Pneumonia is an infection of the pulmonary parenchyma. Despite being the cause of significant morbidity and mortality, it can be often misdiagnosed, mistreated and underestimated.
Pneumonia is an infection of the pulmonary parenchyma. Despite being the cause of significant morbidity and mortality, it can be often misdiagnosed, mistreated and underestimated.
Key facts:
- Pneumonia is a known to be an acute respiratory infection that is most commonly caused by viruses or bacteria.
- It can cause mild to life-threatening illness in people of all ages; however it is the single largest infectious cause of death in children worldwide.
- Pneumonia killed more than 808 000 children under the age of 5 in 2017, accounting for 15% of all deaths of children.
- People at-risk for pneumonia also include adults over the age of 65 and people with preexisting health problems.
It can be classified as following:
- Community-Acquired (CAP)
- Hospital Acquired (HAP)
- Ventilator-associated (VAP)
Another category is also present, called- Healthcare associated Pneumonia (HCAP)
Pathophysiology
There are as series of pathologic changes:
- Initial- Edema and Congestion, with the presence of proteinaceous exudates, and often of bacteria, in the alveoli.
- Red Hepatization Phase
- Gray Hepatization Phase
- Resolution
Community Acquired Pneumonia
The streptococcus pneumonia is the most common organism that is basically encountered by the patient in the ICU.
Pneumonia stages:
- Pneumonia may be classified based off the area of the lungs it’s affecting:
- Bronchopneumonia
- Lobar pneumonia
Symptoms
The pneumonia symptoms could be from mild to even life threatening. These are as follows:
- Coughing With Phlegm (Mucus)
- Fever
- Sweating Or Chills
- Loss Of Appetite
- Nausea Or Vomiting
- Shortness Of Breath
- Chest Pain
- Tiredness Or Fatigue
- Headaches
Other symptoms can vary according to your age and general health:
For Infants
Infants might appear to not have any symptoms, however, they might vomit, and they lack energy, or even have issues while drinking or eating.
The children that are under 5 years old might have a fast breathing or any wheezing.
For Older adults
These might have milder symptoms. They would also experience any confusion or a lower-than-the normal body temperature.
Risk factors
It is seen that certain groups have a higher risk. These groups include the following:
- Infants From Their Birth Until 2 Years Old
- People With Ages 65 And Older
Individuals with weakened immune systems due to the following:
- Pregnancy
- HIV
- Steroids Or Cancer Drugs
- Asthma
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Diabetes
- COPD
- Parkinsonism
- Head Injury
- Heart Failure
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Liver Disease
- Kidney Disease
- Hospitalized Patients
Diagnosis
A medical history is to be taken before further investigation by the concerned doctor.
Physical Exam-to check the lungs for any abnormal sounds, example, crackling.
Depending on one’s severity of symptoms and risk of the complications, the doctor might order other tests:
- Chest X-Ray
- Blood Culture
- Sputum Culture
- Pulse Oximetry
- CT Scan
- Fluid Sample
- Bronchoscopy
Treatment and Management
- The Pneumonia might be treated with the antibiotics, also if it is bacterial in nature.
- Antibiotic of choice is amoxicillin in dispersible tablets form.
- Most cases of pneumonia would require the oral antibiotics, which will often be prescribed at the health centre.
- Hospitalization is also recommended only for the severe cases of pneumonia.
Prevention Tips from Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center
- Rest along with plenty of hydration can
- Get vaccinated: The Immunization against the following- the pneumococcal, or measles, or influenza or whooping cough (pertussis) would be the most effective way to further prevent pneumonia.
- Wash your hands
- Reduce Indoor Air Pollution
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Adequate nutrition
To seek Free Consultation from the Doctor:
Contact- Dr. Ravin Sharma, (MBBS, MD in Radiology)
Available: 24*7*365
Phone Number: +919212125996
Why Ganesh diagnostic and Imaging Centre should be your preference to screen you for Pneumonia?
At Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, we are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades. Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!
It is an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.
Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations.
NABH accreditation is proof of highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.
Test report is available digitally too.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of tests done, as all services are available under one roof.
We are based in Delhi NCR Region, and our branches are in the following regions:
Yamuna Vihar, Mangol Puri, Budh Vihar, Model Town, Hari nagar, Nagloi
The aim of GDIC is to provide world’s finest technology at the lowest price.
The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many tests.
- Bacterial Pneumonia Panel PCR Test- BOOK NOW
For Community Acquired Pneumonia
- Chlamydia Pneumoniae IgA Test- BOOK NOW
- Chlamydia Pneumoniae IgG Test- BOOK NOW
- Chlamydia Pneumoniae IgM Test- BOOK NOW
- Chlamydophila Pneumonia Test- BOOK NOW
References:
- https://www.who.int/health-topics/pneumonia/#tab=tab_3
- Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 20 th edition, Volume 1
