Pneumonia
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is when the air sacs of the lungs become inflamed, usually due to an infection caused by a virus or bacteria. Less commonly, pneumonia can be caused by a parasite or fungus, or when an object (like a piece of food) becomes stuck in the lungs and increases the risk of a bacterial infection.
In This Article:
Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia
Pneumonia can present with a number of different symptoms, some of which are similar to COPD symptoms:
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Low energy
- Poor appetite
- Change in the color of your mucus
Other symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Symptoms of pneumonia can come on quickly or progress slowly over time.
Diagnosing Pneumonia
The first step to diagnosing pneumonia is a personal history and physical exam. A doctor may also listen to your lungs for any unusual sounds.
The gold standard of diagnosis is a chest X-ray, which can show areas of inflammation that indicate pneumonia.
Additionally, your provider may order a blood test to test your white blood cell count and other markers of infection. A culture of phlegm or mucus can determine which bacteria or virus is causing the infection and therefore what course of treatment is appropriate.
Treating Pneumonia
Treatment of pneumonia depends on the cause and severity of the inflammation. If pneumonia is caused by a bacterial infection, a provider will usually prescribe antibiotics. If you are at a higher risk of contracting a viral infection, your provider may also prescribe an antiviral medication. Corticosteroids may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation.
Pneumonia can also develop from a common cold or flu. So if you are sick, take these steps:
- Move around gently
- Eat well
- Stay hydrated, to help thin mucus and prevent it from building up
- Use oxygen therapy and COPD medication as prescribed
- Take preventative steps, like practicing healthy lifestyle habits, good hygiene, and staying away from people who are already ill
Taking care of yourself when you’re feeling sick will prevent a common respiratory condition from developing into pneumonia.
How Pneumonia Affects COPD
Having COPD raises your risk of contracting lung infections, which can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia can also raise your risk of experiencing COPD exacerbations, or a sudden worsening of COPD symptoms. Some inhaled corticosteroids prescribed for COPD can also increase your risk of infection.
Because there are some similarities between the symptoms of pneumonia and COPD, pneumonia is often underdiagnosed. If you experience a serious worsening of symptoms, tell your doctor and seek medical attention. The symptoms to be aware of include:
- Lower than normal oxygen saturation levels
- Increased difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Slurring of speech
- Changes in mucus color, thickness, or amount
- Unexplained weakness or fatigue
Your COPD Action Plan is also a helpful resource to keep track of changes in your condition and what to do.
What You Can Do Today
- Keep track of any changes in your symptoms in your COPD Action Plan
- Use all medications as prescribed
- Keep hydrated, move around gently, and take deep breaths if you’re feeling sick
- If you are given an airway clearance device, make sure you are using it as directed
- Practice daily oral hygiene as recommended by your dentist