Pneumonia – SP Medifort Hospital

Pneumonia Treatment

Pneumonia Treatment In Trivandrum

Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation in one or both lungs. The air sacs in the lungs may fill with fluid or pus, leading to symptoms such as cough, fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia can range from mild to severe and may be life-threatening in infants, older adults, and people with weakened immunity.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of Pneumonia?

Common symptoms of pneumonia may include:

Persistent cough with mucus.
Fever, chills, or sweating.
Shortness of breath or rapid breathing.
Chest pain while breathing or coughing.
Fatigue and weakness.
Loss of appetite.
Confusion in older adults.

What causes Pneumonia?

Pneumonia occurs when germs infect the lungs, causing inflammation.

Bacterial Pneumonia: Caused by bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae, it develops suddenly with fever, chest pain, and a productive cough.
Viral Pneumonia: Caused by viruses such as influenza or RSV, symptoms include fever, dry cough, and fatigue, often affecting children and older adults.
Fungal Pneumonia: Mainly affects people with weakened immunity, caused by environmental fungi, leading to prolonged respiratory issues.
Aspiration Pneumonia: Occurs when food, liquids, or vomit enter the lungs; common in those with swallowing problems or reduced consciousness.

Diagnosis of Pneumonia

At our hospital, pneumonia is diagnosed using a combination of clinical evaluation and tests.

Medical History and Physical Examination: Doctors evaluate the patient’s symptoms, such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Listening to lung sounds with a stethoscope helps detect abnormal breathing patterns, crackles, or wheezing indicative of infection.
Chest X-ray: Imaging helps visualize the lungs, confirming the presence of infection and showing which areas are affected. It also helps differentiate pneumonia from other lung conditions like bronchitis or heart failure.
Blood Tests: Blood tests help identify signs of infection, such as an elevated white blood cell count, and can assist in determining whether the pneumonia is bacterial or viral. They may also assess overall health and detect complications.
Sputum Test: Analysis of mucus coughed up from the lungs helps identify the specific bacteria, virus, or fungus causing the infection, guiding targeted treatment with antibiotics or antivirals.
Pulse Oximetry: A non-invasive test measures the oxygen saturation in the blood, indicating how effectively the lungs are delivering oxygen to the body and helping assess the severity of pneumonia.

What are the Pneumonia risk factors?

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing pneumonia:

Age: Young children and older adults are more vulnerable.
Smoking or Alcohol: Weakens lung defenses, increasing infection risk.
Chronic Lung Disease: Conditions like asthma or COPD make lungs more susceptible.
Weakened Immunity: Reduced immune response allows infections to take hold.
Recent Viral Infections: Flu or COVID-19 can predispose the lungs to bacterial pneumonia.

What treatment options are available for Pneumonia?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the infection.

Antibiotics: Antibiotics are the primary treatment for bacterial pneumonia. Doctors may adjust the type of antibiotic based on the specific bacteria identified and how the patient responds to treatment. Completing the full course is essential to fully eradicate the infection and prevent complications.

Cough Medicine: Cough suppressants can help reduce discomfort and allow rest, but coughing should not be completely eliminated since it helps clear mucus and fluids from the lungs. These medicines should be used carefully and only as needed.

Fever Reducers and Pain Relievers: Medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen help manage fever, body aches, and general discomfort associated with pneumonia. They support recovery by improving comfort while the body fights the infection.

Hospital Care: In severe cases of pneumonia, patients may require specialized hospital care. This can include intravenous antibiotics or antiviral medications to treat the infection effectively, supplemental oxygen or ventilator support if breathing is compromised, and continuous monitoring of vital signs and oxygen levels. Hospitalization ensures prompt management of complications such as sepsis, respiratory failure, or lung abscesses, providing a controlled environment for recovery under the supervision of a multidisciplinary medical team.