Pneumonia is an inflammation and infection of the alveoli, the tiniest air sacs in the lungs. Depending on the age and the specific strain of pneumonia, the pus or fluid that builds up in these air sacs can range in severity from moderate to life-threatening.
Pneumonia comes in various forms, and for some patients, recognizing which kind they have is essential in receiving the therapy they require. In certain cases, the various forms of pneumonia call for radically different therapies.
Contagious Pneumonia in the Community
Community-acquired pneumonia is a condition that develops in healthy people who are otherwise enjoying a normal life but who become ill and are subsequently diagnosed with pneumonia.
Home care, including rest and antibiotics, is usually effective. Community-acquired pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or even people roaming about with the illness.
Pneumonia Caused by Bacteria
When bacteria, most often Streptococcus pneumonia, cause pneumonia in the population, we call it bacterial pneumonia.
Pulmonologist Dr Raymond Casciari from Providence St. Joseph Hospital-Orange explained that this bacterium typically dwells in the upper respiratory tract but may go all the way down to the lungs and create an infection there.
This pneumonia can occur on its own or after a previous viral illness. Each year, bacterial pneumonia affects more than 900,000 people in the United States.
Bacterial Pneumonia
The virus could be the cause of CA Pneumonia in the community. A virus causes pneumonia. These viruses can cause pneumonia.
- RSV (RSV)
- Influenza virus
- Parainfluenza
- Adenovirus
- Measles
- COVID-19
Virus-induced pneumonia is not curable with antibiotics, alas. If the illness is detected quickly, additional drugs may be effective. To that end, medications such as antivirals and corticosteroids will be used.
Supplementary oxygen therapy may be necessary for more severe instances. However, Dr Sood noted that if your symptoms are moderate, your doctor would likely tell you to stay in bed and drink lots of fluids until you feel better.
Walking Pneumonia
Walking pneumonia is the final type of pneumonia that may be acquired in the community. "walking pneumonia" is not always used to describe a legitimate medical condition.
As was previously said, "what it means is that whatever the cause of your pneumonia is, it is not severe enough to keep you in bed," and "with walking pneumonia, you can feel bad, but you are still able to do most things."
Any of the three most common types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi can cause walking pneumonia. According to the American Lung Association, Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a frequent bacterial cause of respiratory tract infections that are often mild.
Aspergillus Pneumonia
In most of the United States, fungal pneumonia is uncommon and contracted by inhaling fungal spores. However, the American Lung Association reports that the fungus Coccidioides, found in the southwestern United States soil, can induce a kind of pneumonia known as valley fever.
People with compromised immune systems, such as diabetes, AIDS, or cancer, are more likely to get fungal pneumonia. Antifungal drugs like fluconazole are commonly used in treatment.
Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia
According to a 2022 article in StatPearls, "nosocomial pneumonia" is defined as "pneumonia that occurs after hospitalization and may result from exposure to a variety of different organisms," including both hospital-acquired pneumonia and ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Both community- and hospital-acquired pneumonia are distinct diseases. Patients with pneumonia who will be spending time in a hospital or similar setting are said to have "hospital-acquired pneumonia," They are at a higher risk of contracting bacteria and viruses that can only be treated with stronger medications.
An article from 2022 in StatPearls defines ventilator-associated pneumonia as nosocomial pneumonia. A ventilator is a typical source of hospital-acquired pneumonia.
Synthetic Pneumonia
Classical chemical pneumonia was caused by chlorine gas, employed as a weapon in World War I and is a toxic inhalant disease. Accidental inhalation of huge fumes from cleaning products, pool equipment, or even air fresheners sprayed straight into one's lungs can also lead to chemical pneumonia. The lungs can experience physical irritation from them.
According to MedlinePlus, therapy with corticosteroids can reduce inflammation. After that, you'll likely need supportive care from medical professionals while your lungs mend. Possible interventions include providing the patient with extra oxygen, water, and mechanical breathing.
Summary
According to the American Lung Association, pneumonia can be brought on by several different types of bacteria, fungi, or viruses. If you can correctly identify the strain of pneumonia that you have, then you are one step closer to being able to treat it.
Your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose the type of pneumonia you have and will direct you through the treatment process, whether you need to rest, take antibiotics, or take supplemental oxygen.
