Infection of the lungs can be caused by a bacterium, a virus or a fungus. These infectious agents reach the pulmonary alveoli, small balloon-like bags, which are located at the tip of the bronchioles. It happens that the infection also affects the bronchi: the term of pneumopathy is then evoked. The most common form is lobar pneumonia due to pneumococcal bacteria. The severity of a pneumonia depends on the extent of the lung area that is affected, but also on the bacterium or virus involved, the age and medical history of the affected person.
Bacterial Pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia (or pneumopathy) accounts for a large proportion of pneumonia (lung infections). They usually affect only one lobe or pulmonary segment. Several bacteria may be involved, but this is usually a pneumococcus. Bacterial pneumonia can be acute lobar pneumonia, with sudden manifestations (intense chest pain, accelerated respiration, fatty cough with sputum, high fever) or atypical pneumonia. The latter is more difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are not characteristic of a respiratory disease (eg headache, vomiting, convulsions). Treatment of bacterial pneumonia is based on antibiotics.
Pneumonia, viral
Viral pneumonia is a lung infection caused by a virus. This type of pneumonia affects children primarily. Different viruses may be involved, in particular respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The main symptoms are chest pain, high fever, chills, accelerated breathing and cough with colored sputum (greenish or rosy). Most viral pneumonia is benign and circumscribed to a single lung lobe. However, some viruses such as the influenza virus (influenza virus) can invade the entire lungs: the outcome is sometimes fatal. Treatment of viral pneumonia sometimes involves taking antiviral medications.
Bacteria and viruses
Many infectious agents among bacteria and viruses can cause pneumonia.
Bacteria
The most common bacterial pneumonia is pneumococcal pneumonia. Haemophilus influenzae, Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae or staphylococcus are the other most commonly affected bacteria.
Viruses
The viruses most frequently implicated in viral pneumonia are influenza and parainfluenzae viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, or rhinoviruses. The influenza virus can also be implicated.
Symptoms
The manifestations vary according to the intensity and the severity of the disease as well as the age of the patient. Cough, respiratory discomfort, yellowish or greenish sputum, fatigue, decreased blood pressure, chest pain and temperature up to 41 ° C may occur. Chills and the appearance of a bluish color of the nails and lips are sometimes found.
Diagnostic
The examination and auscultation guide the physician towards the diagnosis of pneumonia. A thoracic radio (lung radio) is essential to confirm this hypothesis. An infectious assessment and a bacteriological analysis of bronchopulmonary secretions complete the diagnosis.
Risk factors
Babies, children, pregnant women and the elderly are at greater risk of developing pneumonia. On the other hand, people with chronic, respiratory or heart disease, those who smoke, or those with immune deficiency are more exposed.
Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the cause and intensity of pneumonia. For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotic therapy is essential. In the elderly, babies or those with signs of severe pulmonary involvement, hospitalization is often required. The treatment consists in this case to consider an antibiotic therapy administered by means of an infusion, rehydration and respiratory assistance.
Prevention
Basic hygiene rules
In order to avoid getting contaminated, it is advisable to wash your hands regularly, avoid contact with people with an infection, and dispose of used handkerchiefs.
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