Understanding Pneumonia: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Contagion, Treatment, and Recovery

Are you suffering from pneumonia? What are the types and symptoms of pneumonia, and what measures can be put in place to prevent and treat pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection that affects the air sacs in the lungs. The disease can be considered as life-threatening, and it’s mostly serious in children and individuals above 65 years. Additionally, people with health problems or weakened immune system may also suffer from severe pneumonia. Below, I have stated the various types and symptoms of pneumonia that you should be aware of.

Types Of Pneumonia

There are dozens of forms of pneumonia, but they are grouped into 4, and they are:

1. Fungal Pneumonia: this type of pneumonia originates from the soil or the droppings of a bird. Those with AIDS are affected by pneumocystic jirovecii pneumonia (PCP).

2. Mycoplasma Pneumonia: this type of pneumonia is also known as the “walking pneumonia”. Symptoms of mycoplasma pneumonia may vary from person to person. Young adults and children are mostly affected by this type.

3. Bacterial Pneumonia: the most common bacteria that causes this form of pneumonia is streptococcus pneumoniae. This form of pneumonia may infect just a part of the lung or both.

4. Viral Pneumonia: this form of pneumonia is caused by numerous viruses, and It’s responsible for about half of all the pneumonia cases. This form is usually not severe and serious as compared to the other forms.

Pneumonia Symptoms

No matter the type of pneumonia, these are some common symptoms each victim may experience:

• Fever
• Profuse sweating
• Difficulty in breathing
• Constant fatigue
• Cough that may contain yellow, green or bloody mucus
• Chest pains when coughing or breathing
• Rapid pulse
• Delirium

Pneumonia Causes

As mentioned earlier for the types of pneumonia, they can also be considered as the causes. Pneumonia can be caused by viral, fungal or bacterial infection. Common causes of pneumonia may include: COVID-19, flu and pneumococcal disease.

Is Pneumonia Contagious?

Generally, pneumonia is not contagious. The bacteria and virus that causes pneumonia are the contagious ones. The disease can be spread from person to person via coughing and sneezing.

Victims of pneumonia do respond well to treatment, but the disease can be deadly and very serious. Especially, in older adults (over 65 years), people with weakened immune system can have severe complications if not treated properly and early.

Pneumonia Treatments

• IV fluids: fluids that prevent dehydration
• Antibiotics: specifically for bacterial pneumonia but can be prescribed for a victim experiencing both viral and bacterial symptoms
• Oxygen therapy: provision of extra oxygen through a tube in your nose
• Antiviral medications such as zanamivir, peramivir, or oseltamivir.
• Antifungal medications

Is Pneumonia Contagious After Antibiotics?

Mostly, once a victim of the disease starts with the antibiotics, he or she remains contagious for about 24 to 48 hours.

Signs That Pneumonia is Improving

There are numerous signs that pneumonia is improving after treatment, and some of them include:

• Temperature dropping to the normal
• Less mucus when coughing
• No severe chest pain when sneezing or coughing

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pneumonia has claimed the lives of about 2.5 million people, and this is very alarming.

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