- Causes of Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by various microorganisms, including:
Bacteria: The most common cause in adults is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). Other bacterial causes include Mycoplasma pneumoniae (often causing a milder form known as “walking pneumonia”), Haemophilus influenzae, and Legionella pneumophila (the cause of Legionnaires’ disease).
Viruses: Common viral causes include influenza viruses (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinoviruses (common cold), adenoviruses, and, importantly, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). Viral pneumonia is a frequent cause in young children.
Fungi: Fungal pneumonia is less common and typically affects individuals with weakened immune systems or those who have inhaled large amounts of certain fungi found in soil or bird droppings (e.g., Pneumocystis jirovecii, Histoplasma, Coccidioides).
Aspiration: Pneumonia can also occur when you accidentally inhale food, liquid, vomit, or saliva into your lungs. This is more likely in people with swallowing difficulties, impaired consciousness, or a weakened gag reflex.
Pneumonia occurs when these germs bypass your body’s normal defenses, multiply in the lungs, and cause inflammation of the air sacs (alveoli). This inflammation leads to the alveoli filling with fluid and pus, making breathing difficult.
- Treatment of Pneumonia
The treatment for pneumonia depends on the type of pneumonia, how severe it is, and your overall health. Most people with community-acquired pneumonia (pneumonia acquired outside of a hospital) can be treated at home.
- General Home Care and Supportive Measures:
- Rest: Get plenty of rest to allow your body to recover.
- Fluids: Drink ample fluids, especially water, to help loosen mucus and prevent dehydration.
- Fever and Pain Management: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and relieve chest pain or body aches. Do not give aspirin to children.
- Cough Management: While coughing helps clear mucus, if it’s disruptive, you can try a humidifier or warm beverages. Over-the-counter cough suppressants should be used cautiously and are generally not recommended for children.
- Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke and other lung irritants.
- Specific Medical Treatments:
- Antibiotics: Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics. The specific antibiotic prescribed will depend on the type of bacteria suspected or identified as the cause. It’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better. Stopping early can lead to a relapse and antibiotic resistance.
- Antiviral Medications: If pneumonia is caused by certain viruses (like influenza or COVID-19), your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications. These are most effective when started early in the course of the illness. For most other viral pneumonias, treatment focuses on supportive care as antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.
- Antifungal Medications: Fungal pneumonia is treated with antifungal drugs, which can be given orally or intravenously depending on the severity and type of infection.
Hospital Treatment:
- You may need to be hospitalized if you have:
- Severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or chest pain.
- Low oxygen levels in your blood.
- Confusion or altered mental status.
- Persistent high fever.
- Underlying health conditions that worsen with pneumonia.
- Inability to take oral medications or fluids.
- In the hospital, treatment may include:
- Intravenous (IV) antibiotics or antiviral/antifungal medications.
- Oxygen therapy to help you breathe easier.
- Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Respiratory therapy to help clear mucus from your lungs.
- Monitoring of vital signs.
- Recovery:
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the pneumonia and your overall health. You may start feeling better within a week or two, but fatigue and cough can linger for a month or more. It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for rest and follow-up care.
- Prevention:
Preventing pneumonia involves several strategies:
Vaccination:
- Pneumococcal vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23) can prevent pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. These are recommended for young children, older adults, and individuals with certain medical conditions.
- Influenza (flu) vaccine can prevent pneumonia that develops as a complication of the flu. Annual vaccination is recommended for most people.
- Hib vaccine protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b, a cause of pneumonia and meningitis in children.
- Measles and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccines can prevent these diseases, which can sometimes lead to pneumonia.
- COVID-19 vaccines can help prevent severe illness, including pneumonia, from the virus.
- RSV vaccines are now available for older adults and to protect infants through maternal vaccination.
- Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing and before eating.
- Avoid Sick People: Limit contact with individuals who are sick with respiratory infections.
- Don’t Smoke: Smoking damages your lungs and makes you more susceptible to infections.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can help strengthen your immune system.
- Manage Underlying Conditions: Properly managing chronic conditions like asthma, COPD, and diabetes can reduce your risk.
If you suspect you or someone you know has pneumonia, it’s crucial to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.
PS: Please feel free to share our articles with friends and family.
© 2025 The Pediatric Center Children Hospital
2a Sulaimon Abdullahi Street, Agungi, Lekki, Lagos
Road 2, House 20, Greenland Estate, Olokonla, Ajah-Sangotedo, Lagos
14, Bassie Ogamba Street Off Adeniran Ogunsanya Surulere, Lagos
Unsubscribe