by pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma. It is called this because it appears without obvious symptoms or shortness of breath, and symptoms do not appear until the disease has reached an advanced stage. People with silent pneumonia often go about their daily activities without realizing they have the disease until later. The only way to diagnose this condition is through a chest X-ray.

How often should a person get the pneumonia vaccine?

 

Children ages 2 to 5 are recommended to get two doses of the pneumococcal vaccine, with the first dose given at 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster dose at 1 year of age. Seniors age 65 and older only need one dose of the pneumococcal vaccine. However, some chronic health conditions may require the vaccine every five years.

Does the pneumonia vaccine cause side effects?

 

The side effects of the vaccine are considered to be less than the benefits it provides, so vaccination is recommended.

Can pneumonia be a sign of another medical condition?

 

Yes, pneumonia can be a symptom of an underlying lung condition. For example, obstructive pneumonia can occur in people with a tumor blocking the airway in the lung.

Why are children more likely to get pneumonia?

 

Children are more likely to get pneumonia if they have a weakened immune system, or if they have chronic health problems such as asthma or cystic fibrosis, or other diseases that affect the airway. In addition, children under one year of age are more susceptible to pneumonia if they are frequently exposed to secondhand smoke, especially if their mothers smoke.

**Types of pneumonia**

Pneumonia is classified into three main categories: bacterial pneumonia, fungal infections, and viral infections. The following are details of the different types of pneumonia:

**Viral pneumonia**A viral infection can lead to community-acquired pneumonia, which is known as "viral pneumonia." The most prominent viruses that may cause this type of pneumonia are:

- Respiratory syncytial virus

- Influenza virus

- Measles virus

- COVID-19

Antibiotics are not effective in treating viral pneumonia, but other medications are required to relieve symptoms, such as antiviral medications and corticosteroids that help reduce inflammation. Treatment in severe cases of viral pneumonia may require the use of supplemental oxygen, but in less severe cases, the doctor may advise the patient to rest at home and drink plenty of fluids.

Viruses that cause pneumonia can be prevented by getting vaccines that prevent influenza, measles, and COVID-19, which can help reduce your risk of serious lung disease.

**Bacterial pneumonia** Bacterial pneumonia is a type of community-acquired pneumonia caused by certain bacteria that normally live in your upper respiratory tract, where they can travel to your lungs and cause infection.

Many types of bacteria cause bacterial pneumonia, but pneumococcus infection is the most common. Other types of bacteria that cause bacterial pneumonia include:

- Mycoplasma pneumonia.

- Chlamydia pneumonia.

- Legionella pneumoniae.

**Fungal pneumonia** Fungal pneumonia usually occurs when a person inhales certain fungal spores. This type of pneumonia is especially dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, such as those with diabetes, HIV, and cancer. Treatment usually involves antifungal medications, such as fluconazole.

**Hospital-acquired pneumonia:** This is a type of pneumonia that occurs after a patient is admitted to the hospital. It may be caused by an infection acquired during hospitalization.Hospitalization or use of a ventilator that transmits the infection. This type of pneumonia requires more aggressive treatment and requires the use of effective antibiotics.

**Chemical pneumonia:** This type of pneumonia can be caused by inhaling large amounts of fumes that are harmful to the respiratory system, such as those from cleaning materials or swimming pool equipment. These fumes irritate the lungs, and this type is usually treated with corticosteroids, in addition to supplemental oxygen, fluids, or mechanical ventilation.

Aspiration pneumonia **: An infection in the lungs can occur as a result of inhaling foreign substances, such as stomach acid or food particles. This condition is more common in people with brain injuries, neurological disorders, or those who abuse drugs or alcohol. Treatment for pneumonia varies depending on the condition of the lungs, as treatment may require the use of oxygen, a breathing tube, in addition to a procedure known as bronchoscopy to remove debris. In some cases, antibiotics may be necessary.

**Stages of Pneumonia**

The stages of pneumonia can be classified based on the affected area within the lung, as follows:

**Bronchoalveolar pneumonia**Bronchoalveolar pneumonia occurs in all areas of the lung, especially near the alveoli, which facilitates the transmission of infection from the lung to the trachea.

**Lobar pneumonia**Pneumonia can affect one or more lobes of the lung. The lung consists of several lobes with specific locations, so lobar pneumonia is divided into four stages, according to the progression of the infection within these lobes. These stages are:

. **Congestion stage**: In this stage, the lung tissue becomes heavy and inflamed due to the accumulation of virus-filled fluid inside the air sacs.

