Introduction to Pneumonia

Before you can know what the signs and symptoms of pneumonia are, you first have to know what pneumonia is. Pneumonia is a broad term that refers to inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs, the alveoli. When doctors use the term pneumonia, it’s generally referring to an infection that is causing that inflammation in the lungs. Although, in reality, not all pneumonia is caused by infection.

The most common types of pneumonia are caused by viruses and bacteria. For the purposes of this discussion, we can refer to pneumonia as a viral or bacterial infection that causes the alveoli to become inflamed, in which they fill up with fluid and other substances. For example, those alveoli can fill up with mucus and pus.

Severity and Risk Factors

Pneumonia can range in its severity. It can be anywhere from mild to serious, and it is actually a very common cause of death. It’s most serious for:

• Infants and young children
• People over the age of 65
• Those with underlying health problems, especially those with weakened immune systems

Bacterial pneumonias are still among the leading causes of deaths due to infectious disease, despite the widespread use of antibiotics.

Common Symptoms of Pneumonia

The signs and symptoms of pneumonia can vary from mild to severe depending on the age, overall health status, and the specific cause of that pneumonia. The most common pneumonia symptoms include:

• Cough, especially coughing up phlegm
• Chest pain that worsens when taking a deep breath, coughing, or sneezing (pleuritic chest pain)
• Fever
• Sweating and shaking chills
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue

Other fairly common symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Body aches

For adults over the age of 65, it’s common to have:

• Confusion or changes in mental awareness
• Lower than normal body temperature (especially for those with weakened immune systems)

For newborns and infants with RSV infections:

• Trouble breathing
• Wheezing
• Cough producing lots of mucus

Classic Symptoms of Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia

For most adults, the classic symptoms of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia include:

1. Abrupt onset of fever
2. Cough (initially dry, then producing mucus within a few days)
3. Shortness of breath
4. Pleuritic chest pain

As the infection progresses, especially if it’s bacterial pneumonia without antibiotic treatment, there’s a high potential for:

• Severe respiratory distress
• Septic shock

Diagnosis of Pneumonia

Symptoms alone are not enough to diagnose pneumonia. To make the diagnosis, doctors consider:

1. Physical exam findings
2. Blood work
3. Sputum sample analysis
4. Urine tests
5. Chest imaging (X-ray or CT scan)

Chest imaging is indicated for most patients with suspected pneumonia to:

• Help make the diagnosis
• Assess potential complications (e.g., lung abscess, empyema)
• Discover alternative diagnoses

The presence of an infiltrate on X-ray or CT scan, along with other clinical factors, is the gold standard for diagnosing pneumonia.

Common Causes of Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia

1. Streptococcal pneumonia (pneumococcal pneumonia)
2. Staphylococcal pneumonia
3. Mycoplasma pneumonia
4. Chlamydia pneumonia
5. Legionella pneumonia

Each type has its characteristic symptoms and presentation.

Conclusion

Pneumonia is a serious condition that can affect people of all ages. It’s the world’s leading cause of death among children under five and a common reason for hospitalization in adults. While not all cases of pneumonia are severe, it should never be taken lightly. Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this potentially life-threatening condition.