Signs of Pneumonia in Adults

Since lungs are the most exposed organs to the external environment, in comparison to other organs in the body, they are susceptible to a number of infections and diseases. One such infection that affects the lungs due to the presence of disease-causing organisms like bacteria and virus, etc., is pneumonia. This disorder is caused when the respiratory tract is infected due to the presence of harmful pathogens that can compromise the immune system of an individual.

Types of Pneumonia

The types of pneumonia are classified on the causative factor of this lung disease. Given below are some of the pneumonia types as seen in adults.

Aspiration Pneumonia
Aspiration pneumonia may develop when foreign bodies enter the bronchioles through food, nasal secretions or saliva. Individuals who smoke, are addicted to drugs or alcohol, are at a higher risk of contracting this type of pneumonia. People suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or difficulty in swallowing or have gag reflexes may also be victims of this respiratory disease.

Bacterial Pneumonia
As the name suggests, bacterial pneumonia is caused due to the presence of bacteria in the respiratory tract. This is one of the most common and serious type of pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia symptoms may develop immediately after infection or may take time in spreading.

Community Acquired Pneumonia
Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is more common during winter and is mainly seen in people who have developed an infection. This infection is caused due to the infestation of pathogens in the lobes of the lungs. The symptoms of this pneumonia are shallow breathing, productive cough and stabbing pain in the chest.

Hospital Acquired Pneumonia
This pneumonia is contracted due to a prolonged hospital stay. Also known as nosocomial pneumonia, Hospital Acquired Pneumonia (HAP) is mainly caused due to bacterial infection. The symptoms of pneumonia, apart from the usual symptoms, include purulent sputum and leukocytosis, where there is an increase in the number of white blood cells.

Legionnaire's Disease
Caused due to the presence of Legionella bacteria, this is a serious kind of pneumonia which is spread due to contaminated water droplets. The main source of these infected water droplets are air conditioning units, plumbing systems, hot water tanks, etc. It is one of the dangerous types of pneumonia which can cause fatality in about 5 to 25 percent of the cases suffering from this pulmonary disease.

Opportunistic Pneumonia
Opportunistic pneumonia is caused by opportunistic fungal growth. This pneumonia is so named because it occurs when the immune system of an individual is weak and the person is more susceptible to any kind of infection. The signs are similar to the pneumonia caused due to bacterial or viral growth.

Viral Pneumonia
The main reason for the occurrence of viral pneumonia is weakened immune system, due to which the virus can attack the body easily. It is spread through sneezing or coughing and also through an infected person. The viral pneumonia symptoms may appear to be similar to bacterial pneumonia.

Walking Pneumonia
Walking pneumonia, also known as atypical pneumonia, can be caused due to bacterial or mycoplasma infection. The signs of walking pneumonia in adults are less severe than the pneumonia caused by bacterial or viral infestation. The signs and symptoms of walking pneumonia can be cured without undergoing hospitalization.

Symptoms of Pneumonia in Adults

The signs of pneumonia in adults may appear similar to that of common cold. However, it may need prompt medical attention to prevent it from becoming intense.

• One of the primary signs of pneumonia is high-grade fever, accompanied by cold and cough. Some individuals may also experience chills.
• Another pneumonia symptom in adults is shortness of breath, followed by chest pain. The chest pain may be aggravated with breathing. This condition is also referred to as pleurisy.
• Walking pneumonia is the milder form of pneumonia which may not require higher doses of medication to cure it. One of the walking pneumonia symptoms in adults is experiencing malaise, accompanied by muscle aches.
• Some individuals may also complain of headaches, which may range from moderate to severe. Body ache is also a common complaint seen in persons suffering from this respiratory disease.
• Other indications of pneumonia in adults are general body weakness, nausea induced vomiting and a feeling of lethargy. In severe cases, the individual may appear confused. Cyanosis, blue coloring of the lips and fingernails, may also set in as a result of oxygen deprivation.

Pneumonia Diagnosis and Treatment

Before administering treatment, the type of pneumonia should be distinguished appropriately. Administering wrong treatment has its own negative effects, hence it is essential to first diagnose the exact condition and review the signs of pneumonia. The diagnostic tests may include a sputum test, to determine the exact cause of pneumonia, blood tests, chest X-rays to check for the spread of this lung disease. In some cases, a bronchoscopy, where a tube like instrument is inserted into the lungs through the nostrils or mouth, to collect samples for testing, may also be undertaken. Once all the diagnostic tests are conducted, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics and antiviral medication depending on the type of pneumonia. Anti-inflammatory drugs may also be prescribed to reduce the inflammation in the lungs. Cough suppressants may also be needed to treat cough and sore throat. In case the symptoms have intensified, the patient may need to undergo hospitalization, where drugs will be administered intravenously. Once the condition has cured, a follow-up may be required to prevent it from resurfacing. The doctor may also provide a few pneumonia recovery tips.

Due to the creation of the pneumonia vaccine, the occurrence of this disease is prevented and its spread is also controlled. A healthy lifestyle and proper hygiene will help strengthen the immune system and prevent the occurrence of any disease. Take care!