Breathe Easy: Identifying, Avoiding Pneumonia

Cold and flu season can hit your family hard in the winter. As the months of cold and damp weather wear on, immune systems become more compromised and more serious illnesses can enter the picture. Nearly three million cases of pneumonia are reported in the U. S. each year, with the highest percentage of cases found in small children and the elderly.

Children younger than 12 are still developing their immune systems making them more susceptible to pneumonia. They also are less likely to be vigilant about hand- washing and nose-blowing, making them more prone to contract the viruses and bacteria that can lead to pneumonia.

The majority of pneumonia cases in children and younger adults are known as “community acquired pneumonia” (CAP), and are separated into two categories — viral and bacterial. Learning how to prevent, identify and treat the different types of pneumonia will help you and your family breathe easier this winter.

Viral Pneumonia— As the name suggests, viral pneumonia is caused by some form of viral infection. According to the American Lung Association, most pneumonia in children is caused by viral infections. In children younger than 1, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of viral pneumonia.

Because viral pneumonia cannot be cured with antibiotics, the virus must run its course, and may take longer to resolve than the bacterial form. Supportive treatments can be very effective, including the use of nebulizers for easier breathing and steroid intervention to speed healing and bring relief to the lungs. Antibiotics should only be used if there are signs of a secondary infection, such as an ear infection.

Bacterial Pneumonia — There are many different bacterial infections that can lead to pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumonia is the most common source of community acquired bacterial pneumonia. Mycoplasma pneumonia – also known as “walking pneumonia” – is caused by bacteria called mycoplasmas. While the symptoms of this strain can be milder and less debilitating, mycoplasma pneumonia is contagious and can last much longer than other forms of the illness. Physicians will typically treat any type of bacterial pneumonia with antibiotics, and a return to health can be expected in one to two weeks (four to six weeks for mycoplasma pneumonia).

Initial symptoms of pneumonia often look much the same as the flu or common cold: fever, cough, and nasal and chest congestion. In some patients, however, the only symptom is unusually rapid breathing and/or breathing accompanied by a wheezing or grunting sound. If your provider suspects pneumonia, they will likely order a chest X-ray for confirmation before prescribing further diagnostics and treatment. Especially in children or the elderly, the physician may want to monitor the patient’s oxygen levels. If they fall too low, the patient may be admitted to the hospital for closer monitoring of the treatment.

Most physicians agree immunizations are the best line of defense for preventing pneumonia, and are highly recommended for those with more fragile or compromised immune systems.

In many cases, pneumonia can be prevented by ensuring that your child’s vaccines are current. Haemophilus influenza Type b, pneumococcal, pertussis, measles and flu vaccines all help you avoid some of the most common illnesses that can lead to pneumonia.

It’s also important to encourage more vigilant hygiene habits during cold and flu season. Washing hands, cleaning household and workplace surfaces, and using tools like humidifiers to enhance proper breathing will all work to eliminate germs and prevent their spread. Maintaining proper diet and exercise habits also are important in the winter months. These basic and obvious lifestyle choices will give your immune system an edge and make you less likely to contract a virus of any sort. If you do get a cold or virus, be sure to aggressively treat and eliminate mucus before it can fester into an infection.