Dr.sanaz bellucci
October 3, 2023
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How Do You Know If Pneumonia Is Viral Or Bacterial?
Table of Contents
Pneumonia is the medical term for inflammation of one or both lungs. This disease can occur due to viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. Its symptoms are dependent on the age and type of that.
Pneumonia is an infection that affects the lungs. This infection causes the lung sacs and alveoli to become inflamed and filled with fluid or pus.
When an infection occurs, a myriad of symptoms, such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, occur.
Pneumonia can occur in any age group and can be mild or life-threatening.
This is particularly dangerous for the very young and the elderly as these age groups are more likely to have weakened immune systems and other health problems.
While some people may not need medical treatment for pneumonia, others will need it to prevent long-term complications or even death.
What are the early symptoms of pneumonia?
Early symptoms of this disease may be similar to those of the flu, especially if the person has viral pneumonia.
Early symptoms of pneumonia include:
- Dry cough
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and pains
- A general feeling of weakness
- Depending on the type of it, symptoms may appear gradually or suddenly.
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Related: “What Is The Difference Between Intermittent, Remittent, And Relapsing Fever?“
Bacterial pneumonia
Pneumonia caused by bacteria is called bacterial pneumonia. Many types of bacteria can cause bacterial pneumonia, but the most common type is Streptococcus pneumonia.
This type of pneumonia occurs when bacteria enter the lungs and begin to multiply. This will cause an immune reaction and lead to inflammation in the lower respiratory tract.
You may also be interested in reading the article “How To Treat COPD Symptoms? Are You Struggling To Breathe?” )
Bacterial pneumonia types:
There are two types of bacterial pneumonia, which include typical and atypical. Unusual and ordinary pneumonia have the following differences:
- The bacteria responsible for it cause different symptoms.
Bacteria appear differently on chest X-rays.
Bacteria react to different antibiotics.
The most common type of common bacterial pneumonia is pneumococcal pneumonia, which is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. - Some bacteria may cause unusual bacterial pneumonia, including:
- The bacteria responsible for it cause different symptoms.
- Mycoplasma
- Chlamydophila
- Legionella pneumophila
Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia include:
- An audible rattling sound in the chest when breathing
- Dry or non-productive cough
- A wet or productive cough can produce yellow, green, brown, or bloody mucus.
- Chest pain that worsens with physical activity or coughing.
- Shortness of breath
- Body temperature above 38°C or below 35°C
- Increased heart rate and breathing
- Headache
- Fatigue
- body pain
Treatment of bacterial pneumonia
The bacterial type of this disease requires antibiotics to treat. Ideally, the antibiotic targets a specific type of bacteria. Steroids may also be used to improve breathing.
It is also common to hear about bacterial pneumonia called “community-acquired pneumonia.” If it occurs in the hospital for other reasons, it is often called “hospital-acquired pneumonia” and “ventilator-associated pneumonia.” However, all these types of pneumonia can also be viral pneumonia.
For those suffering from bacterial pneumonia, the doctor may ask the person to visit him for two days to evaluate the treatment method and ensure that he will not be hospitalized.
Also, the doctor recommends the following to reduce the risk of bacterial pneumonia in the future:
- Quit Smoking
- Receive pneumococcal vaccine
- Annual flu vaccination
Viral pneumonia
Viral pneumonia occurs in response to a viral infection. This tends to affect both lungs.
You may also be interested in reading the article “What Are Whooping Cough’s Early Symptoms” )
The most common cause of viral pneumonia in adults is the influenza virus. The most common cause in children is respiratory obstruction virus.
Many other types of viruses that cause viral pneumonia include:
- Rhinovirus
- Adenovirus
- coronavirus
- Herpes simplex virus
- The rubella virus causes measles.
Symptoms of viral pneumonia include:
The symptoms of viral pneumonia are very similar to those of bacterial pneumonia. However, people may experience the following additional symptoms:
- Flu symptoms
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting
- skin rash
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Approximately 30% of pneumonia cases are viral. This type of pneumonia is commonly caused as a secondary infection from other viruses such as influenza, coronavirus, parainfluenza, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
These types of viruses are spread through air droplets. For example, a sneeze or cough may cause sputum to become airborne and become airborne, or the virus may land on a handle or surface that is touched and then be transferred to the nose or mouth.
In that regard reading the article “Contagious Bronchitis Spreads Faster Than Coronavirus!” would be wise.
Treatment of viral pneumonia
While bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics, this treatment does not help viral pneumonia.
