Pneumonia

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is actually a group of diseases that cause infection or inflammation (swelling) in the lungs. Pneumonia causes air sacs in the lungs to fill with pus and other fluids, making it difficult for oxygen to reach the blood. Pneumonia affects the lungs in two ways: lobar pneumonia affects a section (or lobe) of the lung, and bronchial pneumonia (also called bronchopneumonia) affects patches of both lungs.

People who are otherwise healthy often recover quickly when given prompt and proper care. However, pneumonia is a serious infection that affects thousands of older people each year. Although the elderly and people who have a chronic illness (such as Parkinson’s disease) are most at risk, pneumonia can affect anyone. Pneumonia can also lead to other infections, such as meningitis, an infection in the brain.

What causes pneumonia?

Pneumonia has many causes, but the main causes are:

• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Mycoplasmas (agents having characteristics of both bacteria and viruses)
• Other infectious agents, such as fungi (pneumocytis)
• Various chemicals

In Parkinson’s disease, swallowing problems can lead to aspiration, or inhaling of mouth or stomach contents into the lungs. This increase the risk of developing pneumonia.

What is bacterial pneumonia?

Bacterial pneumonia is pneumonia caused by bacteria. The streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia. A vaccine, medicine given as a shot, provides protection against this particular bacterium. One shot provides protection for a lifetime. The vaccine does not protect against pneumonia caused by viruses or other bacteria.

Who should get the pneumococcal vaccine?

You should get the pneumococcal vaccine if you:

• Are over age 65
• Have a chronic illness, such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease
• Have HIV or AIDS
• Have a weak immune system from another cause, such as from certain kidney diseases and some cancers
• Are taking medicines, such as prednisone, that weaken the immune system

What are the symptoms of bacterial pneumonia?

Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia can develop gradually or suddenly. Symptoms include:

• High fever (up to 105 degrees)
• Drowsiness
• Rapid breathing
• Chills
• Cough with mucus (might be greenish or have blood)
• Chest pain
• Blue tint on lips or under the nails (severe cases)

What is viral pneumonia?

Viral pneumonia is pneumonia caused by a virus. About half of all people with pneumonia have viral pneumonia. Viral pneumonia is usually less serious than bacterial pneumonia and can take two to four weeks for recovery.

What are the symptoms of viral pneumonia?

Early symptoms, which are similar to flu symptoms, include:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle pain

Additional symptoms about a day later:

• High fever
• Cough with mucus
• Shortness of breath

Additional symptoms of severe cases:

• Extreme breathlessness
• Blue tint on lips or under the nails

How can I protect myself from pneumonia?

• Inform your doctor if you experience trouble swallowing. A swallowing evaluation can help further identify your risk of aspiration.
• Get a viral influenza (flu) vaccine (shot) each year. Flu vaccines are prepared annually in anticipation of that year’s virus strain. Influenza can make pneumonia infection more likely.
• Get the pneumococcal vaccine to protect yourself against pneumococcus.
• Get treated for any other infections in the respiratory system, especially those in the lungs. Wash your hands before eating, before preparing food, and after going outside.
• Try to avoid people who have colds or the flu. Ask them to visit you when they are feeling better.
• Eat a healthy diet, exercise, and get enough rest.
• Contact your health care provider if you think you have symptoms. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen, as you might develop an emergency condition.
• Don't smoke.
• Don't use alcohol heavily.

How is pneumonia treated?

Bacterial pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics, medicine taken as pills. Penicillin, a type of antibiotic, is often given for pneumococcal pneumonia. In some cases, the person must stay in the hospital for treatment. Hospital treatments include oxygen therapy to increase oxygen in the blood (when needed,) and intravenous fluids (fluids given through a needle). Medicines such as analgesics (to relieve chest pain) and acetaminophen (to reduce fever) might be given. With treatment, bacterial pneumonia usually improves within 24 to 48 hours.

Viral pneumonia is usually less serious. A stay in the hospital is rarely needed. Antibiotics cannot be used to treat viral pneumonia, but might be given to fight a bacterial infection that is also present. Other medicines, such as those listed above, might be used to lessen symptoms. If you are given antibiotics, make sure you take all of the medicine, even if you feel better. If you stop taking the medicine too early, the infection can come back and might be harder to treat.

For both viral and bacterial pneumonia:

• Drink warm fluids to relieve coughing.
• Use an ultrasonic humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air. (Ultrasonic humidifiers kill bacteria and molds in the water.)
• Rest.
• Don't rush your recovery. It can take weeks to get your full strength back.
• Don't smoke.

© Copyright 1995-2008 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved

Can't find the health information you’re looking for? Ask a Health Educator, Live!

Click here to go to the Pulmonary Allergy & Critical Care Medicine Web site.

Know someone who could use this information?....send them this link.

This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 7/30/2008...index#9378