A overview of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection is caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. It can occur in one or both the lungs. The infection is characterized by the inflammation of the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs. As a result of pneumonia, pus or fluid gets filled up in the alveoli, making it difficult to breathe. Pneumonial infection caused by viruses and bacteria is contagious (it can spread from one person to another). Pneumonia can be mild in certain cases and sometimes can become life-threatening. 

The various causes of pneumonia are, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), certain common cold and flu viruses, Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), coronavirus infection, SARS-CoV-2 infection, Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), Aspiration pneumonia, Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Who is at risk of developing Pneumonia? Children aged below two and people aged 65 and above are at the highest risk of developing Pneumonia. Other than that, people with chronic conditions like asthma, COPD, Sarcoidosis, sickle cell disease, liver disease, kidney disease, pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, diabetes, bronchiectasis, people with weak immunity, people having neurological problems like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, head injury, people who were hospitalized or were on a ventilator, people with exposure to excessive air pollution, occupational exposure to fumes, pregnant women, people who are habituated to smoking or drinking alcohol, people living in crowded surroundings are at risk of developing pneumonia. 

Symptoms of pneumonia include high fever (102 or more), sweating, chills, fatigue, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, headache, chest pain, pain in the chest while breathing or coughing, and coughing that might produce phlegm or mucus, diarrhea, rapid pulse, muscle pain, and confusion. The difference between flu and pneumonia is that the symptoms of pneumonia are long-lasting. 

Pneumonia can also give rise to complications like difficulty in breathing (that may require hospitalization and ventilator support), build-up of fluid in the lungs (Pleural Effusion), bacteraemia (bacteria in the blood), and lung abscess. Physical examination, chest X-rays, pulse oximetry test, blood test, bronchoscopy, and mucus test are some methods used to diagnose pneumonia. 

Home remedies like drinking warm water, salt water gargling, having warm soups, staying hydrated, consuming different types of teas like peppermint tea, turmeric tea, ginger tea, eucalyptus tea, fenugreek tea, green tea, a little amount of coffee, can help manage the symptoms of pneumonia better. 

There are various medications available to treat pneumonia. One such medication is Zienam 500mg Injection, which contains Cilastatin and Imipenem. This medication is used to treat bacterial pneumonia. Upon being diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia, your healthcare provider might prescribe you Zienam 500mg Injection.