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Pneumonia is the biggest killer of children and the elderly!

Pneumonia can affect one or both lungs and the respiratory system. However, it's worth noting that the severity of the infection varies from person to person. It can be mild or severe, depending on the immune system's ability to fight the infection. Therefore, the immune system plays an important role in fighting infection and preventing infection.

In this article, we will explain the risk factors for pneumonia, its causes, and methods of prevention.

Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria entering the lungs, causing inflammation of the alveoli (air sacs) in one or both lungs, which fills with fluid or pus, making it difficult to inhale enough oxygen to reach the bloodstream.

Causes of Pneumonia: The causes of pneumonia vary depending on the type of infection causing the infection.

●   Bacterial infection: Many bacterial strains cause pneumonia, but the most common is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus).

●   Viral infections: Respiratory viruses are one of the most common causes of pneumonia.

●   Influenza virus.

●   Common colds.

●   Coronavirus.

●   Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

●   Fungal infections: Fungi found in soil or bird droppings cause pneumonia, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

Pneumonia Symptoms: The initial symptoms of pneumonia are very similar to those of colds and flu, but pneumonia symptoms may worsen depending on the cause (bacterial or viral) and the severity of the infection. Common symptoms include:

●   Dry or productive cough.

●   Difficulty breathing.

●   Chest pain.

●   Rapid heartbeat.

●   Fever.

●   Vomiting.

●   Headache.

●   Sweating and chills.

●   Fatigue and delirium.

●   Loss of appetite.

Treatment for pneumonia: If the above symptoms worsen, you should go to the hospital to check for pneumonia, whether bacterial or viral.
This will involve a medical examination by a specialist and performing some important procedures, such as:

● Laboratory tests to look for signs of bacterial infection.

● Chest x-ray to detect infection in the lungs and its extent.

● Blood oxygen level measurement.

● CT scan to obtain a more detailed image of the lungs.

● Sputum test to examine fluid in the lungs to determine the cause of the infection.

If you have other health problems, your doctor may perform further tests.

Once your doctor determines whether your pneumonia is bacterial or viral, they can determine the right, effective treatment plan for your condition.

• If your pneumonia is bacterial, your treatment may include antibiotics and other medications.
• In the case of viral pneumonia, antibiotics won't help eliminate viruses, but you'll need medications to strengthen your immune system, along with rest and plenty of fluids.
• If your symptoms worsen and your condition worsens, your doctor may recommend hospitalization to receive intravenous antibiotics and fluids. You may also need breathing therapy or oxygen therapy to replace lost fluids.
• With any type of pneumonia, recovery requires plenty of rest and following your doctor's instructions.

Preventing Pneumonia: Doctors recommend the following measures to reduce the risk of pneumonia, especially for the elderly, children, and those with chronic diseases and immune disorders:

1. Get the seasonal flu vaccine.

2. Get the pneumococcal vaccine.

3. Wash your hands regularly.

4. Stay away from people with pneumonia.

5. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

6. Avoid smoking.

7. Eat a healthy diet.

8. Exercise regularly.