Pneumonia: Causes, symptoms, and treatment
Pneumonia refers to an infection of your lungs caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses. This results in inflammation of your lungs. It can also lead to pus or fluid build-up in your lungs. Here, doctors from a nursing home in South Kolkata have discussed the causes, symptoms, and treatment of pneumonia.
Causes of Pneumonia
Pneumonia occurs when the immune system attacks an infection present in your lung. This causes your lung to be inflamed and have fluid build-up.
Many fungi, viruses, and bacteria can lead to infections that result in pneumonia. Common types of pneumonia and their causes have been listed down below.
- Bacterial pneumonia
This disease is caused by different bacteria, the most common being Streptococcus pneumoniae. It occurs when your body is weakened by an illness, impaired immunity, poor nutrition, and old age. Though bacterial pneumonia can affect people of all age groups, you are at greater risk if you smoke, drink alcohol, or have a viral infection or respiratory disease.
- Mycoplasma pneumonia
Mycoplasma pneumonia is caused by a bacterium called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It usually leads to a mild form of pneumonia.
- Viral pneumonia
This pneumonia occurs as a result of different viruses, including influenza or flu virus. One-third of all cases of pneumonia are caused by viral pneumonia.
- Other pneumonias
There are other types of pneumonia that are caused by fungal infections.
Symptoms
According to doctors from a healthcare nursing home, symptoms of bacterial pneumonia are as follows.
1. High fever
2. Rapid breathing
3. Shortness of breath
4. Chills or sweating
5. Rapid heart rate
6. Chest pain
7. Abdominal pain
8. Fatigue
3. Shortness of breath
4. Chills or sweating
5. Rapid heart rate
6. Chest pain
7. Abdominal pain
8. Fatigue
Treatment of Pneumonia
Doctors from the best nursing home in South Kolkata suggest the following treatments for pneumonia.
1. Antibiotics
Antibiotics can help in the treatment of bacterial pneumonia and also for viral infection.
2. Antiviral medication
Viral pneumonia infections usually clear up on their own. However, for severe cases, antiviral medications are effective in the treatment of the disease.
3. Antifungal medication
For infections caused by fungi, antifungal medications can treat pneumonia.
We have discussed the causes, symptoms, and treatment of pneumonia. Reach out to the best doctors from a nursing home to know which of the aforementioned treatments will be the most suitable for you.