. **Red liver stage**: This stage is characterized by the mixing of red blood cells and immune cells with the fluid in the air sacs, making the lungs appear red and hard.

**Gray liver stage**: At this stage, red blood cells begin to break down, along with immune cells, causing red blood cells to break down and change color from red to gray.

**Resolution stage**: At this stage, immune cells begin to fight the infection, during which coughing helps to expel fluids that have accumulated in the lungs.

Infants and children under the age of two.

People over the age of 65.

People with health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or chronic diseases that affect the lungs, heart, kidneys, or liver.

People who have weakened immunity or who take medications that suppress the immune system.

Smokers.

People who have feeding problems, such as people with intellectual disabilities who are prone to regurgitating food or fluids into the airway.

People who are receiving treatment in the hospital, especially if they need breathing support.

**Risk Factors**

Some people are more likely to develop pneumonia than others, such as:

**Foods to Avoid for People with Pneumonia**

Certain foods can make pneumonia symptoms worse in people with pneumonia, so it’s best to avoid these foods if you have this condition:

**Processed Meats**Many processed meats, such as cold cuts and hot dogs, contain additives known as nitrates. Companies often use nitrates to improve color or extend shelf life. A respiratory study showed that added nitrates may increase the risk of hospital readmissions related to COPD.

**Excessive Salt**While a little salt in your food may be okay, a diet high in salt can be harmful. Salt can lead to fluid retention, which can cause breathing problems. Instead of using salt or salt substitutes, use herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of foods.

**Dairy**For people with lung disease, dairy products may make symptoms worse. Although milk is rich in nutrients and calcium, it may have a negative effect on some patients.

**Some vegetables** Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli, radishes, and cauliflower, are rich in nutrients and fiber. However, these vegetables may cause gas and bloating, which can lead to difficulty breathing in people with pneumonia. If you experience these symptoms, it is best to reduce your intake.

**Fried foods** Fried foods cause bloating and discomfort, just like cruciferous vegetables, as they put pressure on the diaphragm, making breathing difficult and uncomfortable. In addition, overeating fried foods in the long term can lead to weight gain, which increases pressure on the lungs. These foods also contain unhealthy fats that raise bad cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.

**Soft drinks** Soft drinks contain large amounts of sugar and calories, in addition to a lot of carbonation, which contributes to weight gain and bloating. These drinks can also lead to dehydration, so it is best to drink water when you feel thirsty.

**Acidic foods and drinks**At the end of the esophagus is a muscular ring that acts as a valve. If this valve doesn’t close properly or opens too much, stomach acid can leak back into the esophagus, causing heartburn. If heartburn occurs more than twice a week, it may be a sign of GERD. People with pneumonia may notice their symptoms worsening due to acid reflux. So,Avoiding or reducing the consumption of acidic foods and drinks such as citrus fruits, fruit juices, tomato sauce, coffee, and spicy foods may help relieve acid reflux symptoms, thus improving the symptoms of lung disease. It is important for everyone to follow a healthy diet, but in the case of a disease such as pneumonia, it becomes even more important. It is preferable to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet, as healthy eating habits, along with treatments such as cell therapy, can contribute to improving your condition.

**Symptoms of pneumonia**

The most common symptoms of pneumonia include:

- **Cough**: It may be dry or accompanied by thick mucus, and can last for up to several weeks even after recovery from pneumonia

- **Blood-sucking cough**.

- **Chest pain**: It gets worse with breathing or coughing.

- **Fever**: A temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, and you may notice a decrease in body temperature in the elderly.

- **Sweating and shivering**.

- **Rapid breathing**: Especially in young children.

- **Shortness of breath**: Children may show signs such as shaking their heads while breathing.

- **Feeling generally tired and unwell**.

- **Loss of appetite**.

- **Headache**.

- **Abdominal pain**.

- **Nausea and vomiting**.

- **Blueness around the mouth**: As a result of lack of oxygen in more severe cases.

**Diagnosis of pneumonia**

Diagnosis of pneumonia includes assessing the medical history, performing a physical examination, and performing some diagnostic tests:

**Medical history and physical examination** The doctor reviews the symptoms and risk factors, in addition to performing a physical examination that includes listening to lung sounds.

**Diagnostic tests**

**Chest X-ray**

X-rays help detect inflammation in the lungs and any fluid buildup.

**Blood tests** are used to analyze the immune response and indicators of infection, such as the white blood cell count (a component of the complete blood count - CBC) and the C-reactive protein (CRP) test.

