Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, which causes inflammation of the bronchioles, generating symptoms such as high fever, chills, dry cough or phlegm, shortness of breath and chest pain.
The treatment of pneumonia varies according to the cause of the infection, which can be viral, bacterial, fungal or aspiration, for example, and the use of antibiotics, analgesics, nebulization and respiratory physiotherapy is generally indicated, which should always be prescribed by a clinician. general or pulmonologist.
In addition, some home remedies, such as assa fish tea or guaco, can also complement medical treatment for pneumonia, helping to strengthen the immune system and relieving cough, shortness of breath and fever. See other home remedies to relieve pneumonia symptoms.
Pneumonia symptoms
The main symptoms of pneumonia are:
- Fever, which can be low and constant or high;
- Tiredness;
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or rapid breathing;
- Cough, which may be dry or with phlegm;
- Headache;
- Loss of appetite;
- Mental confusion, especially in the elderly;
- Chest pain;
- Weight loss;
- Sore throat.
The symptoms of pneumonia can be mild, moderate and severe, varying depending on the person’s age and the causes of the infection.
In babies and children, the main signs and symptoms of pneumonia include vomiting, fever, cough, irritation, tiredness, difficulty breathing and eating.
Online symptom test
To find out your risk of having pneumonia, select the symptoms you have in the symptom test below:
Types of pneumonia
Pneumonia can be classified according to its cause and/or the type of microorganism that is causing the infection.
The main types of pneumonia are:
1. Pneumonia viral
Viral pneumonia is an infection in the lungs caused by influenza viruses A, B or C, H1N1, H5N5, and can also be caused by the new coronavirus (COVID-19). This type of pneumonia can be transmitted from person to person through drops of saliva or respiratory secretions, and is more common in the elderly and children.
2. Pneumonia bacteriana
The bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae is the main cause of this type of pneumonia. However, other bacteria, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae e Staphylococcus aureus can also cause this disease. Know all the causes of bacterial pneumonia.
Bacterial pneumonia is not transmissible, and is normally acquired through the worsening of a cold or flu, or through bacteria from other infections entering the lungs or the mouth, through choking on food and drinks, for example.
3. Atypical pneumonia
This type of pneumonia is caused by infection with less common microorganisms, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae it’s at Legionella pneumophila, which is transmitted from person to person through droplets of saliva. Understand more about atypical pneumonia.
4. Hospital pneumonia
Hospital pneumonia, or nosocomial, is caused by bacteria present in the hospital environment, mainly affecting people using mechanical ventilation, a procedure to facilitate breathing, and which can favor the entry of bacteria naturally present in the mouth and nose to the lungs.
5. Aspiration pneumonia
Aspiration or inhalation of drinks, food or vomit are the main causes of aspiration pneumonia, and it is more common in people with swallowing difficulties, such as babies, the elderly and people who breathe with the help of devices. Learn about other causes of this type of pneumonia.
6. Fungal pneumonia
Fungal pneumonia is not contagious, being the most common type in people with a weakened immune system, as in the case of people undergoing transplants, with cancer or HIV, for example.
This type of pneumonia is caused by fungi, such as Aspergillus, Candida e Coccidioideswhich are present in the air, soil and bird feces.
7. Silent pneumonia
Silent pneumonia can be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi, and cause milder symptoms than typical pneumonia. Know how to identify the symptoms of silent pneumonia.
This type of pneumonia, also called “asymptomatic” pneumonia, can affect people of any age, being more serious in people with a weakened immune system, the elderly, children or babies.
Main causes
Pneumonia is an inflammation in one or both lungs that can be caused by infection from viruses, fungi or bacteria present in contaminated air, soil, bird feces, or through droplets of saliva or nasal secretion.
Additionally, pneumonia can also be caused by aspiration or inhalation of food, drinks, or vomiting.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of pneumonia must be made by a general practitioner, or pulmonologist, by evaluating the signs and symptoms presented by the person, the health history and auscultation of the lungs, to check if there are noises during breathing.
In addition, the doctor may also order some additional tests, such as:
- X-rayto identify the location and size of the inflammation;
- Blood testto check the type of microorganism that is causing pneumonia and whether the infection is also present in blood or not;
- Sputum testan exam that is carried out by coughing deeply and expelling mucus, so that the types of microorganisms can be evaluated;
- oximetry, which is a device placed on one of the fingers of the hand to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood.
The doctor may also request other tests, such as computed tomography, bronchoscopy and culture of pleural fluid, a test in which a sample of the liquid between the lungs and chest is removed with a needle and syringe, to evaluate the microorganism that is present. causing pneumonia.
When to make an appointment
It is important to make an appointment with a pulmonologist or go to a health center when symptoms suggestive of a respiratory infection appear, such as intense coughing, difficulty breathing and tiredness, especially if they are accompanied by a fever.
Taking care of your health has never been easier!
How the treatment is carried out
Pneumonia treatment should always be indicated by a doctor and aims to combat inflammation and improve breathing, varying according to the cause and severity of the infection. The main types of treatment are:
1. Medicines
Antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, azithromycin, and penicillin, are indicated to combat bacterial and atypical pneumonia, and treatment usually lasts between 7 and 21 days. Antivirals, such as oseltamivir, peramivir or zanamivir, may be indicated for the treatment of severe cases of pneumonia caused by viruses.
To treat fungal pneumonia, the main medications recommended are antifungals, such as voriconazole, amphotericin B, caspofungin, sulfamethoxazole and fluconazole.
In addition, some painkillers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and paracetamol, may also be indicated to help control fever and pain during pneumonia.
2. Respiratory physiotherapy
Respiratory physiotherapy is a set of exercises that help strengthen the respiratory muscles, facilitating breathing and eliminating mucus, and can be indicated in all types of pneumonia.
3. Nebulization
Nebulization helps to moisten the airways, in addition to diluting secretions, facilitating their elimination and thus improving breathing. See how to nebulize at home.
4. Hospitalization
In more serious cases, such as in the presence of difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, mental confusion or when symptoms do not improve within 7 days after starting treatment, hospitalization may be necessary to use medication directly into the vein and vein. oxygen mask, or mechanical ventilator, to reduce the work of the lungs, thus facilitating recovery.
In addition, the elderly, babies under 2 months of age and children who are very sleepy, have difficulty breathing or are dehydrated, may also need hospitalization for treatment and monitoring until symptoms improve.
Care during treatment
Other care that can complement the treatment of pneumonia, helping to strengthen the immune system and alleviating signs of the disease are:
- Maintain a balanced diet, prioritizing the intake of foods rich in fiber and vitamins, such as fruits, legumes, whole grains, legumes and vegetables; consume lean proteins, such as fish, chicken and eggs; and avoid foods high in sugar and fat. See how to have a balanced diet;
- Get a good night’s sleepsleeping between 7 and 9 hours a night, to strengthen the immune system, thus helping to combat the microorganisms responsible for pneumonia;
- Maintain good hydrationdrinking good amounts of water, coconut water and natural juices, which help to thin the mucus, helping to improve breathing.
Furthermore, some teas, such as guaco, eucalyptus and assa-peixe, have anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator and expectorant properties, helping to relieve coughs, fever and chest pain, and may be recommended to complement the treatment of pneumonia.
