Don't Ignore These Symptoms of Pneumonia

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An infection known as pneumonia causes inflammation in one or both of the lungs' air sacs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), which can result in fever, chills, coughing up phlegm or pus, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be caused by a wide range of organisms, such as fungus, viruses, and bacteria.

Pneumonia has around 30 various causes, which are categorized based on the cause. The most common kinds of pneumonia include:

Bacterial Pneumonia

This kind is brought on by different bacteria. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most prevalent. It usually happens when the body is compromised, either by disease, malnutrition, aging, or compromised immunity, allowing bacteria to enter the lungs. All ages are susceptible to bacterial pneumonia, but your chances increase if you smoke, misuse alcohol, are disabled, have just undergone surgery, have a viral infection, have a respiratory illness, or have a compromised immune system.

Viral Pneumonia

This kind accounts for roughly one-third of all occurrences of pneumonia and is brought on by a number of viruses, including the flu (influenza). If you already have viral pneumonia, you may be at higher risk of developing bacterial pneumonia.

Mycoplasma Pneumonia

This variety is known as atypical pneumonia and has slightly distinct physical indications and symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the bacterium that causes it. All age groups are typically affected by the mild, widespread pneumonia it typically causes.

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There are several additional less frequent pneumonias that could be brought on by fungi or other illnesses.

The severity of pneumonia can vary from minor to fatal. The most vulnerable groups are those under the age of five, those over 65, those with compromised immune systems, and those in poor health.

Pneumonia can present with mild to severe signs and symptoms, contingent on the type of germ that caused the illness, your age, and general health. Though they endure longer, mild symptoms and indicators are frequently confused with those of the flu or cold.

Pneumonia symptoms and indicators could include:

· Chest pain when you breathe or cough

· Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older)

· Cough, which may produce phlegm

· Fatigue

· Fever, sweating and shaking chills

· Lower than normal body temperature (in adults older than age 65 and people with weak immune systems)

· Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

· Shortness of breath

It's crucial that members of these high-risk categories visit a physician in particular:

· Adults older than age 65

· Children younger than age 2 with signs and symptoms

· People with an underlying health condition or weakened immune system

· People receiving chemotherapy or taking medication that suppresses the immune system

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Newborns and infants may not show any signs of the infection. Children may also have difficulty breathing or eating, throw up, cough, or have a temperature. They may also appear irritable or tired and lacking in energy.

Speak with your doctor if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, a fever that doesn't go down (102 F or higher), or a persistent cough that doesn't go away (especially if it's generating pus).

Pneumonia can rapidly turn into a life-threatening illness in certain elderly persons, those with heart failure, and those with persistent lung issues.

Sources:

Hopkins Medicine

Mayo Clinic