Pneumonia remains a significant health concern, particularly for young children, older adults, and those with underlying medical conditions. According to Shalika Katugaha, MD, system director of Infectious Diseases at Baptist Health, “Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs and can cause coughing, fever and shortness of breath. It can be a serious illness, especially in young children, people 65 and older, and people with other medical conditions. Bacteria, viruses and fungi can cause pneumonia.”
Common symptoms include cough producing phlegm, fever, chills or sweats, painful breathing, fast heart rate, fatigue, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Dr. Katugaha explained how pneumonia spreads: “Bacterial and viral pneumonias are spread through inhalation of airborne droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in the U.S. is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Viral pneumonia is often caused by influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2 [the virus that causes COVID-19]. Typically, the body prevents potentially harmful particles in the air from infecting the lungs. In some situations, bacteria and viruses can overpower the immune system and cause pneumonia.”
The highest-risk groups for developing severe pneumonia include children aged two years or younger and adults aged 65 or older. Other risk factors are hospitalization—especially intensive care or mechanical ventilation—chronic lung or heart disease, smoking habits, or having a suppressed immune system.
Dr. Katugaha noted that viral infections weaken immunity and increase susceptibility to bacterial pneumonias. She emphasized the importance of staying current with COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations.
Severe cases of pneumonia may result in complications such as difficulty breathing that could require hospitalization or use of supplemental oxygen or ventilators. Dr. Katugaha said: “It can lead to trouble breathing that may require hospitalization and supplemental oxygenation, or even a ventilator. The bacteria can enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs. An abscess can develop if pus collects in the lung cavity, or fluid can accumulate around the lungs.”
Vaccination is a key preventive measure against pneumonia’s complications. Dr. Katugaha advised: “Vaccination can lower your risk and help protect you from complications, hospitalization and death. If you’re 50 or older, you should be getting pneumonia vaccines. In special situations, individuals ages 19-49 with certain medical conditions or other risk factors including immunocompromising conditions are candidates for the pneumonia vaccines too.” She encouraged individuals to consult their primary care physician for personalized recommendations.
She added: “Some bacterial strains of pneumonia have become resistant to commonly used antibiotics which is why preventing pneumococcal infection through vaccination is so important. Because of the ongoing seasons of respiratory virus illnesses it’s especially important to focus on optimizing lung health.”
Baptist Health offers assistance in finding primary care physicians who provide preventive care services related to diseases like pneumonia.
