An infection in your lungs due to bacteria, fungi or viruses is known as pneumonia. This
condition causes the swelling or inflammation of the lung tissue, leading to the accumulation of
fluid or pus in your lungs. Bacterial pneumonia is more severe than viral pneumonia, as the
latter heals on its own. Pneumonia has the potential to affect either one or both of your lungs. A
condition where both the lungs are damaged in pneumonia is called bilateral or double
pneumonia.
Know the Difference Between Viral and Bacterial Pneumonia:
Different root causes indicate different symptoms of pneumonia. For example, viral pneumonia
has different symptoms as compared to bacterial pneumonia. It is also important to note that
bacterial pneumonia is more severe and common than viral pneumonia and may need a
hospital stay. Most healthcare providers prescribe antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia. On the
other hand, viral pneumonia has symptoms similar to flu and resolves on its own without specific
treatment.
The Different Types of Pneumonia:
Pneumonia can be categorized by the pathogen (bacteria, fungi, or virus) causing it and the
place (hospital, community, and ventilator) you acquired.
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP):
When you acquire pneumonia outside the healthcare facility, it is known as community-acquired
pneumonia. The causes consist of Bacteria, Viruses , Fungi (molds) and Protozoa
Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP):
You may also contract pneumonia while you're in a healthcare facility or hospital for a different
illness or procedure. In comparison, HAP is more severe than community-acquired pneumonia
because of its causes, which include antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Hospital-acquired pneumonia can make you sicker and be difficult to treat.
Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP):
You can get HCAP in a long-term healthcare facility like a hospital, nursing home, or outpatient extended-stay clinic. Similar to hospital-acquired pneumonia, this is also caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP):
If there is a need for you to be on a respirator or breathing machine to assist you in breathing in
the hospital or an ICU, you may be prone to ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). This type
of pneumonia shares the same bacteria as the community-acquired pneumonia, as well as the
hospital-acquired pneumonia, which is drug-resistant.
Aspiration pneumonia:
This occurs when solid food, liquids, spit or vomit go down your windpipe (also known as
trachea) and into your lungs. If you are unable to cough these up, your lungs can get infected
and get aspiration pneumonia.
The Difference Between Pneumonia and Common Cold/Flu:
While the common cold and flu are not life-threatening, pneumonia is. Therefore, it is extremely
important to know the difference between the two. The common symptoms of pneumonia could
include:
● Congestion or chest pain
● Difficulty in breathing
● High temperature or fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.88 degrees Celsius or
higher.
● Coughing up yellow, green or bloody mucus or spit.
Risk of Developing Pneumonia:
You have a greater chance of getting pneumonia if you
● Are older than 65 or younger than 2.
● Have a lung or heart condition, such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, or sarcoidosis.
● Suffer from a neurological condition that makes swallowing difficult, like dementia,
Parkinson’s disease, or after a stroke, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia.
● Are hospitalized or residing in a long-term care facility.
● Smoke.
● Are pregnant.
● Have a compromised immune system, which can occur if you are undergoing
chemotherapy, have received an organ transplant, are living with HIV/AIDS, or are
taking immune-suppressing medications.
Diagnosis and Tests for Pneumonia:
Diagnosis of pneumonia usually starts with a healthcare provider taking your medical history
and doing a physical exam. They’ll listen to your lungs for any unusual sounds. A chest X-ray is
often done to look for areas of infection. Blood tests, like a complete blood count, can show
signs of infection, and if you have a cough, a sputum culture can help identify the bacteria or
virus causing the issue. Additional tests may include checking your oxygen levels with pulse
oximetry, and in some cases, a CT scan or bronchoscopy might be needed for a closer look.
These methods help ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide treatment.
Talk to your healthcare provider today if you or your loved one is experiencing the symptoms of Pneumonia.