Acute Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a respiratory disease, characterized by the inflammation of the lung parenchyma. The disease can cause the small air sacs of the lungs (called alveoli), to get filled up with fluid. This causes breathing difficulties or shortness of breath. Pneumonia can be caused by various microorganisms, as well as injury to the lungs. The acute form of the disease, or acute pneumonia is particularly a serious condition, especially in the elderly and the young children. In children younger than five years, pneumonia is a leading cause of death. It is characterized by a sudden onset, while the chronic form of the disease progresses slowly.

Acute Pneumonia Causes
It is caused by bacteria, virus, fungi or protozoa. Out of these, bacteria are the most common microorganisms, that have been found to cause pneumonia. These microorganisms usually enter the body through mouth, nose and eyes, and then infect the lungs, especially the air sacs or alveoli of the lungs. Pneumonia is more commonly found to affect the lower lobes of the lungs. Apart from microorganisms, pneumonia can also be caused by any injury or damage to the lungs, caused by the exposure to certain chemicals and radiation. So, many times, people receiving aspiration or radiation therapy can also get this condition.

Acute Pneumonia Symptoms
Its symptoms can vary considerably, depending on the causative agent or the specific microorganism. As for example, symptoms of bacterial pneumonia can differ significantly from viral pneumonia symptoms. However, many people experience some flu or influenza like symptoms to begin with, which gradually worsen.

• Fever with chill
• Chest pain
• Breathing difficulty
• Coughing and wheezing
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Increase in heart rate
• Flushed cheeks
• Profuse sweating
• Bluish color to the nail bed and lips

Acute Pneumonia Treatment
The exact form of the acute pneumonia can play a major role in the proper treatment of the condition. The diagnosis of pneumonia is carried out with the help of physical examination of the patient, chest X-ray, and blood and mucus tests. Bacterial pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics like penicillin, amoxicillin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, etc. However, other antibiotics can also be prescribed, depending on the exact type of bacteria. Mycoplasma pneumonia is also treated with antibiotics. The usual antibiotics, on the other hand, would fail to treat a case of viral pneumonia. The most commonly used medications for viral pneumonia are rimantadine, amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. However, antibiotics would be required for viral acute pneumonia, if it is accompanied by a secondary bacterial infection of the lungs. Generally, the patient is advised to take adequate rest and follow a balanced diet to ensure speedy recovery. If it results in severe congestion and breathing difficulties, then oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation can be required.

Sometimes, it can lead to certain serious complications like pleuritis, pericarditis and endocarditis. In pleuritis, fluid accumulation takes place between the pleura layers and inner chest wall, which can cause chest pain, cough and shortness of breath. In pericarditis, the tissues of the pericardium or the membrane that surrounds the heart become inflamed, while endocarditis is characterized by inflammation of the inner lining of the heart and heart valves. To avoid such complications, it should be treated at the earliest, without losing time.

To prevent the future occurrences, it is of utmost importance to practice good hygiene, and control certain risk factors for the disease like smoking and alcohol abuse. To prevent its recurrences, maintenance of community hygiene is as important as personal hygiene. Pneumonia can be more dangerous in elderly and people with certain chronic diseases, that weaken the immune system. So, they need to be more vigilant against the disease. Getting vaccinated with pneumonia shot is a good option for them and also for the children with chronic respiratory diseases, who have an increased risk for developing the complications associated with this condition.