Discover 6 Unknown Facts About Pneumonia

by Ankita Sehgal Freelance Blogger, Lives in New Delhi

A medical condition that is caused by lung infection is known as pneumonia. When pneumonia happens, the lungs become inflamed and get filled with pus. Consequently, pneumonia symptoms like fever, cough, and breathlessness become prominent.

While a lot of people are aware of the common facts related to pneumonia, there is a lot of information that needs revelation.

Below-mentioned is some unknown facts about pneumonia. Have a look:

• If we go by general conventions, we will find that viruses are known to be the most common cause of pneumonia. However, the truth is that viruses are not the only pathogens that result in pneumonia. Over 30 odd causes have been discovered by the medical fraternity, making it one of the most wide-ranging illnesses. Other pathogens that are responsible for causing pneumonia include bacteria. Moreover, fungi and mycoplasma germs may also be the possible causes for it.

• There are numerous ways through which pneumonia can be caused. You can very well catch the illness by simply breathing the infested food or fluids besides gases. The disease-causing pathogens reach your lungs and cause the tiny sacs to present there to swell, thus, resulting in an infection.

• Pneumonia is generally caused by people who have weak or busy immune system. It is also important to know that most of the pathogens or pneumonia-causing viruses and bacteria are generally present in your bodies, specifically in nose or throat. Thanks to the robust defense mechanism of the human body, you remain safeguarded from the ill-effects of pneumonia. In other words, if your immune system is good and not busy fighting other diseases, you already have a defense wall against pneumonia.

• Young children are more susceptible to pneumonia, thanks to their underdeveloped immune system. In a lot of cases, it may also prove to be fatal for them. As per health statistics, pneumonia is one of the most common causes of death among children below five years of age.

• Breastfeeding is extremely important when it comes to preventing pneumonia in young children. If your baby is below six months of age and is suffering from pneumonia, breastfeeding him or her can help decrease the severity of the disease to a considerable degree, research suggests.

• Adults mostly catch pneumonia from viruses. This is why it becomes substantial for them to get flu shots and prevent the spread of this illness. Moreover, these viruses like the novel COVID-19 are highly contagious and must be contained in order to curb the transmission of the disease.

Pneumonia treatment

The following pneumonia treatment measures are helpful:

• To control fever, drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen are recommended.

• Regular intake of fluids is suggested to promote hydration and production of phlegm.

• Prevent smoking in order to heal and strengthen your lungs.