What is the difference between pneumonia and pneumonia?
Pneumonia and pneumonia are two different words that refer to the same disease. It is a disease that causes inflammation in the lungs. It can be prevented with good hygiene and leading a healthy life.
These can fill with fluid or pus, causing you to cough up phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and shortness of breath.
Pneumonia and pneumonia are different terminologies that refer to the same disease. People tend to talk more about pneumonia, while health professionals talk about pneumonia. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can cause this ailment.
Although not contagious, there are some types of pneumonia that can be spread to other people by coughing or sneezing. It affects men and women in a similar way, although it is more serious in infants and children, those over 65 years of age, and people with a weakened immune system.
Pneumonia symptoms
The signs of pneumonia range from mild to severe and depend on several factors, such as age or the type of germ causing the infection.
Mild symptoms are often similar to those of a cold or the flu, although they last longer. These are the most common:
- Chest pain when breathing or coughing
- Disorientation or changes in mental perception. It usually occurs in people over 65 years of age.
- Cough that can produce phlegm
- Fatigue
- Tachycardias
- Fever, chills, and shivering
- Body temperature lower than normal. A symptom that mainly affects older people and those with a weak immune system
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Trouble breathing
types of pneumonia
There are different types of pneumonia, depending on the type of germ that caused it, where it was contracted, and the parts of the lungs affected.
- Community-acquired pneumonia. It is the most common and these may be the causes:
- bacteria. Pneumococcus is usually the origin of bacterial pneumonia, which can appear after a cold or flu and affect a part of the lung (lobe).
- mushrooms. Pneumonia caused by these organisms is often experienced by people with chronic health problems or weak immune systems.
- Virus (including coronavirus, which causes Covid-19). Some of the viruses that cause colds and flu can also cause viral pneumonia, most common in children under 5 years of age.
- Hospital-acquired pneumonia. Contracted during hospital admission for another illness. It can be serious since the bacteria that cause it are more resistant to antibiotics. People who use respirators are at higher risk for it.
- Healthcare-acquired pneumonia. It is a bacterial infection that affects people who live in care facilities or receive care in outpatient clinics and can be caused by bacteria that are more resistant to antibiotics.
- Aspiration pneumonia. It occurs when food, drinks, vomit, or saliva are inhaled and enters the lungs. Brain injury, a swallowing problem, or excessive use of alcohol or drugs can cause aspiration.
How to prevent pneumonia
- get vaccinated There are vaccines to prevent some types of pneumonia and the flu. Children should be vaccinated (under 5 years old), more likely to get it.
- Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds. Use hydro-alcoholic gel to clean them when you can’t do it with soap and water.
- Avoid smoking. Tobacco damages the natural defenses that protect the lungs from respiratory infections. This habit predisposes them to suffer more pneumonia.
- healthy habits Follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and legumes, drink 2 liters of water daily, exercise regularly, and try to sleep at least 7 hours a day.
- Respiratory physiotherapy. Improves oxygenation, increases lung resistance, and helps prevent pneumonia, pulmonary edema, and other respiratory diseases.
Is pneumonia curable?
Yes. Pneumonia is curable. There are different treatments to combat pneumonia, which require a prior physical examination for diagnosis.
- antibiotics are Very effective against bacterial pneumonia.
- Cough medicine. Help, Even so, the cough promotes the movement of fluids from the lungs, so it is not good to eliminate it completely.
- Pain relievers. Aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen relieve fever and discomfort.
Although most symptoms disappear within a few days or weeks, the feeling of tiredness can last longer. If in doubt, ask your doctor, who will assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
