Everything you need to know about pneumonia
Pneumonia does not fall under the category of unheard illnesses. It occurs when the airspaces in an individual’s lungs get inflamed because of an infection that may be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. People of all age groups can get affected by it at any point in their lives. Generally, it affects either one lobe of the lungs; however, if left untreated, it can get spread and affect both the lungs.

Continue reading below to learn more about pneumonia.

What is pneumonia?

• Pneumonia is basically a lung infection and it can be caused because of various reasons. It can start as a case of viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.
• Once an individual is affected by pneumonia, his/her lungs get inflamed. The tiny sacs in the lungs get filled with fluid causing difficulty in breathing normally.
• Pneumonia can affect both young people and old people, but it can be more risky for adults above 65 years of age. Children below the age of two years can also suffer from pneumonia. Additionally, individuals with particular medical conditions and smokers are at a higher risk of suffering from this illness.

Is pneumonia contagious?

• A common question asked by many people, pneumonia is contagious.
• When a pneumonia patient sneezes or coughs, he/she can spread the pneumonia-causing bacteria, virus, or fungi. When a health individual inhales this bacteria or virus, they can get infected; however, it is not certain that everyone exposed to these germs will be infected.
• The spread of pneumonia largely varies on the type.
• Some viruses can easily pass from one person to another, while others can’t.
• Pneumonia caused by fungal infection passes from the surrounding to an individual and not through contact between people.

How can pneumonia be managed?

• If an individual’s pneumonia is caused due to bacteria then it can be managed with the help of antibiotics.
• If it is caused due to the viral infections then he/she will be able to manage it with a good amount of rest.
• It is important to consume lots of fluids, as it helps in flushing out the virus from the body.
• Anti-fungal medication can help in managing pneumonia that is caused because of fungi.
• The pneumonia vaccine can also help in managing this illness.

How is pneumonia diagnosed?
If an individual experience common symptoms associated with pneumonia, he/she must consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. The diagnosis is made based on the following factors:

• The doctor understands the patient’s medical history before prescribing physical tests.
• The oxygen levels in the blood are checked using a pulse oximeter.
• X-Ray of the patient’s chest is the best way to diagnose pneumonia, as it indicates the exact area of the chest that may be affected.
• For detailed pneumonia information, a doctor may also prescribe a computed tomography (CT) scan.
• Alongside, blood tests are conducted to know the white blood cell count. These tests may also help in understanding the severity of the infection.
• A sputum analysis is commonly used for diagnosing pneumonia, to understand which organism is causing the illness.

Are any diet or lifestyle changes required for pneumonia patients?
Certain dietary and lifestyle changes can help a person suffering from pneumonia:

• Cutting back or completely quitting to smoke, if the patient is a smoker. Additionally, the patient should not be in the vicinity of cigarette smoke.
• Reducing the consumption of alcohol.
• Consuming a healthy and balanced diet composing of essential nutrients.
• Staying hydrated by drinking lots of water and juices and consuming fruits.
• Maintaining hygiene.
• Following the doctor’s instructions and prescribed medication in a timely manner.
• Rest.