Introduction
A pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by pathogens (viruses or bacteria). A distinction is made between classical pneumonia, which is caused by certain bacteria (most frequently pneumococci), and atypical pneumonia, which is often caused by viruses. Classical pneumonia is accompanied by coughing, sputum, strong feeling of illness and fever, whereas atypical pneumonia leads to milder symptoms.
In addition, a distinction is made between pneumonia acquired in everyday life and those that occur in connection with a hospital stay. The pathogens, depending on where the patient is staying, can be very different. This has direct consequences for the therapy. If a pneumonia develops on the basis of a previous illness such as asthma or swallowing disorders after a stroke, it is also called secondary pneumonia. Pneumonia can be mild and can be cured at home, but it can also be a serious and life-threatening condition that requires intensive medical treatment.
Causes
Pneumonia is usually caused by bacteria or viruses. The transmission route is typically via a droplet infection in the air. A weakness of the immune system is often present, for example in certain diseases such as diabetes mellitus, asthma, heart failure or alcohol dependency.
Older people also have an increased risk of contracting pneumonia. If a usually mild viral infection is present, it is possible that a so-called superinfection with bacteria may occur, which can lead to severe pneumonia. If a patient in an intensive care unit is mechanically ventilated over a longer period of time, this also increases the risk of developing pneumonia.
In general, a lack of mobility, e.g. when the patient is bedridden, increases the risk of pneumonia. People who suffer from swallowing disorders after a stroke are also at risk. Gastric juice can flow into the lungs and cause pneumonia.
Symtpome
Typical symptoms of pneumonia are a sudden onset with a strong feeling of illness, cough with sputum (often green-yellowish), fever or chills. There is often pain when breathing. Breathing may be accelerated and the respiratory rate increased.
A simultaneous occurrence of herpes is not uncommon. In atypical pneumonia the onset is rather gradual. Patients often complain of headache and aching limbs, dry cough and rather light fever. In elderly patients, a sudden loss of consciousness or disorientation can also be a sign of pneumonia.
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