Pneumonia

Q) What is pneumonia?

A) Pneumonia is an infection in our lungs. Infections are commonly viral and bacterial, but fungal and tuberculosis can also cause pneumonia.

Q) What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

A) Common symptoms are moderate to high grade fever, cough with or without phlegm, breathing difficulty and chest heaviness. Sometimes blood mixed phlegm or frank blood on coughing can also be seen. These symptoms are more often than not sudden in onset.

Q) Who can get pneumonia?

A) Persons of both sexes and all age groups can get pneumonia. But elderly persons, those with other health conditions like diabetes, chronic heart, lung and kidney disease, smokers, alcoholics and immunocompromised persons are at greater risk of developing pneumonia complications.

Q) What are the complications of pneumonia?

A) The main complications of pneumonia are respiratory failure requiring oxygen support or mechanical ventilation support, and infection spreading from lungs to bloodstream causing sepsis and septic shock. Other complications like empyema (pus in chest cavity), lung abscess, spread of infection to heart and brain, may also occur. 

Q) How is pneumonia diagnosed?

A) Diagnosis of pneumonia requires a chest x-ray, CT scan of chest and examination of phlegm. In selected cases, a Bronchoscopy may be necessiated.

Q) What is the treatment for pneumonia?

A) Antibiotics are the mainstay of pneumonia treatment. Timely diagnosis, and a proper course of right antibiotics affects cure in the majority of patients.

Q) What measures are advised to prevent pneumonia?

A) Following hand hygiene and avoiding crowded places, especially by those having other health conditions, helps prevent pneumonia. Annual influenza vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine are important in preventing pneumonia, and should be taken in consultation with a doctor.