General Considerations in Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a common and potentially serious condition that affects people of all ages. According to World Health Organization, in 2019, an estimated 740,180 children under the age of 5 died due to pneumonia – this accounts for 14% of all deaths in children under 5 years.1 Elderly people 65 years and older as well as people with preexisting medical conditions are also at risk of contracting the illness.2 It is therefore important to learn basic information on what causes it and how you can prevent it.
Pneumonia versus upper respiratory tract infection
Cough and colds associated with fever are symptoms most people often experience. Most commonly, these symptoms are caused by either an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) or pneumonia. Although both diseases have an overlap of signs and symptoms, it is important to differentiate between the two.
Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is a general term that describes an infection involving the nose, sinuses, throat, and the large airways.3
Pneumonia on the other hand is an inflammation of the lungs, caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infection.4 Pneumonia may lead to the accumulation of pus or other liquids in the lungs, resulting to difficulty of breathing and limiting oxygen intake.1
The illustration depicts the upper respiratory tract and the lower respiratory tract. Pneumonia is an infection of the lung and hence classified as a lower respiratory tract infection.
(Image is for representation purpose only)
Bacterial versus viral pneumonia
Pneumonia is caused by different infectious agents but is commonly due to either a virus or bacteria.
Bacterial pneumonia, often caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems, including those who abuse alcohol, smoke, or have underlying health issues.4
Viral pneumonia, which includes flu-related cases, accounts for about one-third of pneumonia instances.4
Common symptoms of Bacterial Pneumonia:4,5
- Fever, typically >38°C or low body temperature (< 35°C)
- Sweating and/ or chills
- Cough, usually with thick phlegm
- Fast breathing
- Fast heart rate (>100 beats per minute) or slow heart rate (< 60 beats per minute)
- Chest pain and/or abdominal pain, especially with coughing or deep breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Bluish discoloration of lips, face
- Confusion specially in adults 65 years and older
- Irritability or fussiness in children
Common symptoms of Viral Pneumonia4,6
- Fever
- Chills
- Dry cough
- Muscle and/or joint pains
- Headache
- Fatigue
Bacterial and viral pneumonia often look the same, and some cases of viral pneumonia can progress to bacterial pneumonia. 2,7 It is important to consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Treatment1,4
Properly differentiating between bacterial and viral causes of pneumonia is important as it dictates which treatment is necessary. Specifically, antibiotics are needed to treat bacterial pneumonia. On the other hand, antiviral medications are not always necessary for viral pneumonia since it typically resolves naturally. Your physician may prescribe additional medications to alleviate your symptoms. If you cannot immediately consult a healthcare professional, proper hydration, and over-the-counter medication to relieve cough and fever may be helpful.
Prevention
People of all ages can reduce their risk of pneumonia by implementing a few precautions, such as the following:
• Vaccinations: Immunization against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza, measles, influenza, and whooping cough (pertussis) is the most effective way to prevent pneumonia.1 Vaccines against these infectious agents are included in the Philippine National Immunization Program.8 Consult a healthcare professional for the appropriate vaccine and schedule for vaccination.
• Maintaining good hygiene through proper hand washing, especially when caring for others who are sick or after blowing your nose, will keep disease-causing viruses or bacteria from spreading.4
• Reduce indoor air pollution by providing affordable clean indoor stoves and stop smoking.1
• In children, exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life.1
Conclusion
Pneumonia is a serious concern across all age groups. Differentiating it from upper respiratory infections is vital, and professional medical evaluation is necessary. Bacterial pneumonia requires antibiotics, while viral pneumonia often resolves naturally. Prevention is of utmost importance and vaccination remains an essential part of it. Equipping ourselves with knowledge and proactive measures is essential for overall well-being and that of our loved ones.
REFERENCES:
- WHO. 2022. Pneumonia in children. Accessed September 2023 from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/pneumonia
- John Hopkins Medicine. Pneumonia. Accessed September 2023 from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/pneumonia.
- Thomas M., Bomar, P.A. 2023. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection. In: StatPearls [Internet] Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan. Accessed September 2023 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532961/
- Cleveland clinic. Pneumonia. Accessed September 2023 from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4471-pneumonia.
- Gamache, J., et.al. 2020. Bacterial Pneumonia. Accessed September 2023 from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/300157-overview.
- Mosenifar, Z., et. al. 2023. Viral Pneumonia. Accessed September 2023 from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/300455-overview.
- Klompas, M. 2023. Clinical evaluation and diagnostic testing for community-acquired pneumonia in adults. Accessed September 2023 from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-evaluation-and-diagnostic-testing-for-community-acquired-pneumonia-in-adults
- Pediatric Infectious Society of the Philippines.2023. Childhood Immunization Schedule 2023. Accessed September 2023 from https://www.pidsphil.org/home/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CHILDHOOD-IMMUNIZATION-SCHEDULE-2023-Edited.pdf.