Pneumonia is an acute infection of the lung parenchyma causing inflammation in the air sacs (alveoli), which may fill with fluid or purulent exudate, compromising oxygen exchange.
Causes
- Bacterial: Streptococcus pneumoniae (most common), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae.
- Viral: Influenza virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), SARS-CoV-2.
- Aspiration: Inhalation of food, liquid, or vomit into airways.
Symptoms
- High fever with shaking chills and sweating.
- Productive cough with yellow, green, or rust-colored sputum.
- Pleuritic chest pain (sharp pain worsening with deep breaths or coughing).
- Shortness of breath, rapid shallow breathing, and low oxygen saturation.
- Confusion or altered mental state (especially in elderly patients).
Diagnosis & Treatment
- Chest X-ray: Visualizes lung infiltrates and consolidation.
- Sputum & Blood Cultures: Identifies specific pathogen and antibiotic sensitivity.
- Targeted Antibiotics: Empiric and culture-guided antibiotic therapy.
- Supportive Care: Oxygen therapy, hydration, antipyretics, and chest physiotherapy.
