What are the 3 Symptoms of Pneumonia?

Top Signs of Pneumonia & How to Prevent Complications

Pneumonia is a severe infection that impacts the lungs, affecting millions globally each year. It inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which can fill with fluid or pus, causing breathing difficulties and other symptoms.

Depending on the type of infection, pneumonia symptoms can vary from mild to severe. However, three common signs stand out: a persistent cough, fever and chills, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include fatigue, muscle aches, headache, nausea, and confusion, particularly in elderly patients.

This article will cover the danger stages, causes, dietary recommendations during illness, and the outlook for full recovery. Continue reading to know more.

What is the danger stage of pneumonia?

The danger stage of pneumonia is when lung function is seriously affected, and oxygen delivery to the blood is reduced. This stage is critical because pneumonia can quickly lead to severe breathing problems or sepsis.

Pneumonia can be unpredictable, with complications occurring at any time. It usually worsens during the hepatization phase, when the risk of low oxygen (hypoxia) and severe complications is highest. Some untreated or severe cases can develop a lung abscess (a pocket of pus in the lung).

Symptoms of a lung abscess, in addition to fever and cough, include:

• Increased sputum that smells bad
• Worsening cough and fever after initial improvement
• Heavy night sweats (drenching sweats requiring pyjama changes)
• Weight loss
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain from inflammation of the lung lining (pleuritis)

What is pneumonia caused by?

The bacteria and viruses that most commonly cause pneumonia are present in the air we breathe. Pneumonia is categorised according to the type of pathogen responsible and the place where the infection was contracted:

1. Community-acquired pneumonia:

This is the most common type and happens outside hospitals or healthcare places. It can be caused by:

• Bacteria: The most common is Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can cause pneumonia on its own or after a cold or flu.
• Bacteria-like organisms: Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes a milder form.
• Fungi: Mostly affects people with weak immune systems or long-term health problems.
• Viruses: Viruses like those causing colds or the flu can lead to pneumonia. Viruses are the main cause of pneumonia in children under the age of 5.

2. Hospital-acquired pneumonia:

Some people get pneumonia while staying in a hospital for another illness. This type can be more serious because the bacteria may resist antibiotics, and the patient is already sick. People on breathing machines (ventilators) in intensive care are at higher risk.

3. Health care-acquired pneumonia:

This can happen to people living in long-term care homes or who get treatment in clinics or dialysis centres. It’s caused by bacteria that can resist antibiotics, similar to hospital-acquired pneumonia.

4. Aspiration pneumonia:

This happens when you accidentally breathe in food, drink, vomit, or saliva into your lungs. This is more likely if your gag reflex is weak due to brain injury, swallowing problems, or heavy use of alcohol or drugs.

What to Eat and Avoid in Pneumonia?

Vaccination (PCV13/PPSV23 for pneumococcus, annual flu shots) is the best prevention, especially for high-risk groups. Good nutrition helps your immune system fight infection and speeds up recovery from pneumonia. Here are some foods to include and avoid:

Foods to Eat During Pneumonia:

• Whole Grains : Foods like brown rice, oats, and barley give you energy to recover. They also have selenium, which boosts your immune system.
• Green Leafy Vegetables : Spinach, kale, and other greens have antioxidants that help heal lung infections faster.
• Protein-rich Foods : Nuts, beans, seeds, chicken, and fish (like salmon) reduce inflammation and help build new lung tissue.
• Yoghurt : Yoghurt contains good bacteria called probiotics that improve gut health and fight harmful germs causing pneumonia.
• Water : Staying hydrated with water or healthy drinks like coconut water helps loosen mucus in the lungs and flush out toxins.

Foods to Avoid During Pneumonia:

• Processed Meats : These contain nitrites that can cause lung inflammation and stress.
• Alcohol : Alcohol has chemicals that can worsen pneumonia symptoms and harm lung cells.
• Sugary Drinks : Drinking a lot of sugary sodas can increase the risk of lung problems.
• Foods High in Salt : Eating too much salt or salty packaged foods can worsen breathing problems.

Can You Recover 100% from Pneumonia?

Yes, it is possible to fully recover from pneumonia, especially if the individual gets quick and proper treatment. Recovery time depends on the age, health, and how bad the infection is. Some people feel better and return to normal in 1 to 2 weeks, while others may take a month or longer.

Here are some tips for complete recovery:

• Eat heart-healthy foods. Good nutrition helps your body heal.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs.
• Don’t smoke or breathe secondhand smoke.
• Get plenty of sleep
• Do light physical activity.
• Sit upright. This position helps you breathe more comfortably.
• Take deep breaths several times a day.

Pneumonia is a potentially serious lung infection. Recognising the danger stage and seeking timely medical care is crucial. With proper medical care and lifestyle adjustments, most people fully recover from pneumonia and regain normal lung function, although recovery time varies.

At Star Health, we offer comprehensive health insurance plans that support you through illnesses like pneumonia and many other conditions.