All About Pneumonia: Causes, Warning Signs, Treatment Options, and Prevention
Oct 11, 2023
Pneumonia causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs, affecting the tiny balloon-like sacs (pulmonary alveoli) that exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and are often mistaken for a cold. Unfortunately, without care, pneumonia can quickly become life-threatening.
Board-certified pulmonologist Dr. Chuan Jiang in Flushing, New York, specializes in diagnosing and treating infectious lung diseases like pneumonia. Read what Dr. Jiang says about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for pneumonia and his tips for preventing this common respiratory infection.
Pneumonia can develop when your immune system tries to rid your body of infectious organisms invading the lungs. This natural action results in inflammation and fluid buildup that makes it difficult to breathe.
The organisms that can lead to pneumonia include bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Anyone can develop pneumonia, but bacterial pneumonia is more common in adults, while children are typically more vulnerable to viral pneumonia.
Fungal infections tend to occur in individuals with weakened immune systems. Certain conditions, such as exposure to environments with large amounts of bird droppings, also increase your risk of a fungal infection.
Illnesses that can cause pneumonia include:
While pneumonia itself isn’t contagious, the organisms that can lead to it may be. For instance, fungal pneumonia isn’t contagious.
However, Streptococcus pneumonia, the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia, can be spread from person to person by touching a contaminated surface or through coughing and sneezing.
Symptoms can vary widely based on age, the organism causing the infection, and the patient's overall health.
Common symptoms include:
Babies and young children with pneumonia may cry frequently, grunt when breathing, and struggle to feed. In older adults and those with weakened immune systems, the symptoms might be less pronounced or more subtle initially but can quickly worsen.
Treatment for pneumonia depends on the underlying illness and your symptoms. For instance, bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics.
However, the choice of antibiotic depends on factors like your age and overall health, the type of bacteria, and local antibiotic resistance patterns.
Dr. Jiang may treat viral pneumonia with fever reducers, cough medicine, antiviral medications, and other therapies designed to manage your symptoms.
Depending on your condition, you may also require hospitalization for management, which may include supplemental oxygen, respiratory therapy, and intravenous (IV) medications.
Vaccines are available for preventing Streptococcus pneumonia (pneumococcal vaccine) and reducing your risk of developing influenza. Both are key in preventing pneumonia.
Otherwise, you can help prevent the spread of germs that may lead to pneumonia by:
Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can also help the lungs resist infections.
Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Chuan Jiang today by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.