What is pneumonia, what are the symptoms, is it contagious and how is it treated in adults and children? Everything you need to know
The bacterial lung infection is more common around autumn and winter
PNEUMONIA is a bacterial infection which causes swelling of lung tissue.
Although it has sadly become a familiar illness, its signs and symptoms are not so commonly defined. Here's what you should look out for...
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia refers to a swelling of the tissue in one or both of your lungs.
When you have pneumonia, the alveoli - tiny air sacs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged - fill with fluid.
It affects around 8 in 1,000 adults a year, and it's more common in autumn and winter.
While it can severely affect people of any age, it's more common and can be more serious among the young or elderly.
Bacteria and viruses are behind most cases of pneumonia - but it can also be caused by physical injury, chemicals such as chlorine fumes, or infectious agents such as parasites and fungi.
Last year, a report revealed that 80 people in Britain die from flu and pneumonia each day.
There's also what's known as 'walking pneumonia' - so-called because sufferers feel well enough to get up and around.
Unfortunately, this can lead to a delay in diagnosis and ultimately means symptoms can get worse.
What are the symptoms of pneumonia?
Symptoms may be different than the signs of infection shown in adults.
While pneumonia symptoms are similar to other illnesses, such as a chest infection - they can develop in as fast as 24 hours, or over a more gradual period.
The infection;'s development can also depend on the age of the sufferer.
Atypical or walking pneumonia is prevalent among school-age children. They may not feel ill enough to demand a day of school, but they could be tired, suffering from headaches, a minor feever or a dry cough.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is responsible for up to 20 per cent of adult pneumonia cases.
Common symptoms include a dry or phlegm-y cough - and breathing may be rapid and shallow, you may feel breathless all the time, and experience chest pain.
Fever, sweating and shivering, loss of appetite and a rapid heartbeat are all also symptoms.
Less common symptoms include coughing up blood, headaches, tiredness, feeling or being sick, wheezing, muscle pain and confusion.
What are the symptoms of pneumonia?
- A dry and/or phlegm-y cough
- Rapid breathing
- Breathlessness
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Sweating and shivering
- Loss of appetite
- Rapid heartbeat
- Coughing up blood
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Wheezing
- Muscle pain
- Confusion
How are adult pneumonia sufferers treated?
Adults are encouraged to call their GP if experiencing any symptoms. If they are severe symptoms such as chest pain, seek urgent medical attention.
It can be tough to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to common conditions such as colds and asthma.
But once it is diagnosed, mild pneumonia can be treated at home with antibiotics, fluids and rest. Occasionally, pneumonia sufferers are hospitalised - but these tend to be at-risk groups, due to the potential for serious complications.
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How are young pneumonia sufferers treated?
It is essential you seek medical advice as soon as possible if you suspect your child has contracted pneumonia.
Kids suffering from pneumonia will breathe fast. Doctors say their belly muscles will be visibly working hard to help them obtain oxygen.
If a child has viral caused pneumonia, parents will usually be encouraged to keep their tots hydrated and ensure they get plenty of rest.
Children can be offered drinks with electrolytes to increase the pace of their recovery.
Parents can offer paracetamol if their children are miserable during the recovery phase but it is not necessary.
For bacterial cases of pneumonia, a course of antibiotics will be provided, and can last up to 10 days.
Which celebrities have had pneumonia?
Jeremy Clarkson has been hospitalised with severe pneumonia after being struck down by the dangerous bug during a fortnight away in Majorca and remains in hospital.
It was reported that George Michael, who passed away on Christmas Day, had battled lung problems ever since he contracted the disease in 2011.
The singer was treated after collapsing during his Symphonica tour and he's not the only high profile sufferer.
US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was also struck by the illness during her run for the presidency.
And One Direction's Niall Horan also revealed he had come down with pneumonia.
In January 2018, Motorhead guitarist 'Fast' Eddie Clarke passed away aged 67 after battling the disease.