Conditions

PNEUMONIA

Do I have pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, causing these air sacs to fill with fluid, making it difficult to breathe. Pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening, depending on the person it affects. Pneumonia is most serious for young children, people above the age of 65 and those with health problems or weakened immune systems.

How does one develop pneumonia?

There are different types of pneumonia, but most kinds of pneumonia such as bacterial and viral pneumonia, are contagious through inhalation of airborne droplets from a sneeze or cough. Fungal pneumonia is caused by fungi in soil or bird droppings.

While pneumonia can affect anyone, children under 2 years old and adults over the age of 65 are more at risk to becoming infected with pneumonia. Those with chronic diseases such as asthma and COPD and those who have a weakened or suppressed immune system due to chemotherapy or HIV/AIDS are also more at risk of developing pneumonia. Other types of pneumonia can also be acquired during a hospital stay. The first line of defence against pneumonia is to get vaccinated, so as your physician, Dr Roos will advise a pneumonia vaccine to protect against bacterial pneumonia. While a pneumonia vaccine won't prevent all cases of the condition, if infected, those vaccinated will experience a milder and shorter illness, with lower risks of complications.

Treatment options

Depending on the type of pneumonia, treatment may involve antibiotic, antiviral or antifungal drugs in addition to medications for the pain, fever and cough. In some cases, hospitalisation may be necessary for intravenous medications, respiratory and oxygen therapy. For those with certain chronic conditions and those with weakened immune systems, pneumonia may worsen your condition and hospitalisation will be needed for observation.