Pneumonia: what causes it + types + what to do to improve it

Understanding what causes pneumonia is of great importance to prevent the development of this type of infection, in addition to helping to determine the most effective treatment to promote the recovery of the sick person. ¹

This type of care becomes crucial when highlighting cases when pneumonia is severe, impairing respiratory capacity and potentially causing severe consequences or even being fatal. ¹

Due to the seriousness that this disease demands of efforts to prevent and combat its effects on the body, we have created a practical guide on what pneumonia is, what can cause it, what the symptoms are and how to treat it, in addition to mentioning precautions to avoid this type of infection. ¹

Keep reading and stay up to date!

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a serious infection of the respiratory system, resulting from inflammation of the pulmonary alveoli, air pockets that are inside the lungs and inflate when we breathe in air. ¹

When this infection attacks the body, it reduces respiratory capacity by preventing the alveoli from continuing to expand and return to normal, as normally happens. Furthermore, the tissues around them can also suffer from the effects of the infection. ¹

 

It is a disease that can be fatal and result from complications from previous infections, such as a strong flu or Covid-19, as well as other chronic diseases and health problems that lead a person to be hospitalized.  ¹

Microorganisms present in the air can reach the respiratory tract and travel to the lungs, starting this infectious condition. ^two

This risk increases when the person is exposed to irritating agents, chemicals, pollution and cigarette smoke, as well as in situations where the immune system is already compromised. ^two

Main symptoms of pneumonia

The main symptoms of pneumonia are ² :

• High fever;
• persistent cough ;
• chest pain;
• difficulty breathing and shortness of breath;
• weakness and low energy;
• excessive tiredness;
• mental confusion;
• wheezing;
• expectoration of purulent mucus, usually yellowish or greenish in color;
• malaise;
• nausea and vomiting.

In many cases, the symptoms of pneumonia affect not only the respiratory system but also other parts of our body, mainly by making oxygenation of the body difficult. In this way, even the function of the central nervous system can be impaired.  ^two

It is also important to highlight that the most serious cases of pneumonia can produce bloody phlegm, which indicates a more serious injury and requires urgent referral to the emergency room. ¹

In general, symptoms also vary depending on what causes the pneumonia and the general extent of the infectious condition. ¹

What causes pneumonia?

In general, what causes pneumonia is usually the action of certain microorganisms that invade the respiratory system and reach the lungs, which happens more frequently in situations where immunity is low due to a chronic illness or previous infection of the respiratory system. . ³

Different pathogens, disease-causing microorganisms, can lead to pneumonia. The main culprits are bacteria and viruses, but it is also possible to develop this type of infection when contracting fungi, mycobacteria or parasites. ³

 

Types of pneumonia

There are different classifications and types of pneumonia. The separation can be made according to the cause of the infection, based on the location where the contamination occurred or even based on the way it evolves and impacts the organism. ^2 3

Each of these categories has its respective subdivisions. Regarding the cause, there are four predominant versions. They are ^2 3 :

• bacterial pneumonia;
• viral pneumonia;
• fungal pneumonia;
• chemical pneumonia.

As for the location of contamination, the division is between ^2 3 :

• hospital-acquired pneumonia;
• community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Finally, due to the notable characteristics in the evolution of the condition, it can be classified as:

• aspiration pneumonia;
• obstructive pneumonia.

Below we will discuss each of them in detail. Check out!

Bacterial pneumonia

As the name suggests, it is pneumonia caused by bacteria. It is the most common type of disease, caused by several different “species” of pathogens, including ^{3 4} :

• Haemophilus influenzae b;
• Klebsiella pneumoniae;
• Staphylococcus aureus;
• Legionella pneumophila;
• Streptococcus pneumoniae (main cause of pneumonia).

