Causes of pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection that can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microorganisms. The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), but other bacteria such as Haemophilus influenzae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae can also be responsible for the infection. These bacteria often reside in the nasopharynx and can penetrate the lungs, causing inflammation and infection.
Pneumococcal pneumonia can carry serious consequences. Some people may experience a negative impact on their wellbeing during the following weeks or even longer after being ill. This condition may require a visit to hospital or be directly life-threatening.
Viral pneumonia can be caused by influenza viruses, RSV, adenoviruses and coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2. They are spread by the droplet route when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and by contact with infected surfaces. Viral pneumonia is particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
Fungal pneumonia, although rarer, occurs mainly in people with weakened immune systems, such as HIV/AIDS patients, organ transplant patients and those on long-term immunosuppressive therapy. Fungi such as Aspergillus and Pneumocystis jirovecii can cause severe pulmonary infections in this group of patients.
Pneumonia can also result from inhaling harmful chemicals, smoke or dust, leading to chemical pneumonia. In addition, the infection can develop secondarily into other respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis.
Symptoms of pneumonia
Pneumonia can manifest itself in a variety of ways, depending on the cause of the infection and the patient's general health. The most common symptoms include:
high fever and chills;
cough, often with expectoration of purulent or bloody sputum;
shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing;
chest pain, exacerbated by deep breathing or coughing;
general weakness, fatigue and muscle aches;
headache and disorientation, especially in the elderly;
rapid breathing and wheezing in children;
lack of appetite and feeding problems in infants.
Early recognition of symptoms is important for prompt and effective treatment of pneumonia. If the above symptoms occur, especially in young children, the elderly or people with weakened immune systems, contact your doctor immediately for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Prevention of pneumonia
Vaccination is the cornerstone of pneumonia prevention, especially that caused by pneumococcus and influenza viruses. Vaccines are one of the most effective public health tools to reduce the risk of contracting serious pulmonary infections and their complications.
Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for older people, but also for children and people over 18 years of age, from risk groups, with weakened immune systems (e.g. cancer, HIV infection, lack of spleen and others), chronically ill people (suffering from heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, chronic liver and kidney disease). People who abuse alcohol and smoke cigarettes should also be vaccinated.
There are two main types of pneumococcal vaccine: conjugated vaccine (PCV) and polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV). The PCV vaccine is usually given to young children as part of the routine vaccination schedule and protects against a dozen of the most common pneumococcal serotypes. The PPSV vaccine is recommended for people over 65 years of age and those at risk and offers broad protection against many pneumococcal serotypes.
Vaccinations are invaluable as they protect both individuals and entire communities from serious diseases. Through them, we can significantly reduce the health and economic burden of pneumonia, improving the overall quality of life and health of the population. Education about the benefits of vaccination and ensuring widespread access to vaccines should be among the main actions to prevent pneumonia.
Seniors can be vaccinated free of charge! Since 1 September last year, people over 65 years of age can benefit from free pneumococcal vaccinations. A single visit to the doctor is sufficient to be vaccinated against flu and pneumococcus at the same time. Importantly, the pneumococcal vaccination does not have to be repeated every year, which is convenient for patients.
Modern methods of treating bacterial pneumonia
Treatment of bacterial pneumonia is mainly based on the use of antibiotics, which are selected on the basis of microbiological findings and the sensitivity of the bacteria to the drugs. Modern approaches to the treatment of bacterial pneumonia include not only effective drug therapies, but also advanced diagnostic and supportive techniques.
The cornerstone of the treatment of bacterial pneumonia is appropriately selected antibiotic therapy. The choice of antibiotic depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection and its sensitivity to drugs. Modern diagnostic methods, such as PCR tests and bacterial culture assays, make it possible to identify the pathogen quickly and precisely, allowing effective targeted treatment. In the case of bacterial resistance to standard antibiotics, stronger drugs from the reserve group are used.
Modern treatments also include various supportive therapies. Oxygen therapy is often used in patients with severe symptoms to ensure adequate oxygen levels in the blood. In cases where pneumonia leads to significant breathing difficulties, patients may require ventilator support or mechanical ventilation. Respiratory physiotherapy may also be recommended to help clear secretions from the lungs.