Even though we have had an uncharacteristically warm December this year, the cold weather is just around the corner. Every winter season the focus of acute health conditions makes its usual turn toward the respiratory diseases. These include colds, ear and sinus infections, and the seasonal flu and its complications, such as pneumonia.
Each year over 5.5 million Americans will get pneumonia. This figure does not include infections by individuals who are hospitalized or in a nursing home. Therefore, this type of pneumonia is referred to as “community-acquired” pneumonia.
The lungs are responsible for bringing oxygen into the body. Oxygen is needed by the cells to produce the energy required for all bodily functions. The air we breathe is composed of 21 percent oxygen. As we breathe air into the lungs, we fill millions of tiny air sacs (alveoli) with oxygenated air. It is here that the oxygen moves into the bloodstream and is transported to the rest of the body.
Pneumonia is an inflammation or infection of the lungs that disrupts this transfer of oxygen. It is considered a lower respiratory infection as opposed to a cold, sore throat or sinus infection, which are upper respiratory infections.
Pneumonia can be classified as typical or atypical. Typical pneumonia is usually caused by bacteria such as strep. Atypical pneumonia can be caused by viruses, such as influenza or cold viruses, and other bacteria such as legionella (Legionnaire’s disease), mycoplasma, and Chlamydia.
Atypical pneumonias are more common in young adults. These infections may not present with severe or debilitating symptoms in some individuals. Hence, the term “walking pneumonia” has been used at times to describe these cases.
Typical pneumonias are more common in the very young and older individuals. Symptoms can appear more suddenly and with more vigor. People who have pre-existing medical conditions such as heart failure, diabetes, stroke, COPD, liver or kidney disease, and those who smoke are at risk for complications from both typical and atypical pneumonias.
The signs and symptoms of both typical and atypical pneumonias can be the same. They include cough, fever, chills, fatigue, muscles aches, headache, shortness of breath, and pain in the chest with breathing. Depending on which bacteria are causing the infection, the cough may be dry or productive.
Your doctor can usually diagnose pneumonia based on your symptoms, vital signs, and by examination, specifically by listening to your lungs. A chest X-ray is helpful in making the diagnosis as well. It may also help to differentiate between typical and atypical infections and guide treatment. Other testing including blood tests and sputum tests can aid in pinpointing the infecting agent and in assessing the severity of the infection.
Treatment of pneumonia is based on which infecting agent is the most likely culprit. Viral infections will not respond to antibiotics. Bacterial infections, on the other hand, will need antibiotic treatment. Depending on several factors, including pre-existing medical problems, age, vital signs, and blood tests, some patients may need to be hospitalized for more intensive treatment.
Prevention of respiratory diseases starts with common sense – getting adequate rest each night; eating healthy; and regular exercise. Whenever possible, avoid direct contact with sick individuals.
Hand-washing can cut down your risk of picking up germs from your environment and others. Finally, getting the annual flu shot and the recommended pneumonia vaccines can greatly minimize the risk of complications from these diseases.
The content in this column is for informational purposes only. Consult your physician for appropriate individual treatment. Dr. Reynolds practices Family Medicine in Chesterfield.
