Table of Contents
ToggleIt is a respiratory illness caused by inflammation of the lung, causing solidification of the lung., commonly due to infection which leads to the loss of the normal sponginess of the lungs.
Causes of Pneumonia
It spreads through droplets which is inhaled. Lack of hygiene, overcrowding and poor sanitation is a huge factor that causes an increase in the spread of pneumonia.
Onset of symptoms varies depending on which organism is causing it, but is usually within a week to 10 days.
COUGH – cough is short, painful and dry initially but later cough is associated with sputum, which varies in colour, depending on the infective organism, most commonly it is due to a bacteria called streptococcus and the sputum is rusty in colour but it can be green in cases of pseudomonas infection or black or yellow, depending on the causative organism.
Cough can be associated with blood, sputum will be blood tinged and will look bright red.
CHEST PAIN – sudden, intense, sharp, stabbing or burning pain while breathing. This occurs due to inflammation of a structure called the pleura which covers the lung and acts as a protective mechanism for the lungs
Pain can spread to shoulder and upper abdomen as well.
BREATHLESSNESS – The inflammation in the lungs causes accumulation of fluid in the alveoli of the lungs causing difficulty in breathing
OTHER GENERAL FEATURES
FEVER – Fever is characteristic of almost all acute infections, it is either moderate in cases of bacterial infections or very high in cases of viral infections.
LOW OXYGEN SATURATION – causing bluish discolouration of tongue, this happens because the diseased lungs are not able to adequately allow exchange of gases and the arteries carry lesser oxygen to the rest of the organs and tissues of the body.
ON EXAMINATION OF THE PATIENT
WHEN TO GET HOSPITALISED
Atypical Pneumonia– In some rare cases of pneumonia, cough, breathlessness and chest pain is lesser but other manifestations such as fatigue, fever is more. Usually observed in pneumonia caused due to viruses, legionella, mycoplasma and chlamydia.
This deserves special attention as pneumonia in children is a leading cause of mortality in children in India, especially under 5 years of age.
Risk factors –
Proper, regular vaccination – pneumococcal vaccination at 6 weeks and 14 weeks, followed by a booster at 9 months of age is now introduced in the National Immunisation Schedule.
Oral Vitamin A for children between 9 months and 5 years, this also prevents vitamin A deficiency and protective for the eyes and other infections.
Mild cases of pneumonia can be managed at home
RECURRENT PNEUMONIA, i.e if individual gets pneumonia frequently, it indicates underlying condition and requires thorough examination and proper diagnosis and must not be dismissed.
Pneumonia is difficult to eradicate but with the availability of antibiotics, increased awareness and promotion of healthy lifestyle, the mortality and morbidity of pneumonia can be significantly reduced and hospital admission can also be prevented if patient is aware of warning signs and methods of prevention.
One of the hallmarks of our facility is the inclusion of 6 state-of-the-art critical care units.
These units are dedicated to ensuring that patients facing severe and life-threatening conditions receive immediate and specialized care.
Additionally, our 8-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is equipped with the latest technology to monitor and manage patients who require intensive medical attention.
Patients can also benefit from the spacious general beds while they recover.
One of the hallmarks of our facility is the inclusion of 6 state-of-the-art critical care units.
These units are dedicated to ensuring that patients facing severe and life-threatening conditions receive immediate and specialized care.
Additionally, our 8-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is equipped with the latest technology to monitor and manage patients who require intensive medical attention.
Patients can also benefit from the spacious general beds while they recover.