Of all the genera behind the picture, streptococci are the most frequent. It is a gram-positive coconut-shaped bacteria, which looks like several balls stuck together, forming a filament. ⁴

Viral pneumonia

Less common than its predecessor, viral pneumonia is caused by different types of viruses, including the pathogens that cause Epstein-Barr syndrome, chickenpox and Influenza A (flu A). In general, this version of the disease affects people with weaknesses in the immune system and respiratory system, which facilitates the spread of the agent to the deepest parts of the pulmonary tract. ⁴

Most of the time, viral pneumonia is a complication caused by an infection that has not been properly treated or combated, such as the flu and mononucleosis, mentioned above.  ⁴

In this case, the body cannot completely get rid of the virus and it can persist and spread through the airway mucosa. ⁴

Fungal pneumonia

Pneumonia of fungal origin, caused by fungi, is an extremely rare variation, but is usually quite severe. These agents are opportunistic and take advantage of people who suffer from immunosuppressive conditions, such as HIV-positive people (people with HIV), diabetics and those who are being treated for cancer. ⁴

Chemical pneumonia

Anyone who frequently handles chemicals or inhales aggressive agents can develop chemical pneumonia, which is caused by exposure of the respiratory system to environmental pollutants, smoke, pesticides and other similar materials. ^{3 4}

The condition has an especially high risk when the appropriate PPE for this type of function is not used (personal protective equipment such as masks with filters and protective glasses). ^{3 4}

Hospital-acquired pneumonia

The hospital environment can concentrate a large number of pathogens, leading to the risk of causing hospital-acquired pneumonia, which occurs when a person is hospitalized and is affected by this type of infection. ⁴

In general, contamination usually occurs after surgeries or prolonged stays in intensive care units. These situations create vulnerabilities and weaken the body’s defenses, while increasing exposure. ⁴

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)

Community-acquired pneumonia is pneumonia that happens in the environment where you live. This grouping brings together the most common types of infection, which result from complications from previous respiratory infections, such as covid-19 or a strong flu. ⁴

The scenario can worsen or cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is a recurrent inflammation of the tissues and structures that make up the lungs. As you can imagine, the sum of these factors is extremely worrying and can even be fatal. ⁴

Aspiration pneumonia

We call it aspiration pneumonia when the condition causes the accumulation of fluids, secretions or particles in the alveoli region. These foreign bodies can be aspirated with breathing, but the body is unable to remove them from the final branches of the airways and the interstitium, the space between the layers of tissue, formed by connective structures. ⁴

Among the groups most at risk for this type of pneumonia are people who have suffered a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and have had impaired motor function as a result. In addition to them, it is also worth mentioning patients who continually use sedatives, drug addicts and elderly people with difficulty swallowing. ⁴

Obstructive pneumonia

This type of pneumonia occurs when we have a foreign body, nodule, secretion or inflammation in the airways that obstructs the passage of air in the lungs. Consequently, this causes bacteria to accumulate in the lung tract.  ⁴

People with congenital malformations in the airways or who have tumors in the lungs are at greater risk of developing obstructive pneumonia. ⁴

Risk factors for pneumonia

Knowing what causes pneumonia and the symptoms caused by this type of infection, the next step is to recognize the main risk factors for this disease. ^{3 4}

In this context, we have some habits that are harmful to health, more vulnerable social groups and situations that possibly make the condition more serious than normal, creating a serious risk for the patient. ^{3 4}

Thus, the main risk factors for pneumonia are ³ :

• one of the symptoms is productive bloody sputum, indicating open wounds in the respiratory tract;
• affects a person who suffers from diseases and treatments with immunosuppressive action, such as AIDS, various types of cancer and chemotherapy, which weaken the body’s defenses and leave the individual more vulnerable to severe infections;
• affects babies or young children, who have an immune system that is still developing and is unable to combat more serious conditions like this;
• The patient with pneumonia is over 65 years of age or suffers from chronic diseases and various comorbidities, such as diabetes, heart failure and others.

In addition, the following are also classified as risk factors in cases of pneumonia: the abuse of chemical substances, such as alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. ³

How is pneumonia diagnosed?

The diagnosis of pneumonia is obtained after a medical examination, which will listen to the lungs with a stethoscope, looking for sounds that indicate airway obstruction, such as wheezing and whistling when breathing. ³

Generally, a chest x-ray is performed to check the areas affected by pneumonia. Depending on each case, a computed tomography scan is also requested by the doctor. ³

Finally, on certain occasions, additional tests may be carried out to define what causes pneumonia, that is, which microorganism triggered the infection of the alveoli. For this, samples of phlegm, blood and urine are collected and analyzed. ³

How is pneumonia treated?