Viruses do not respond to antibiotics. Sometimes antiviral drugs may be prescribed.
For example, if this disease is secondary to the flu, oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), or peramivir (Rapivab) may help spread the virus.
If the it is secondary to RSV, ribavirin (Virazol) may be prescribed.
Fungal pneumonia
Fungal pneumonia is not nearly as common as bacterial and viral pneumonia. Fungal pneumonia is more likely to occur in people with immune system problems or other chronic diseases.
Fungal pneumonia occurs when a spore enters the lungs and begins to multiply.
The most common types of fungal pneumonia are:
Pneumocystis pneumonia. This type of pneumonia is caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii fungus.
It usually occurs in people with compromised immune systems, such as people with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immunodeficiency disease (AIDs), people with organ transplants, or those being treated for cancer.
Fungal pneumonia types:
- Coccidioidomycosis.
The fungi that cause this particular type of pneumonia are called Coccidioides and are commonly found in west Texas, southern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and central California.
- Histoplasmosis.
The fungus Histoplasma capsulatum is found in the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys and is spread by droppings from bats and birds.
Fortunately, less than five percent of people with low exposure will develop this type of pneumonia, but with high exposure, most people will develop pneumonia.
- Cryptococcus.
Although Cryptococcus fungus can be found in soil worldwide, getting this fungal infection is risky without an immune system.
Symptoms of fungal pneumonia include:
- Dry cough
- Low-grade fever
- Breathing problems can come on suddenly or worsen over several weeks.
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Treatment of fungal pneumonia
If a person has fungal pneumonia, the doctor prescribes a course of oral or intravenous treatment. This course can include an antifungal treatment with glucocorticoids to reduce lung inflammation.
Some people may need mechanical ventilation to help them breathe.
( Reading the article “How To Prevent Pulmonary Hypertension Naturally?” is recommended )
How do you know if pneumonia is viral or bacterial?
The difference between viral and bacterial pneumonia
Although viral and bacterial pneumonia can look very similar, there are significant differences between the two. The following sections describe several examples.
Affecting the lungs: Bacterial pneumonia tends to affect a specific part of the body or lung lobe, but viral pneumonia usually affects both lungs.
The onset of symptoms: Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia develop suddenly or gradually, but symptoms of viral pneumonia usually appear within a few days.
Symptoms: Usually, people with bacterial pneumonia experience a higher temperature and wet cough, but people with viral pneumonia tend to have a lower temperature and a dry cough. Also, people with viral pneumonia often face flu and digestive symptoms that people with bacterial pneumonia usually do not suffer from.
Home remedies for pneumonia
Various steps and home options that help treat pneumonia include:
- Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with pain and fever
- Drink plenty of fluids to keep the body hydrated and loosen phlegm
- Using incense as well as a steam bath or shower to make breathing easier
- Avoid smoking or exposure to cigarette smoke or wood smoke
- Rest as much as possible to aid recovery
Pneumonia Recovery & Aftercare
The recovery time from pneumonia is different for different people.
According to ALS, some people experience improvement in symptoms within one week, but it may take one month or more for others. In any case, the symptoms of fatigue and lethargy can last for about a month.
It is essential to follow the treatment recommendations of the doctor. This will reduce the risk of complications. Possible complications of pneumonia include:
- Respiratory failure and thus the need for mechanical ventilation
- Lung abscess – where pus forms in or around the lungs.
- Sepsis or uncontrolled inflammation leads to organ failure and can be fatal.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience the following symptoms:
- Respiratory problems
- Coughing up blood
- Changes in the color of the lips or face to blue (bruising)
- Feeling cold or sweating along with pale or blotchy skin
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Fainting or falling
- Absence of urination or frequent urination
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Conclusion
Pneumonia refers to inflammation of one or both lungs. A bacterial, viral, or fungal infection of the lungs can cause this disease.
Symptoms of pneumonia can vary depending on the age and type of pneumonia. Possible symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, fever, and chills.
Pneumonia symptoms will improve for some people within a month; others will improve simply by using over-the-counter medications and home remedies. Others may require medical treatment or hospitalization.
People should see a doctor if they see symptoms of pneumonia. Also, people who experience severe symptoms should receive immediate medical attention.
Dr.sanaz bellucci
I am Sanaz Bellucci , a dentist. In this electronic magazine, I publish my collection of research and studies on various topics related to health and beauty that you may face with it.
You can also share your questions of interest with me so that I can give them complete and comprehensive answers. stay with me.
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Dr.sanaz bellucci
October 10, 2023
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