There are two major forms of pneumonia, lobar and bronchial. In both cases, the patient suffers from inflammation of the lung tissues, typically due to an infection. In lobar pneumonia, only one of the two lobes is affected, while in bronchial phenomenon both sections are inflamed. The most common causes are viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, followed less common accidental inhalations of a liquid or chemical. While pneumonia is fairly common (millions of individuals are diagnosed with it every year), it is also a serious disease. In bronchopneumonia, both the lungs fill with liquids such as pus, causing extreme difficulty in breathing and reducing the flow of oxygen to all the major organs. If left untreated, this can obviously cause death. The people most at risk are senior citizens above 65 and people with long-term illnesses that weaken the immune system.
Almost half of all pneumonia cases are caused by viruses, and in most cases the patient recovers once the infection has run its course. The exception is the influenza (flu) virus, which can be fatal especially for people with heart or lung disease. Currently, the global spread of the H1N1 (swine flu) influenza virus is causing particular alarm. In fact, early symptoms of pneumonia resemble that of flu, before progressing to include shortness of breath, fluctuating chest pain, unexplained fatigue, and muscle pain. It is advisable to visit your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. In most cases, diagnosis involves blood tests and X-rays, since influenza-linked pneumonia may not show any physical signs of liquid-filled lungs.
If the patient has a bacterial infection that has caused pneumonia, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. One mistake patients make is to stop medication once the symptoms subside; you need to continue taking the drugs for the recommended period to avoid any relapse. In the case of mild viral infections, treatment can be carried out at home. In all cases, the patient needs to drink plenty of water and fluids, which helps to keep the mucus loose and easy to expel from the lungs. It is advisable to avoid over-the-counter cough suppressants, since these may trap the mucus in the lungs, worsening the situation. A warm-mist humidifier can help the patient expel more mucus, speeding up recovery. Finally, prevention of pneumonia is essential, especially with the H1N1 virus in the air. Get flu booster shots as per your doctor’s recommendations and follow a healthy lifestyle to boost your immune system.