**Pulse Oximetry**

Measures oxygen levels in the blood.

**Sputum Test**

Involves analyzing mucus (sputum examination) to determine the cause.

**CT Scan**

CT scans provide detailed images of the lungs and complications of inflammation.

**Bronchoscopy**Endoscopy allows for a direct examination of the airway, as well as taking samples for further testing.

**Death from Pneumonia* Here are some statistics that illustrate how serious pneumonia is and which age groups are most at risk:

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death among children under five worldwide, accounting for 16% of all deaths in this age group, killing about 2,400 children every day.

There are about 120 million cases of pneumonia in children under five each year, and more than 10% of these cases develop into severe cases.

In 2016, an estimated 880,000 deaths from pneumonia occurred in children under age 5, most of whom were children younger than 2 years old.

In the United States, pneumonia is the most common cause of hospitalization for children.

For adults, pneumonia is the most common cause of hospitalization in the United States, excluding obstetrics. About 1 million adults in the United States seek hospital care for pneumonia each year, and it kills about 50,000 people.

Although younger, healthy adults have a lower risk of developing pneumonia, it is still a constant threat. Half of all at-risk adults who are hospitalized for pneumonia are immunocompromised.

**Home Remedies for Pneumonia Symptoms**

 

Depending on the cause of your pneumonia, your doctor may prescribe medications to treat the infection. During the recovery period, the doctor may recommend several steps, including:

- Getting enough rest

- Eating nutritious foods

- Drinking plenty of fluids, especially herbal drinks, such as:

- Peppermint and eucalyptus tea **Many types of warm herbal teas can help relieve an itchy throat, with herbs being the most beneficial in this context. A 2011 study showed that herbs such as peppermint and eucalyptus have a soothing effect on the throats of people with an upper respiratory infection, and these herbs may help break up mucus and relieve pain and inflammation resulting from pneumonia. Eucalyptus and tea tree oils can also help relieve coughing.

**- Caffeine and green tea**Consuming a moderate amount of caffeine, such as a cup of coffee or black or green tea, can help expand the airways in the lungs, making it easier for the patient to breathe better.

**- Warm and humid air**Inhaling warm and humid air may help facilitate the breathing process and prevent dry throat. Inhaling steam from a shower or a cup of warm tea can also be helpful.

**Ginger or turmeric tea**A persistent cough can lead to chest pain, a common symptom of pneumonia. Drinking warm tea made from fresh ginger or turmeric root may help relieve this pain, as these roots have natural anti-inflammatory effects in the body.

To prepare turmeric or ginger tea, cut a thumb-sized piece of either root and boil it in about half a liter of water. If the patient prefers a stronger tea, they can boil it for longer or add more root. If the flavor is too strong, a spoonful of honey can be added to improve the taste.

**- Fenugreek tea**A person with pneumonia may have a fever, and when the fever is mildSome people may prefer to use natural remedies to relieve it. A 2018 study suggests that making tea from fenugreek seeds may help promote sweating, which may help lower body temperature. Additionally, fenugreek seeds can help break down mucus, which can relieve a persistent cough.

**Vegetable Juice** Carrot juice, beetroot juice, spinach juice, and other vegetable juices (especially those rich in vitamin C) are excellent options for boosting immunity and increasing strength. They also help flush toxins from the body.

**Steam Therapy** Steam inhalation is an effective treatment for pneumonia that you can try. All you have to do is boil water in a pot and add a few drops of an essential oil such as tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil. Inhale the steam while covering your head to keep the steam contained.

**Water** Drinking enough water helps keep the body hydrated. It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.

**Sesame seeds**Sesame seeds are a natural remedy that can benefit pneumonia patients. You can boil a tablespoon of sesame seeds with flax seeds in a cup of water. After boiling, strain the mixture and add a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of salt. It is preferable to consume this mixture daily.

**Hot pepper**Hot pepper is an effective treatment for pneumonia, as it helps rid the respiratory system of mucus. You can prepare a drink of hot pepper and lemon with water and consume it regularly.

**Garlic**Garlic is an effective natural treatment for pneumonia in adults, thanks to its antibacterial and antiviral properties. It also helps lower body temperature and helps get rid of phlegm in the chest and lungs.

**Salt water** at least twice a day helps relieve coughing and open the respiratory tract, and it also works to soothe a sore throat immediately.

**Lemon**Lemon has antibacterial properties, making it an excellent home remedy for pneumonia. Thanks to its richness in vitamin C, it helps lower body temperature and boost immunity. You can add lemon peel to your meals or sprinkle some lemon juice on your salad.

