Fact Checked
What Is Pneumonia?
- Pneumonia is caused by bacteria and viruses that attacks the lungs and causes an infection.
- Pneumonia can cause mild to serious infections in individuals of all ages. It is the primary cause of death globally in kids below the age of 5 years.
- Pneumonia is often a problem of a previous illness/infection and activated when a patient’s immune system is debilitated, most often by a simple virus-related breathing tract infection.
How Do You Get Pneumonia?
Classic causes of pneumonia consist of viruses and bacteria.
Viruses or bacteria spread from individual-to-individual. This can take place through:
- Direct interaction with respiratory excretions, such as spit or phlegm (through coughing and sneezing)
- Touching exteriors contaminated with germs then touching your mouth and nose.
Most At Risk
Individuals in the following groups have a greater risk of attracting pneumonia and can develop more serious symptoms:
- Infants and very young children
- Individuals over the age of 65 years
- Individuals who have undergone an organ transplant
- Individuals with: emphysema, lung disorders cystic fibrosis, asthma, long-lasting diseases such as liver, kidney or heart diseases.
- Individuals who have a weak immune system
- People who smoke.
Signs Of Pneumonia
Pneumonia can be a dangerous disorder. It’s vital to identify the signs and symptoms and to see a GP if you have worries, mainly if you or your undeveloped child have a prevailing medical illness.
Your symptoms will differ dependent on your age and the severity of your illness.
Common symptoms of pneumonia consist of:
- Feeling very ill
- Trouble breathing
- Exhaustion
- Loss of hunger
- Stomach ache
- Headaches
Small kids will:
- Be sluggish
- Have a high temperature
- Be coughing and having trouble breathing
Diagnosing Pneumonia
- It is vital to see your GP quickly if you have breathing symptoms causing concern, mainly if you observe these symptoms in young kids.
Your GP will carry out a general check-up and might recommend some other assessments including:
- Blood tests
- Throat or nose swab
- X-ray of the chest