Pneumonia can be a serious respiratory system infection, but with proper diagnosis and effective treatment, many patients can recover successfully. Pneumonia usually presents with symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever and fatigue. Especially elderly individuals, young children, those with weak immune systems and people with chronic diseases are at higher risk for pneumonia. However, in general, it can affect people of all ages.
Pneumonia is a lung infection that occurs as a result of inflammation of the alveoli, which are the air sacs of the lungs. It is usually triggered by bacteria, viruses or fungi and enters the body through breathing. These pathogenic microorganisms settle in the lung alveoli and begin to multiply, causing inflammation in the lung tissue. This infection is generally classified in two ways:
- Community Acquired Pneumonia (TCZ)
- Hospital Acquired Pneumonia (HEZ)
Community-acquired pneumonia is an infection usually acquired at home or in the community. Hospital-acquired pneumonia is an infection that occurs in people who are treated in a hospital. Both conditions can lead to serious complications. Pneumonia can pose a serious risk, especially for those with weakened immune systems, the elderly, infants, and those with chronic health problems. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can often improve the course of the disease.
How does pneumonia manifest itself?
Pneumonia is inflammation of the air sacs called alveoli in the lungs. Pneumonia can be caused by a variety of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. Pneumonia symptoms may vary depending on the cause of the infection, its severity, and the person’s immune system. Common symptoms of pneumonia include:
- High fever (above 38°C)
- Chills and shivering
- Cough, often with phlegm
- Chest pain, usually when breathing deeply or coughing
- Tiredness
- Anorexia
- Headache
Pneumonia symptoms usually begin gradually and worsen over a few days. In some cases, symptoms of pneumonia may appear suddenly. Pneumonia can be a serious health problem, especially in the elderly, children, and people with weakened immune systems. It is important to see a doctor if pneumonia is suspected. The doctor may perform a chest X-ray or blood test to diagnose pneumonia.
When is pneumonia dangerous?
Pneumonia usually ceases to be a serious health problem for most people when treated appropriately. But in certain situations or when certain risk factors are present, pneumonia can be more dangerous. Older individuals are at higher risk for pneumonia than younger, healthy individuals. In older adults with weakened immune systems, pneumonia can be more serious and lead to complications. Children under the age of six are particularly vulnerable to pneumonia. Pneumonia may be more dangerous for them because their immune systems are not yet fully developed.
People with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients, or people taking immunosuppressant medications, are at higher risk of pneumonia. Individuals with chronic health problems such as asthma, COPD, heart diseases, and diabetes are likely to experience more serious complications in case of pneumonia.
Pneumonia can be a serious condition that sometimes requires hospitalization. Especially people who show symptoms such as respiratory distress, high fever, and low blood oxygen levels may require urgent medical attention. If pneumonia bacteria are resistant to antibiotics or do not respond to treatment, the disease can become more dangerous. If pneumonia is left untreated, it can lead to the following complications:
- lung inflammation
- Lung abscess
- Septicemia (blood poisoning)
- Death
Treatment of pneumonia varies depending on the cause of the infection. Bacterial pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics help stop the growth and spread of bacteria. Antibiotics used to treat bacterial pneumonia are usually taken for 7-10 days. Viral pneumonia is usually treated with supportive treatments. Viral pneumonia usually goes away on its own. However, in some cases, antiviral medications can be used to treat viral pneumonia.
Fungal pneumonia is usually treated with antifungal medications. Antifungal medications help stop the growth and spread of fungi. Antifungal medications used to treat fungal pneumonia are usually taken for 4-6 weeks. In addition to treating pneumonia, the following may also help heal the disease:
- Rest cure
- Consuming plenty of fluids
- Painkillers and antipyretics
- Expectorant drugs
- oxygen therapy
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay away from smoking.
- Get enough rest.
- Eat healthy.
How many days does it take for pneumonia to pass?
The duration of pneumonia varies depending on many factors and may differ in each individual. Symptoms usually subside quickly once treatment for pneumonia begins, but complete recovery may take several weeks. Pneumonia usually gets better within a few weeks. However, in some cases, pneumonia may last longer or lead to complications.
Factors affecting recovery time include the patient’s age, general health condition, how early treatment is started, and the treatment methods used. A person’s immune system can also affect the healing process. A person with a strong immune system can cope with pneumonia more effectively and recover faster. However, the recovery process may be longer for individuals with weak immune systems or chronic health problems.
Does pneumonia occur due to cold?
Pneumonia is an infectious disease usually caused by bacteria or viruses. Cold weather does not directly increase the risk of pneumonia. However, cold weather usually coincides with the winter months when respiratory infections, especially upper respiratory tract infections, are more common. This is not a cause-effect relationship between cold weather and pneumonia, but rather a factor affecting the underlying risk of infection.
Cold weather generally causes people to congregate indoors more and congregate indoors more frequently. This allows infections to be transmitted more easily from person to person. In addition, cold weather can affect the respiratory tract, causing viruses or bacteria to reach the respiratory system more easily. Pneumonia usually begins when bacteria or viruses enter the respiratory tract. Precautions such as following hygiene rules during cold weather periods, washing hands frequently and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing are important in protecting against pneumonia and other respiratory infections.
What are the symptoms of pneumonia recovery?
During the pneumonia recovery process, there are usually significant improvements and symptoms. However, the speed of recovery may vary from individual to individual and sometimes full recovery may take several weeks. Pneumonia recovery symptoms:
- Fever decreases and remains normal
- Reduction in cough
- The color and thickness of the sputum returns to normal
- Decreased shortness of breath
- increased energy
- Improvement of sleep quality
- Return of appetite
- don’t feel good