Flu can evolve to pneumonia, so can breathing

If we’ve learned anything this past year, it’s that there are gazillion germs in our environment. Some of these germs cause pneumonia. They are bacteria, viruses, and fungi prevalent in the very air we breathe. Typically, our bodies will prevent these germs from invading our lungs, but not always, not even if our health is good.

“Pneumonia causes the lungs’ air sacs (alveoli) to become inflamed and fill up with fluid or pus. That can make it hard for the oxygen you breathe to get into your bloodstream. The symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild to severe, and include cough, fever, chills, and trouble breathing.” The American Lung Association said.

The American Thoracic Society says that pneumonia preys on weakness and vulnerability. “Pneumonia disproportionately affects the young, the elderly, and the immunocompromised. Pneumonia is the number one most common reason for U.S. children to be hospitalized. And, it’s the world’s leading cause of death among children under five years of age.”

Not counting women giving birth, pneumonia is the chief reason adults are admitted to the hospital yearly. Unfortunately, that count is over one million seeking care, with around 50,000 dying from the infection.

And, ATS says it’s not just about age extremes. “While healthy young adults have less risk of pneumonia, it is always a threat. Half of all non-immunocompromised adults hospitalized for severe pneumonia in the U.S. are younger adults (19-57 years of age).”

The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in the U.S. is Streptococcus pneumoniae. This is the one that can occur on its own or be the by-product of a cold or flu. It may only affect one part of the lung, and if it does, that’s called lobar pneumonia.

“Bacteria-like organisms, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, can cause pneumonia. It typically produces milder symptoms than do other types of pneumonia,” Mayo Clinic said. “Walking pneumonia is an informal name given to this type of pneumonia, which typically isn’t severe enough to require bed rest.”

Pneumonia caused by fungi more commonly affects people with chronic health problems or weakened immune systems. And, it can be found in people who’ve inhaled large doses of organisms. These are fungi found in soil or bird droppings, depending upon geographic location.

Then, of course, there are the virus infections. Mayo says that “viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in children younger than five years. Viral pneumonia is usually mild, but in some cases, can become very serious. COVID-19 may cause pneumonia, which can become severe.”

Pneumonia can be caught during a hospital stay for something else. For instance, someone on a breathing machine is at higher risk. And, people who live in long-term care facilities or those who receive care in outpatient clinics are also susceptible to bacteria that cause pneumonia.

“Aspiration pneumonia occurs when you inhale food, drink, vomit or saliva into your lungs,” Mayo said. “Aspiration is more likely if something disturbs your normal gag reflex, such as a brain injury or swallowing problem, or excessive use of alcohol or drugs.”

The American Lung Association says that symptoms can vary in severity and how your body responds depends on the type of germ causing the infection, your age, and your overall health. They include a cough, which may produce greenish, yellow, or even bloody mucus; fever, sweating and shaking chills; shortness of breath; rapid, shallow breathing; sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough; loss of appetite, low energy, fatigue; nausea and vomiting, especially in small children; and confusion, especially in older people.

“If you think you or your child has symptoms of pneumonia, don’t wait for the disease to get even worse before you seek care. Call your doctor. See your doctor right away if you have difficulty breathing, develop bluish color in your lips and fingertips, have chest pain, a high fever, or a cough with mucus that is severe or is getting worse,” ALA said.

Not having symptoms today doesn’t mean you won’t in the future. If you’re over 65, you should talk to your primary care provider about pneumonia-preventing vaccines. In addition, everyone over six months of age should get a flu shot every year.

Kathy Hubbard is a member of the Bonner General Health Foundation Advisory Council. She can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com.