A lung infection like pneumonia occurs after the person comes into contact with some infectious pathogens that enter the respiratory tract and reaches down to the lungs. Pneumonia is a pulmonary disease that can produce mild symptoms and minor difficulties with breathing. In some cases, it can also cause severe damage to the lungs, which can turn life-threatening. Let us see the symptoms of pneumonia:
Breathing problems
Pneumonia affects the primarily. The virus reaches the lungs and gets settled in the airways. The virus starts affecting both the upper as well as lower airways in the lungs. It also leads to flu-like symptoms along with lung damage. Moreover, Your immune system actively tries to fight off the infectious viruses that invade your respiratory tract. While doing so, it leads to the accumulation of fluid in the air sacs of the lungs, thereby causing inflammation.
Air sacs are responsible for aiding the exchange of oxygen. The function of air sacs gets affected, which gives rise to breathing difficulties. Those with preexisting lung disease or pulmonary disorders might experience incredible lung damage, which can become fatal.
Coughing and chest pain
Pneumonia causes cough and phlegm accumulation in the lungs. The cough is nothing but the fluid that gets accumulated in the air sacs after your immune system’s response to kill the infectious virus. It turns thick and causes breathing problems. The immune system response causes inflammation in the lungs, which is why you might experience chest pain. When you breathe deeply or cough, you might experience a stabbing pain in your chest, which makes you do shallow breathing.
Fever
During a fever, your body temperature rises too high. This is your body’s natural response when a foreign element finds its way inside your body. Your body increases your temperature to support the immune system in fighting off the infection. A rise in temperature causes the infectious virus to get uncomfortable. Normal body temperature can support their survival within the body, but high temperature will make them weak. Moreover, Fever is an indication that your body is actively trying to kill off some invaded pathogens.
Fatigue
The flu-like symptoms and constant action of your immune system for fighting the infection can take a lot of energy. This can leave you tired and with a lack of energy. Moreover, You may experience a loss of appetite too. This is why, during pneumonia, it is necessary to get enough rest and adequate sleep. This way you will be able to preserve your energy, which will be utilized in fighting off the infection. Hence, complete rest is essential for a speedy recovery.
Body ache
Pain in the body is very common during pneumonia and even during common flu. This happens due to the immune system’s active response to infectious pathogens. This pain can be relieved with the help of OTC medications and with some home remedies.
Nausea and vomiting
Moreover, Nausea in pneumonia is quite common among children. It can also cause vomiting and dizziness. Not only children but also older individuals that are above 65 years of age are likely to experience these symptoms. Apart from these, some may even develop diarrhea.
Sweating and chills
Moreover, Chills may cause you to shake. Some may also experience clammy skin due to night sweats, which can contribute to some sudden weight loss. Do not ignore these symptoms. They are the indication that your lungs are filled with fluids or pus, which is causing chills.
Confusion
Older individuals might experience confusion and difficulty with mental awareness. Those above 65 are more likely to experience this symptom.
Rapid heartbeat
If infectious pathogens enter the bloodstream, they can potentiate the risk of sepsis, which is an infection that can lead to full-body infection. Sepsis can give rise to symptoms like rapid heartbeat, fever, confusion, chills, low blood pressure, nausea, pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition, which can lead to death. In case you feel your heart racing, see your doctor immediately.
Treatments available for pneumonia
- X-ray scan of the chest – to check the lung inflammation.
- CT scan – to obtain a better view of the lungs and the damage caused by the infection.
- Blood test – for the identification of the type of pathogens that lead to the infection.
- Pulse oximetry – To analyze the level of oxygen in the blood.
- Sputum test – to find the bacteria that caused the infection.
- Bronchoscopy – to check the airways of the lungs and examine the condition.
- Pleural fluid culture – involves the collection of the fluid sample from the lungs to identify the infectious bacteria.
Tips to prevent pneumonia
- Wash your hands often.
- Do not touch your face, eyes, or mouth without sanitizing your hands first.
- Maintain a safe distance from the person who is diagnosed with pneumonia.
- Practice personal hygiene.
- Boost your immunity with the help of a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
- Avoid smoking to prevent any further damage.