Symptoms of Pneumonia Vs Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Pneumonia vs COPD: Comparison, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis Explained

Pneumonia and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are serious illnesses with wide-ranging health consequences, such as breathing problems or respiratory failure, particularly when left undiagnosed or untreated.

Research indicates that the prevalence of COPD is likely to increase considerably, possibly reaching 592 million people by the year 2050. Thus, understanding pneumonia and COPD and determining one's lung health risk assessment are essential for early detection, proper management, and maintaining one's quality of life.

Read ahead to learn more about pneumonia and COPD comparison, their symptoms, risk factors, and for more details.

What is Pneumonia in COPD?

Pneumonia in COPD is a severe infection of the lung that results in inflammation and mucus accumulation within the air sacs, further complicating breathing for those who already have compromised airways.

It may be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi and greatly elevates the risk of respiratory failure. Individuals with COPD are particularly susceptible because their lung microbiome has been altered and their infection-clearing capacity has been weakened. Early diagnosis and treatment of this condition are important in order to avoid serious complications.

What are the Differences Between Pneumonia and COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and pneumonia are both severe lung conditions that share similar symptoms but are quite different in cause, course, and treatment requirements.

Let’s understand the difference between the two, particularly for patients with COPD who are at higher risk of developing pneumonia and its complications:

What are the Symptoms of Pneumonia in COPD?

While COPD and pneumonia have identical signs, certain symptoms are more specific to pneumonia and must not be overlooked. These include:

• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Wet cough producing mucus
• High fever
• Chills and shaking
• Fatigue and body aches
• Sharp chest pain when inhaling
• Slurred speech
• Blue or discolored lips
• Headache
• Confusion or irritability
• Restlessness or mental changes
• Unexplained weakness or prolonged fatigue
• Noticeable change in sputum (color, thickness, or volume)

What are the Risk Factors of Pneumonia in COPD?

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs due to bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and individuals with COPD are much more likely to develop pneumonia. Here are the major risk factors associated with pneumonia in case you have COPD:

• People aged55 who have poor immunity are prone to this condition.
• Individuals with a smoking habit
• Persons with a history of pneumonias or COPD exacerbations
• People who have received ventilator treatment
• Individuals with high obesity
• Those having a low blood eosinophil count
• Individuals having antibiotic resistance
• Persons having a gastrointestinal tract disorder like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

How to Diagnose Pneumonia in COPD?

Diagnosis of pneumonia in a person with COPD must be done cautiously because symptoms overlap. When there is suspicion of pneumonia, particularly with worsening respiratory symptoms, a physician will perform specific tests, such as:

• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Checking your medical history
• CT scan or chest X-ray
• Sputum culture
• Pulse oximetry
• Arterial blood gas (ABG) test
• Pleural fluid culture
• Bronchoscopy

Early and proper diagnosis is essential in treating pneumonia effectively in individuals with COPD, since a delay in treatment can be associated with severe consequences, such as respiratory failure.

Understanding pneumonia and COPD is more than a medical concern—it’s an emergency. These deadly respiratory diseases can be managed or even prevented with early detection and smart lifestyle choices. Respiratory illnesses pose a major health issue for millions globally.

Hence, it is crucial to have an insurance policy for such critical illnesses to have peace of mind. At Star Health, we provide comprehensive coverage for chronic respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and COPD under our Star Health Assure Insurance Policy. We also offer hassle-free claim settlements across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.