Standard treatment for pneumonia mainly consists of administering medications to combat the infection and exercises performed to stimulate breathing. ³

Regarding medications, they can be antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals or antiparasitics, ranging from the most common to the rarest.

Additionally, in certain cases, flu medications can be used to relieve symptoms such as body aches and fever. The Benegrip line is an example of this, as it contains remedies that alleviate the main symptoms of colds and flu. Thus, they can complement the treatment of pneumonia and alleviate your discomfort. ³

As a way to recover respiratory capacity, inhalation with nebulizer devices and physiological solutions can help to dilute and eliminate phlegm accumulated in the lungs. In certain cases, during and after treatment, it is necessary to perform breathing exercises for pulmonary rehabilitation. ³

When the low supply of oxygen in the blood reaches worrying levels, it is necessary to introduce supplemental sources of oxygen. ³

Resting is important for recovery from pneumonia, but it should not be absolute. Moving at a light pace, getting out of bed and walking a little or changing positions can stimulate lung activity, preventing lasting damage. ³

Returning to medicines to treat pneumonia, in most cases, antibiotics are introduced preventively, before diagnosing the type of microorganism that caused the infection. ³

This can occur due to several factors, as a way to save time, as bacterial pneumonia, treated with these medications, is the most common. It can also be done to prevent the action of opportunistic bacteria, preventing the condition from prolonging. ³

In most cases, this care can be carried out at home. However, more serious situations may require hospitalization and even the use of sedatives and mechanical ventilation. ³

See also: Children’s cough syrup with phlegm: how it works + which is best?

How is pneumonia transmitted?

Because it is caused by different pathogens that invade the body, it is common to question how pneumonia is transmitted and whether it occurs in a similar way to other respiratory diseases, such as the flu. ³

In practice, it is rare for pneumonia to pass from one person to another, as in Influenza. However, the risk of transmission through inhalation of contaminants increases when the immune system’s defense barriers are impaired. ³

These threats occur when the climate is cold and dry, when we spend a lot of time in artificially air-conditioned places or due to the risk factors mentioned above. ³

How to prevent pneumonia?

Knowing what causes pneumonia and the great risk this infection poses to our health, identifying the most efficient preventive measures is a step in the right direction. It is essential to take care to reduce the risk of this type of condition, especially when it is possible to occur due to complications from flu, colds and others. ³

1. Vaccination

Keeping your vaccination card up to date is an effective way to combat everything that causes pneumonia. Purchasing a flu vaccine every year prevents this type of infection and reduces the risk of complications that affect the lungs. The same can be said for all doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. ^{1 2 3}

There is also a vaccine against bacterial pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacteria can also cause ear infections, sinusitis and meningitis. Although this vaccine does not prevent other types of pneumonia, it can drastically reduce the risk of suffering from this infection. ^{1 2 3}

2. Personal hygiene care

Even simple personal hygiene habits, such as washing your hands, covering your face when coughing and sneezing, cleaning objects and hands with alcohol gel and wearing masks are measures that can prevent community-acquired pneumonia.  ³

3. Combating smoking and alcoholism

The abuse of chemical substances, such as tobacco or alcohol, is a risk factor for all types of infections, which also affects pneumonia. Therefore, preventing pneumonia is yet another reason to avoid this type of excess. ³

4. Reduction of events that cause thermal shock to the body

Leaving a cold, air-conditioned environment to a warmer outdoor area is an example of thermal shock that we are constantly suffering. ³

We must be very careful with this, as this type of event weakens the body’s defense barriers and requires an adaptation of the immune system, opening space for contamination by pathogens that can cause pneumonia, among other respiratory diseases. ³

5. Sanitizing air conditioning units

Air conditioning is very popular to combat the heat, but it needs to be looked after frequently. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations for periodic cleaning of units can reduce the presence of contaminants in the ambient air. ³

Finally, we can mention precautions when spending a lot of time in closed, air-conditioned places, especially with many people, which favors the spread of respiratory diseases. ³

Pneumonia: frequently asked questions

Now that we have formed a good knowledge base about what causes it, what the main types are, and how to treat and prevent pneumonia, it is a good idea to raise and answer the most frequently asked questions about the disease. Let’s go?

