The air sacs in one or both of the lungs become inflamed and filled with fluid or pus when someone has pneumonia, an infection. Inflammation results in a cough that produces phlegm, as well as fever, chills, and breathing difficulties.
There’s a good possibility that you or someone you know has experienced pneumonia at some point, whether it was caused by bacteria, a virus, or something more amiable like “walking” pneumonia. One or both of the lungs may become infected, and the infection may be brought on by bacteria, viruses, or fungus. It can be minor or fatal, especially to the very young, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems. It might be challenging to determine which of the more than 30 bacteria (or germs) that can cause pneumonia. To aid you with your therapy, Dr. Barbara Karin Vela will attempt to categorise the type of pneumonia you have.
COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA (CAP)
Because you can contract this type of pneumonia in public settings like a workplace or a school, it is the most prevalent type. It may be brought on by fungus, viruses, or bacteria. A viral infection, such as the flu, the common cold, or the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, can also lead to the development of CAP. The sickness may be caused by various bacteria kinds. The majority of the time, the germs enter the lung through inhalation. After entering the circulation, the bacteria may subsequently affect various body organs and systems.
In children under one year old, viral CAP, in especially the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), is the most frequent cause of pneumonia. Even while viral pneumonia episodes are frequently only moderate, infections brought on by specific flu viruses can be very dangerous. The same is true for infections brought on by coronaviruses, such as COVID-19-causing SARS-CoV-2 and the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus. Viral pneumonia is not treatable with antibiotics.
People with a compromised immune system or underlying health issues, such as those with HIV or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), as well as those receiving cancer therapy, are more likely to develop fungal CAP.
HOSPITAL-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA
As the name implies, this arises during a hospitalisation for a different medical condition. Hospital acquired pneumonia is particularly common in people who need ventilators to help them breathe. Typically, medicines administered intravenously are required to treat hospital-acquired pneumonia.
ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA
When someone inhales food, liquids, vomit, or saliva into their lungs, this condition may develop. A bacterial infection might emerge after your lungs have been inflamed by breathing in food or stomach contents. Aspiration pneumonia is typically prevented by a powerful cough or gag reflex, but if you have trouble swallowing or are less attentive than usual, you may be at danger.
OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTION
Fungal pneumonia known as pneumocystis pneumonia is exceedingly rare in healthy individuals but can occur in those with compromised immune systems; it is sometimes referred to as an opportunistic illness. If you have a chronic lung illness, HIV/AIDS, or have undergone an organ transplant, you run the risk of developing this type of pneumonia.
Contact Dr. Barbara Karin Vela today to schedule an appointment.