Major Causes and Classification of Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a kind of serious infection of the lungs that is caused by various types of bacteria, viruses and even fungi. It can be mild and sometimes even fatal. It affects people having weakened immune systems, amongst older people that are above 65 years of age, infants and younger children. Pneumonia can either be bacterial, viral or even mycoplasma. It is a serious health issue that requires proper treatment. Pneumonia is a common disease that can have more than 30 types of causes and symptoms. It is a contagious lung infection that is characterized by the inflammation of air sacs in either one or both lungs. The air sacs tend to get filled with fluid or pus which results in fever, cough, chills and breathing difficulty. In this article, we will study types of pneumonia, the causative agent of pneumonia, pneumonia symptoms treatment and prevention, and take a look at the pneumonia short note.
How is Pneumonia Caused
Let us now learn about the causes and symptoms.
Bacteria, viruses, or even fungi can lead to pneumonia. The common causes include the following:
Cold viruses
Flu viruses
RSV virus which is the top cause of pneumonia in babies that are of age 1 or even younger
Bacteria are known as Streptococcus pneumonia and the other Mycoplasma pneumonia
Types of Pneumonia
Let us learn about the pneumonia types and causes.
Bacterial Pneumonia
The most common bacteria which leads to pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae. It occurs amongst people having an existing lung disorder, and those who drink excessively due to which they develop a weakened immune system. It also affects older people whose immunity keeps weakening with increasing age.
Viral Pneumonia
It is caused due to various viruses like the influenza virus. More than 1/3 rd of the total pneumonia cases are caused due to viruses.
Mycoplasma Pneumonia
This is called atypical pneumonia and shows different kinds of symptoms. It is caused due to Mycoplasma pneumonia which causes mild pneumonia which affects all age groups.
Other Pneumonia
These are quite less common and can be caused by several other infectious agents like fungi.
Pneumonia Symptoms Causes and Prevention
Let us look at the pneumonia causes and symptoms.
The initial symptoms of pneumonia usually resemble the ones of a cold or flu. The person then starts to develop a high fever, chills, and cough along with sputum.
The Common Symptoms Include the Following
cough
fever
headache
rusty or green coloured phlegm, or sputum, which is coughed up from lungs
faster breathing and shortness of breath
shaking chills
fatigue and weakness
chest pain which usually worsens during taking a deep breath called pleuritic pain
fast heartbeat
diarrhoea
nausea and vomiting
sweating
muscle pain
confusion or delirium found especially in older adults
dusky or purplish coloured skin, or cyanosis, due to poorly oxygenated blood
The symptoms tend to vary depending on the several other underlying conditions and the kind of pneumonia.
Pneumonia Diagnosis
If your doctor thinks that you might have pneumonia, they would probably give you the following tests:
Blood tests to look for any signs of bacterial infection
A chest X-ray for finding the infection in the lungs and how far it has spread
Pulse oximetry for measuring the levels of oxygen in your blood
A sputum test for checking the fluid in your lungs for finding the cause of an infection
In case your symptoms started in the hospital or if you have any other health problems, your doctor might also give you more tests, like:
An arterial blood gas test for measuring the oxygen in a small amount of the blood which is taken from one of your arteries
Bronchoscopy for checking your airways for any blockages or any other problems
A CT scan to get a clear and detailed image of your lungs
A pleural fluid culture, wherein the doctor removes a small portion of the fluid from the tissues that are around your lungs for looking for bacteria that might cause pneumonia
Pneumonia Treatment
The treatment varies according to the type and severity of pneumonia.
Bacterial types of pneumonia are generally treated with antibiotics.
Viral types of pneumonia are generally treated with rest and having plenty of fluids. Antiviral medications are used in influenza.
Fungal type of pneumonia is generally treated with antifungal medications.
Doctors generally prescribe over-the-counter or OTC medications for helping to manage the symptoms of pneumonia. These include several treatments to reduce fever, reduce aches and pains, and suppress coughs.
Hospitalization for pneumonia might be required if the symptoms are especially bad or if the individual has a weakened immune system or any other kinds of serious illnesses.
Pneumonia is an infection that can be caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. This infection inflames the air sacs of one or both lungs and fills it with fluids and pus, which can cause coughing, fever, chills, and dyspnea with sputum and pus. The intensity of Pneumonia can vary from person to person. Pneumonia can be mild to some and life-threatening to others, it is most serious for infants, people over the age of 65, health problems and people with weakened immunity.
Types of Pneumonia
Bacterial Pneumonia
This type of pneumonia occurs in the lungs and is caused by bacteria. The most common kind is caused due to streptococcus bacteria. It is common not only in people over the age of 65 but also in people with asthma and heart disease. Similar to viral pneumonia, symptoms such as high fever, green or yellow sputum, and chills appear. Antibiotics are the most common method of treating bacterial pneumonia.