What causes someone to get pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a lung infection that mainly affects the alveoli. It can occur through contamination by bacteria, viruses, fungi or due to continuous exposure to inhalable chemical substances.  ³

Transmission occurs in a similar way to other respiratory infections, such as the flu and the common cold. In other words, it can be acquired through direct contact with the saliva, secretions or blood of an infected person. ³

When does pneumonia become dangerous?

As discussed in the section on risk factors, pneumonia becomes dangerous when the condition persists and causes complications for the respiratory system, which, in turn, affect other vital functions. ³

Among the main risks, we can mention: very low blood pressure, the formation of lung abscesses, extremely low saturation levels (decrease in the blood oxygen level) and serious lung injury. ³

How do you know if someone has pneumonia?

Suspicion of pneumonia begins with evaluating symptoms. In this case, when you have back pain and cough with thick phlegm, chest pain, chills, fever and severe shortness of breath, it is recommended to seek medical attention for an urgent consultation. ³

 

Based on the description of the condition, the doctor may order imaging tests, such as x-rays or computed tomography, to confirm or rule out the possibility. In some situations, the specialist also requests the collection of material for analysis, in order to identify the pathogen responsible for the infection. ³

However, this last procedure is not necessary to know whether someone has pneumonia or not. ³

How long does pneumonia last?

The acute period of bacterial pneumonia lasts between five and fourteen days. After this period, the treatment begins to take effect and most symptoms disappear, at least that is what is expected. ⁴

Depending on the severity of the condition, recovery may be faster or slower. For example, severe bacterial pneumonia can take anywhere from a week to three months to fully cure after using antibiotics. ⁴

Is there a cure for pneumonia?

Depending on the cause and evolution of the condition, treating pneumonia can greatly reduce the risk of complications and help cure the infection. This care may include using specific medications to combat the causative pathogen, in addition to including supportive therapy to strengthen the body and alleviate the most common symptoms. ⁴

I have pneumonia: do I have to be hospitalized?

Pneumonia treatment can be done at home in most cases, as long as the condition is under control. Hospitalization is necessary when there is a severe drop in saturation levels, when blood pressure is very low and if bloody sputum occurs.  ³

Hospitalization is also indicated if the person ³ :

• present mental confusion and difficulty reasoning;
• are 65 years of age or older;
• present short or very accelerated breathing;
• have a body temperature below normal;
• have a heart rate below 50 bpm or above 100 bpm;
• experience lethargy or severe drowsiness.

How do you know if pneumonia is getting worse?

Among the factors that indicate that pneumonia may be getting worse, we can mention ³ :

• fever exceeds 39 ºC and does not go down with medication;
• the cough is persistent;
• there is the presence of blood in the sputum;
• the sputum secretion becomes thicker and acquires a yellow or greenish color;
• difficulty breathing increases over time;
• the patient has difficulty reasoning and eating;
• the patient is losing weight.

As mentioned, when presenting warning signs of this type, it is important to seek medical attention urgently to assess the need for hospitalization and intensive treatment.

What should you not do when you have pneumonia?

In general, it is good to avoid habits that interfere with breathing capacity or that limit the functioning of the immune system. In this case, you should keep your distance from air-conditioned environments and people with flu symptoms, in addition to cutting down on the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other chemical substances. ³

Conclusion

Pneumonia is a serious disease with a high risk of mortality. It is a plausible complication of other respiratory infections, with a high risk for people with weakened or underdeveloped immunity.

Preventive care is crucial to reduce the risk, as is knowing and adopting appropriate treatment methods in case of flu, colds, Covid-19 and other illnesses. Taking each of them seriously increases the chance of complete recovery and reduces  the threat of pneumonia.

Finally, it is recommended to adopt healthy habits that stimulate and strengthen the activity of the immune system, such as: