WHAT IS PNEUMONIA?

Is a common lower respiratory infection characterised by the inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs. These air sacs may be filled by pus or fluids making it difficult to breathe.

This infection is caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi.

Types of Pneumonia

This is dependent on location, duration or causative agents

1.  Lobar ,bronchial, or interstitial pneumonia  – depends on the site affected
2. Acute or chronic pneumonia- depends on the duration
3. Bacterial, viral or fungal pneumonia- depends on the causative agent

Risk factors

1. Age: Young children less than 5 years  and elderly more than 75 years
2. Smoking: It damages the airways and weakens the lungs’ ability to clear out infections
3. Weak immune system: AIDS/HIV, Diabetes, Cancer and cancer treatment,
4. Chronic diseases: Having chronic conditions such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other conditions can increase the risk of pneumonia, as the immune system is often compromised. 
5. Hospitalisation: Hospital-acquired pneumonia is a risk for patients who are already sick, especially those on ventilators or undergoing surgery, as they may be exposed to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
6. Diet:  Poor unbalanced diet weakens the body’s  immunity   
7. Alcoholism
8. Tumours of the bronchi causing obstructed airways

Symptoms of pneumonia

1. Cough
2. Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breathe
3. Fever
4. Chest pains
5. Fatigue-body weakness/tiredness

Pneumonia management

The proper management is done by qualified health workers who will take your complaints, do physical examination, carry out appropriate investigations and give you proper and satisfying treatment.

Pneumonia prevention

1. vaccination: Vaccines, such as pneumococcal, COVID-19, and the  Uganda National Expanded Program for Immunisation(UNEPI)  vaccines given routinely to children prevents most of  various causative agents, including bacteria and viruses and decreases childhood mortality.

2. Practice good hygiene: Regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with people affected by pneumonia can reduce the spread of germs (microorganisms) and prevent respiratory infections that may lead to pneumonia.

3. Strengthen the immune system: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can strengthen the immune system and reduce susceptibility to infections.

4. Avoiding crowded places: Crowding is an essential risk factor for various infectious diseases, making it easier to spread infections like pneumonia. Hence, encouraging young children and persons who are at high risk of pneumonia to avoid crowded places can help reduce the number of people who fall ill with pneumonia.

5. Addressing environmental factors: Avoiding certain environmental factors, such as indoor air pollution and lung irritants like smoking (quitting smoking), can help reduce pneumonia risk.

6. Treating the chronic conditions: Managing chronic diseases, especially in older patients, including diabetes, asthma, and heart conditions, can reduce the risk of pneumonia by preventing complications and improving overall health.