Pneumonia often starts with a harmless cough, but this common infection can become life-threatening if left untreated. Affecting the lungs, pneumonia is responsible for over a million hospital admissions¹ and thousands of deaths annually². Yet, despite its seriousness, many people underestimate its potential impact. This blog will explore the consequences of pneumonia, who is most at risk, and how it can be prevented or treated.
What Is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation in the air sacs, often resulting in the accumulation of fluid or pus. This condition leads to symptoms such as coughing, fever, chills and breathing difficulties. Different infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses or fungi, can cause pneumonia.
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacterial cause, while viruses such as influenza or SARS-CoV-2 can also lead to viral pneumonia. Although pneumonia can strike anyone, certain groups³ are more vulnerable to severe forms of the illness.
Who Is at Risk?
Several factors increase the likelihood of developing pneumonia, particularly those with weakened immune systems. The risk factors include:
- Age: Infants and older adults over the age of 65 are at a higher risk of contracting pneumonia due to their weaker immune systems
- Chronic Medical Conditions: Individuals with underlying health issues such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes are more susceptible.
- Smoking: Smokers are more prone to respiratory infections because smoking damages the lungs’ natural defences.
- Weakened Immune Systems: Conditions like HIV, cancer or taking immunosuppressive drugs can impair the body’s ability to fight infections.
- Pregnant Women: Down-regulated immune system.
Understanding these risk factors is crucial for early prevention and intervention. For those in high-risk groups, even a mild case of pneumonia can quickly escalate into something more dangerous.
Complications of Untreated Pneumonia
While pneumonia can range from mild to severe, untreated, delayed treatment or poorly managed cases can lead to life-threatening complications, especially in older adults and people with pre-existing health conditions. These complications may include:
- Bacteremia: When bacteria from the lungs enter the bloodstream, it can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection that causes organ damage.
- Pleural Effusion: Fluid buildup around the lungs can cause severe breathing difficulties. In some cases, the fluid must be drained surgically.
- Lung Abscesses: Untreated bacterial pneumonia may lead to pockets of pus (abscesses) forming inside the lungs, requiring long-term antibiotics and even drainage.
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): A severe form of lung failure that can occur when the lungs are severely inflamed, requiring mechanical ventilation for breathing support.
Recognising Symptoms Early
Early detection of pneumonia is vital to preventing these complications. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Persistent cough that produces phlegm or pus
- Fever and chills
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain when breathing or coughing
- Fatigue
However, these symptoms may vary in severity based on the individual’s age and overall health. For example, elderly individuals may not experience fever but could exhibit confusion or decreased alertness. Babies and infants may show difficulty breathing, feeding issues, or a general lack of energy.
If any of these symptoms occur, especially for someone with high-risk factors, seeking medical advice is crucial. Pneumonia can be diagnosed through a physical examination, chest X-rays, and blood tests to confirm the presence of an infection.
Treatment Options for Pneumonia
Pneumonia treatment depends on the underlying cause — bacterial, viral or fungal — as well as the severity of the condition. In most cases, the following treatment methods are recommended:
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are the first line of treatment for bacterial pneumonia. The antibiotic prescribed depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection.
- Antiviral Medications: Antiviral drugs may be used to reduce symptoms and duration of viral pneumonia (e.g., influenza or COVID-19).
- Fungal Treatment: Antifungal medications will be prescribed if a fungus is responsible for pneumonia.
In addition to medication, home remedies such as rest, drinking fluids, and using a humidifier can aid recovery. Severe cases may require hospitalisation, oxygen therapy, or mechanical ventilation if breathing becomes difficult.
Prevention Methods for Pneumonia
While pneumonia can be severe, many preventative measures can significantly reduce your risk. Some key strategies include:
- Vaccination: Several vaccines can help prevent certain types of pneumonia. The pneumococcal vaccine protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae, while the flu vaccine can prevent influenza infections that can lead to pneumonia. Discussing vaccination options with a healthcare provider is particularly important for older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions. Influenza, pneumonia, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations are available.
- Good Hygiene Practices: Washing hands frequently and using hand sanitisers can prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking damages lung tissues, making it easier for infections like pneumonia to take hold. Quitting smoking can significantly improve lung health and reduce the risk of respiratory diseases⁴.
- Boost Your Immune System: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can strengthen your immune system, making you less vulnerable to pneumonia and other infections.
- Avoid Close Contact with Sick Individuals: Pneumonia can spread through droplets from coughs or sneezes. Limiting close contact with sick people can reduce your risk. Wearing of masks has been shown to prevent airborne infections e.g COVID-19, flu and pneumonia.
Why Early Detection Is Key
One of the most significant dangers of pneumonia is its ability to go unnoticed, especially in its early stages. As pneumonia can often resemble the flu or a bad cold, people may ignore it until it worsens. Early medical intervention is critical in preventing severe complications and promoting faster recovery.
Ignoring symptoms could lead to prolonged illness, hospitalisation or worse, as the complications of pneumonia can be deadly. That’s why listening to your body and seeking prompt medical advice if you experience any warning signs is essential.
Take Pneumonia Seriously
Pneumonia is far more than just a cough. Its complications can have a lasting impact on your health, especially if left untreated. Understanding the risk factors, recognising symptoms early, and seeking timely medical care can significantly reduce the dangers of this common yet severe infection.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of pneumonia, don’t delay — consult a healthcare provider immediately. Prevention, early detection, and proper treatment are your best defences against its potentially life-threatening consequences.
Contact our specialists at ID Specialists for more information on pneumonia.
References
- Top 20 Pneumonia Facts—2019. American Thoracic Society. https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/top-pneumonia-facts.pdf. Accessed 16 September 2024.
- Five Facts You Should Know About Pneumonia. American Lung Association. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pneumonia/five-facts-you-should-know. Accessed 16 September 2024.
- Pneumonia – Causes and Risk Factors. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/pneumonia/causes. Accessed 16 September 2024.
- Benefits of Quitting Smoking | Smoking and Tobacco Use. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/about/benefits-of-quitting.html. Accessed 16 September 2024.