Copyright timesnownews
Pneumonia is a life-threatening infection that leads to inflammation of the lung tissue, making it extremely hard for patients to breathe, and in some cases, it can even be fatal by cutting off the air supply. However, according to doctors, for many, this common chest infection may not have such a severe outcome if diagnosed and treated well in time. With the changing weather and high pollution levels in the air, doctors are urging everyone to take care of their health and not ignore any early signs of pneumonia, which can be fatal. Doctors prescribe antibiotics for treatment, in which a patient may get better within two to four weeks, while others might find that the infection even goes away on its own if it is a mild case. But those who develop a more serious illness may also need to be hospitalised for urgent treatment to stop the infection before it becomes deadly. Signs and symptoms of pneumonia you must not ignore Doctors urge those experiencing pneumonia symptoms to go to emergency care. You are struggling to breathe, feel as if you are choking, gasping, and unable to speak You have pale, blue, or blotchy skin, lips, or tongue You suddenly feel confused, like you don't know where you are Even after three weeks of coughing, it is becoming more intense You are coughing up blood You have chest pain that comes and goes, or happens when breathing or coughing You are feeling breathless at times What causes pneumonia? Doctors say pneumonia develops when your immune system attacks an infection in the small sacs of your lungs, which causes them to swell and leak fluid. Many bacteria, viruses, and fungi cause infections that lead to pneumonia. Bacteria are the most common cause in adults, and viruses are the most common cause in school-aged children. Common illnesses that can lead to pneumonia include: Common cold COVID-19 Influenza flu Metapneumovirus Human parainfluenza virus (HPIV Legionnaires’ disease Mycoplasma pneumonia bacteria Pneumococcal diseasePneumocystis pneumoniaRespiratory syncytial virus Is pneumonia contagious? Pneumonia itself isn’t actually contagious, but the bacteria and viruses that cause it are. For instance, the flu is infectious and can lead to pneumonia, but most people who get the flu won’t get pneumonia. The bacteria that most commonly cause pneumonia, Streptococcus pneumoniae, can be spread from person to person by touching infected surfaces or through the transmission of respiratory droplets via coughing and sneezing. Pneumonia caused by fungi isn’t contagious. Fungal infections aren’t spread from person to person like viruses and bacteria. Who is most at risk of getting pneumonia? Doctors say you are at an increased risk of pneumonia if you: Are over the age of 65, and or under the age of 2 years Are you living with a lung or heart condition like cystic fibrosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, or pulmonary fibrosis Are you living with a neurological condition that makes swallowing difficult, like dementia or Parkinson’s disease Are in the hospital or at a long-term care facility Are a smoker Are pregnant Have a weak immune system
