Pneumonia Medical Terminology: Key Terms You Should Know

Understanding Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes the air sacs, or alveoli, to fill up with fluid or pus. This infection causes cough, fever, chills, and trouble breathing. There are over 30 different causes of pneumonia requiring various treatments. The terminology around pneumonia can be confusing. Here are some key pneumo medical terms to know.

Types of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is first categorized by where or how it was acquired:

Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)

CAP refers to pneumonia contracted from normal community interactions. This could be picked up from exposure to viruses, bacteria, or fungi in the environment. Streptococcus pneumoniae, respiratory viruses, Legionella, and Haemophilus influenzae are common culprits of CAP.

Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (HAP)

HAP occurs at least 48-72 hours after hospital admission and was not incubating at the time of admission. Risk factors include invasive tubes, ventilation, and extended antibiotic use. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of HAP.

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)

VAP refers to pneumonia developing more than 48-72 hours after endotracheal intubation for mechanical ventilation. Being on a ventilator increases infection risk. VAP is usually caused by hospital-acquired bacteria.

Aspiration Pneumonia

Aspiration pneumonia happens after inhaling foreign material like food, liquids, vomit, or secretions from the mouth into the lungs. Those with dysphagia, reflux, impaired cough reflexes, or alcohol abuse are at risk.

Causes of Pneumonia

Pneumonia-causing pathogens can be divided into three categories:

Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacteria are the most common cause of pneumonia. Types include:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) - Most common in CAP
• Haemophilus influenzae - More common in COPD patients
• Staphylococcus aureus - More common in hospital settings
• Legionella pneumophila - Cause of Legionnaires' disease
• Mycoplasma pneumoniae - More common in younger populations

Viral Pneumonia

Viruses are the second most frequent pneumonia cause. Examples include:

• Influenza virus - Common cause of viral pneumonia
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Adenovirus
• Rhinovirus
• Coronavirus - Including COVID-19

Fungal Pneumonia

Fungal pneumonia primarily affects immunocompromised individuals and can be deadly. Fungi such as:

• Pneumocystis jirovecii - Leading cause of fungal pneumonia
• Histoplasma capsulatum
• Coccidioides immitis
• Cryptococcus neoformans

Pneumonia Symptoms

Pneumonia symptoms can vary depending on factors like the causative organism, severity, age, and underlying health status of the individual. Common signs include:

Cough

A cough is nearly always present with pneumonia. It may be dry at first then become productive with thick phlegm or mucus.

Fever

Fever over 100.4°F (38°C) often accompanies pneumonia, though older adults may run lower fevers.

Chills

Chills or rigors indicate a spiking fever and happen frequently with pneumonia.

Shortness of Breath

Difficulty breathing can occur as lung function is impaired by fluid accumulation and inflammation.

Chest Pain

Sharp chest pain with breathing or coughing may indicate pleurisy, an inflammation of the lung linings.

Fatigue

Excessive tiredness is common as the body works hard to fight off infection.

Loss of Appetite

Poor appetite often corresponds with feeling unwell.

Sweating

Sweating or clammy skin may accompany fever spikes.

Confusion

Mental changes like confusion can happen if fever is very high, oxygen levels drop, or in the elderly.

Pneumonia Complications

Without prompt treatment, pneumonia can lead to severe medical complications such as:

Respiratory Failure

Oxygen levels may drop dangerously low due to lung fluid and inflammation. Supplemental oxygen or ventilator support may be needed.

Sepsis

A systemic, life-threatening infection that spreads via the bloodstream. Sepsis requires rapid treatment with IV fluids and antibiotics.

Pleural Effusion

Fluid collects in the pleural space between the lungs and chest wall, causing shortness of breath.

Lung Abscess

A pus-filled cavity forms inside the lung tissue. This may need drainage or surgical removal.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Severe, progressive lung damage with severe hypoxemia. Often requires mechanical ventilation.

Pneumonia Risk Factors

Certain individuals are at increased risk of developing pneumonia based on their age, health status, or lifestyle habits. Risk factors include:

Age 65 Years or Older

Older adults have weaker immune systems and conditions like COPD that raise pneumonia risk.

Under 2 Years Old

Babies and toddlers have underdeveloped immune systems and smaller airways.

Smoking

The toxins in smoke damage airways and impair immune defenses.

COPD

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema increase pneumonia likelihood.

Asthma

Asthma causes airway inflammation that allows pneumonia-causing bacteria to take hold.

Immunosuppression

Diseases like HIV, immunosuppressant medications, and chemotherapy weaken the immune system.

Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)

Stomach contents that reflux up the esophagus can be aspirated into the lungs.

Pneumonia Diagnosis

Doctors use various tests to confirm pneumonia and pinpoint the cause:

Chest X-Ray

Imaging shows fluid or infiltrates in the lungs indicative of infection.

Chest CT Scan

Provides detailed lung images if diagnosis is uncertain or complications suspected.

Pulse Oximetry

Measures blood oxygen saturation levels, which may be low with pneumonia.

Sputum Culture

Identifies the organisms present in a cough sputum sample.

Blood Tests

May show elevated white cell count indicating infection. Can also identify pathogens.

Pleural Fluid Analysis

If pleural effusion is present, sampling the fluid can reveal the infection source.

Pneumonia Treatment

Pneumonia treatment focuses on curing the infection, managing complications, and preventing serious consequences. Options may consist of:

Antibiotics

Used to treat bacterial pneumonia and some fungal causes. Type and duration depends on factors like severity, location acquired, and immune function.

Antivirals

Antivirals like oseltamivir can be used for influenza pneumonia.

Cough Medicine

Cough suppressants, expectorants, and mucolytics provide symptom relief.

Fever Reducers

Medications like acetaminophen help relieve fever.

Supplemental Oxygen

Improves oxygenation if levels are low.

Mechanical Ventilation

May be required in respiratory failure until lung function improves.

Chest Physiotherapy

Clearing mucus through coughing, deep breathing, and postural drainage.

Thoracentesis

Removing pleural fluid via a needle and catheter inserted between the ribs.

Preventing Pneumonia

You can reduce your pneumonia risk through these preventive measures:

Get Vaccinated

Immunizations protect against pneumonia-causing bacteria and viruses like influenza and COVID-19.

Stop Smoking

Avoid cigarette and vaping products. Smoking paralyzes airway cilia needed to keep lungs clear.

Control Chronic Conditions

Follow treatment plans for diseases like COPD and asthma that increase pneumonia risk.

Improve Oral Health

Bacteria can spread from the mouth to lungs. Brush and floss daily.

Wash Hands

Practice good hygiene to avoid transmitting pneumonia-causing germs.

Avoid Exposure When Sick

Stay away from those ill with contagious pneumonia infections.

When to Seek Medical Care

Consult a doctor if pneumonia symptoms arise. Pneumonia can rapidly worsen without prompt antibiotic treatment. Seek emergency care for difficulty breathing, high fever, chest pain, or mental changes. Knowing the key pneumo medical terms helps you better understand this serious lung disease.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.