18/12/2025
🫁 PNEUMONIA
📌 Definition
Pneumonia is an infection of the lung parenchyma (alveoli) causing inflammation and fluid/pus filling the air sacs → impaired gas exchange.
🦠 Causes
• Bacteria: Streptococcus pneumoniae (most common)
• Viruses: Influenza, RSV, COVID-19
• Fungi: Immunocompromised patients
• Aspiration: Food, vomitus, secretions
⚠️ Risk Factors
• Extremes of age (infants, elderly)
• Smoking, alcohol use
• Chronic diseases (COPD, diabetes, heart disease)
• Immunosuppression
• Poor nutrition
🧠 Types
• Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
• Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (HAP)
• Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)
• Aspiration Pneumonia
🩺 Clinical Features
• Fever, chills
• Productive cough (yellow/green or rusty sputum)
• Chest pain (pleuritic)
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue, confusion (elderly)
• Crackles on auscultation
🔬 Diagnosis
• Chest X-ray (consolidation)
• Sputum culture
• Blood tests (↑ WBC)
• Pulse oximetry / ABG
💊 Management
• Antibiotics (based on cause)
• Oxygen therapy if hypoxic
• Antipyretics & analgesics
• Adequate fluids and rest
• Chest physiotherapy (if indicated)
🚨 Complications
• Respiratory failure
• Sepsis
• Pleural effusion / Empyema
• Lung abscess
🛡️ Prevention
• Pneumococcal & influenza vaccines
• Hand hygiene
• Smoking cessation
• Proper nutrition
✨ Key Message
👉 Early diagnosis and prompt treatment save lives.