Viral Pneumonia
Viruses are the second most common factor causing Pneumonia. It is triggered by bacteria. Viral pneumonia can spread through body fluids after someone coughs or sneezes within close proximity. Symptoms of this pneumonia include a dry cough, fever, chills in the body, shortness of breath, and pain in the chest while breathing. The most common treatment for this type of pneumonia is antiviral, as well as symptomatic treatment. Doctors usually advise the patients to take rest as much as possible.
Fungal Pneumonia
Fungus is a very low likely cause of pneumonia. If you are healthy, you are unlikely to have fungal pneumonia. However, if your immune system is weak, you are more likely to get it, especially if you had an organ transplant, Chemotherapy for cancer, If you are taking drugs for treating autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, HIV. You can even catch Pneumonia by Inhaling small particles called fungal spores that lead to fungal pneumonia. People of a particular profession are more likely to come into contact with them. For example, farmers dealing with bird, bat, or rodent dung, Landscape architects and gardeners who handle soil, construction workers, On-site military person etc.
Walking Pneumonia
Walking Pneumonia is a less severe type of bacterial infection also known as mycoplasma pneumonia. Sometimes it is even called Atypical Pneumonia. This type of pneumonia is mild and is usually called walking pneumonia because it allows you to carry out your daily activities and you don’t even realize that you are sick. It feels like a bad cold whose symptoms include fever, chills, and cough.
FAQs on Types of Pneumonia: A Complete Guide for Students
1. What are the main types of pneumonia based on the causative agent?
Pneumonia is primarily classified based on the type of germ causing the lung infection. The main types are:
- Bacterial Pneumonia: Caused by bacteria, this is the most common type. Key pathogens, as per the CBSE syllabus, include Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.
- Viral Pneumonia: Caused by viruses such as the influenza virus (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and rhinoviruses. It is responsible for about one-third of all cases.
- Mycoplasma Pneumonia: Caused by bacteria-like organisms called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It often results in milder symptoms and is sometimes informally called "walking pneumonia".
- Fungal Pneumonia: This type is less common and typically affects individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic health problems. It is caused by inhaling fungal spores from the environment.
2. How is pneumonia classified based on where the infection is acquired?
Beyond the causative agent, pneumonia is also classified by the setting in which it was contracted, which helps in determining the likely pathogens and treatment. The key classifications are:
- Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP): This is the most common type, acquired outside of a hospital or other healthcare facility.
- Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (HAP): This type develops 48 hours or more after being admitted to a hospital for another condition. It can be more severe as the bacteria involved may be resistant to antibiotics.
- Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP): A specific subtype of HAP that occurs in patients who are on mechanical ventilators for breathing assistance.
3. According to the CBSE Class 12 syllabus, what are the key causative agents for pneumonia?
As per the CBSE Class 12 Biology syllabus under the chapter 'Human Health and Diseases', pneumonia is an infectious disease of the lungs. The syllabus specifically highlights two primary bacterial pathogens responsible for causing the disease: Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Students are expected to understand how these pathogens infect the alveoli (air sacs) of the lungs.
4. Is pneumonia considered a contagious disease?
Yes, the pathogens that cause pneumonia are contagious. The disease itself isn't what spreads, but rather the infectious agents (bacteria or viruses) that cause it. An infected person can spread these germs by coughing or sneezing, which releases infected droplets into theair. Another individual can get infected if they inhale these droplets, allowing the germs to reach their lungs.
5. What is "walking pneumonia" and how does it differ from typical pneumonia?
"Walking pneumonia" is not a formal medical term but an informal name for a mild case of pneumonia. It is most often caused by the atypical bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The key difference is the severity of symptoms. A person with walking pneumonia may feel like they have a bad cold and can often continue their daily activities, whereas typical pneumonia often causes more severe symptoms like high fever, chills, and shortness of breath that may require bed rest or hospitalization.
6. Why is it important for doctors to distinguish between bacterial and viral pneumonia?
Distinguishing between bacterial and viral pneumonia is crucial because it dictates the entire treatment approach. Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics, which are specifically designed to kill bacteria. These drugs are completely ineffective against viruses. On the other hand, viral pneumonia does not respond to antibiotics. Its treatment focuses on supportive care like rest, hydration, and sometimes antiviral medications. Using antibiotics unnecessarily for viral infections can lead to harmful side effects and contribute to the global problem of antibiotic resistance.
7. What is aspiration pneumonia and how is its cause different from other types?
Aspiration pneumonia is a type of lung infection that develops after you inhale foreign material into your lungs. This material can be food, liquid, vomit, or saliva from your mouth. Its cause is fundamentally different from other types because the infection is not typically started by inhaling airborne germs from another person. Instead, it's caused by bacteria that are normally present in the mouth or stomach being carried into the lungs, leading to inflammation and infection. It often affects people with swallowing difficulties or impaired consciousness.
8. Which type of pneumonia is generally considered the most dangerous?
While any type of pneumonia can be serious, Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (HAP) is often considered the most dangerous. There are two main reasons for this: the patient is already in the hospital for another illness, meaning their immune system is likely compromised, and the bacteria present in a hospital environment are more likely to be resistant to common antibiotics. This combination makes the infection harder to treat and increases the risk of severe complications.
