Unmasking Pneumonia: A Closer Look at Symptoms, Types and Prevention

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Pneumonia is a common lung infection caused by germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It can be a complication of the flu, but other viruses, bacteria and even fungi can cause pneumonia.

Pneumonia and its symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Treatment depends on the cause of pneumonia, how severe the symptoms are, age and overall health. Most healthy people recover from pneumonia in one to three weeks, but it can be life-threatening. The good news is that pneumonia can be prevented—by getting an annual flu shot (as flu often leads to pneumonia), frequently washing your hands, and for people at elevated risk, getting a vaccine for pneumococcal pneumonia.

The signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include: cough, which may produce greenish, yellow, or even bloody mucus, fever, sweating and shaking chills, shortness of breath, rapid, shallow breathing, sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse when an individual breathes deeply or coughs, loss of appetite, low energy, and fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and confusion, especially in older people.

Bacterial pneumonia, which is the most common form, tends to be more serious than other types of pneumonia, with symptoms that require medical care. The symptoms of bacterial pneumonia can develop gradually or suddenly. Fever may rise as high as a dangerous 105 degrees F, with profuse sweating and rapidly increased breathing and pulse rate. Lips and nailbeds may have a bluish color due to lack of oxygen in the blood. A patient’s mental state may be confused or delirious.

The symptoms of viral pneumonia usually develop over a period of several days. Early symptoms are like influenza symptoms: fever, a dry cough, headache, muscle pain, and weakness. Within a day or two, the symptoms typically get worse, with increasing cough, shortness of breath and muscle pain. There may be a high fever and there may be blueness of the lips.

Symptoms may vary in certain populations. Older adults and people who have serious illnesses or weak immune systems may have fewer and milder symptoms. They may even have a lower-than-normal temperature. Older adults who have pneumonia sometimes have sudden changes in mental awareness. For individuals that already have chronic lung disease, those symptoms may worsen.

Individuals more likely to have complications from pneumonia include:

Older adults or very young children
People whose immune system does not work well
People with other, serious medical problems such as diabetes or cirrhosis of the liver

Possible complications include:

Respiratory failure, which requires a breathing machine or ventilator.
Sepsis, a condition in which there is uncontrolled inflammation in the body, may lead to widespread organ failure.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a severe form of respiratory failure.
Lung abscesses, which are infrequent, but serious complications of pneumonia. They occur when pockets of pus form inside or around the lung. These may sometimes need to be drained with surgery.

We must be vigilant in preventing pneumonia by reminding our residents and patients:

Getting vaccinated for seasonal influenza, RSV and COVID-19
Being up to date on these vaccines can help prevent pneumonia
Washing hands, especially after coughing or blowing nose, going to the bathroom, diapering, and before eating or preparing foods
Do not smoke, tobacco damages the lung’s ability to fight off infection and people who smoke have been found to be at higher risk of getting pneumonia
Be aware of general health. Good health habits include a healthy diet, rest, regular exercise to keep from getting sick from viruses and respiratory illnesses. These things also help promote faster recovery after being ill
Take care and keep existing health conditions, such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, and heart disease well managed

Source: American Lung Association

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