**Treatment of viral pneumonia**

Most cases of viral pneumonia can usually be treated at home, but some people, such as the elderly or those with health problems, may need to stay in hospital.

Treatment of viral pneumonia includes:

**Fever reducers and pain relievers**Paracetamol helps relieve the pain and fever associated with pneumonia. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, help reduce swelling, pain and fever.

**Antiviral medications**Antiviral medications are most effective when taken within 72 hours of contracting the virus. If taken after this period, they may help shorten the duration of the infection or relieve symptoms.

**Influenza virus** Antivirals are used to treat viral pneumonia caused by the influenza virus, and are available in tablet or capsule form, such as amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir.

**Varicellovirus:** Acyclovir is used to treat pneumonia caused by varicella virus infection. It can be taken orally or intravenously in severe cases.

**Respiratory syncytial virus:** Treatment of pneumonia caused by respiratory syncytial virus is usually limited to treating symptoms only, but in some cases, the drug ribavirin may be required.

**Airway clearance techniques:** These techniques include a variety of strategies, including exercises, that are used to treat pneumonia and shortness of breath. These techniques help remove excess mucus, making breathing easier and reducing airway obstruction caused by secretions. The doctor will explain how to perform these exercises to the patient, in addition to using certain devices to relieve symptoms.

**Respiratory support:** Treatment of severe pneumonia with low oxygen levels may require the patient to be given oxygen, and may also require the use of a ventilator.

**Treatment of pneumonia caused by the Corona virus**Treatment of pneumonia caused by the Corona virus is limited to providing medical support and relieving symptoms, as there are no approved medications to treat the virus.

However, there are some medications that have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for emergency use related to COVID-19 infection, but their effectiveness has not yet been confirmed.

**Treatment of bacterial pneumonia**Antibiotics are the main treatment for pneumonia caused by bacterial infection, in addition to the use of fever reducers and pain relievers.

The doctor determines the type of antibiotic appropriate for each case based on the type of bacteria causing the infection and the severity of the condition.

Treatment methods for bacterial pneumonia include the following:

**Adults under 65 years of age:** Amoxicillin is usually used to treat pneumonia in healthy adults, along with azithromycin or doxycycline. In the case of a penicillin allergy, cephalosporins or levofloxacin may be used.

**Adults with other health problems:** Your doctor may recommend amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, along with a macrolide or tetracycline, to treat pneumonia in smokers or people with health conditions such as heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease.

**Senior adults:** Treating pneumonia in older adults, especially severe cases, may require hospitalization. Your doctor may use a combination of intravenous antibiotics to fight the infection, as well as intravenous fluids to preventFor dehydration, and the patient may need oxygen.

The recovery period usually takes about 3 weeks for healthy people, while it may take longer in cases of weak immunity

**Treatment of fungal pneumonia** Fungal pneumonia is treated with antifungal medications, where the doctor determines the appropriate dose and method of administration according to the patient's condition and the type of infection.

Among the medications used to treat fungal pneumonia are:

- **Itraconazole**: Itraconazole is one of the most common medications for treating blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and aspergillosis. This medication is available in the form of capsules or syrup taken orally.

- **Fluconazole**: Fluconazole is used to treat pneumonia caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and valley fever. It is available in the form of tablets or can be given intravenously. It is also used to prevent fungal pneumonia in AIDS patients and organ transplant patients.

Amphotericin B injections: Amphotericin B injections are given intravenously, and your doctor may recommend them to treat fungal pneumonia in severe cases.

Caspofungin: Caspofungin is used to treat Aspergillus infections, as it directly kills the fungus and prevents its spread.

Tips for pneumonia patients:

Here are some steps that can help you recover faster:

1. **Get enough rest**: Good sleep gives your body the energy it needs to fight the disease.

2. **Practice deep breathing**: Take deep breaths and cough several times every hour to help break up mucus and get it out of your lungs.

3. **Wash your hands regularly**: Use soap and water or hand sanitizer after blowing your nose or using the bathroom and before eating.

4. **Make sure to cough or sneeze properly**: Use a tissue or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve to avoid spreading germs.

5. **If you smoke, stop**: Talk to your doctor about support groups, medications, and other ways to help you quit smoking.

6. **Drink plenty of water**: Drink several glasses of water each day. Fluids help thin the mucus in your lungs and throat.

7. **Eat a balanced diet**: Make sure you eat healthy foods to help your body function efficiently and speed up the healing process