Inflammation of air sacs in lungs caused by bacterial or viral infection is called Pneumonia. Give it is a respiratory illness whose symptoms include shortness of breath, fever, fatigue and weakness, it collides with COVID-19 resulting in misdiagnosis.
The similarity between Pneumonia and COVID-19 can be confusing. There were cases when a regular Pneumonia was diagnosed as COVID-19 and vice versa. Then there were cases where patients were affected by both COVID-19 and Pneumonia.
Going forward, it is important to understand the difference between these two conditions. By this point we all do have a working knowledge about COVID-19. So this blog deals with Pneumonia, its causes, risk factors and treatment with inputs from the best lung specialist in Hyderabad Dr Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale. Read on:
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia starts with an infection caused by bacteria or viruses. This infection inflames the lungs and over time the air sacs in the lungs may get filled up by fluid resulting in shortness of breath, fever, chest pain, fatigue and chills.
Pneumonia can be a serious condition even life-threatening in some cases. It can occur in both the elder and younger generation but elder patients, and patients with compromised immune systems or existing medical conditions are more prone to developing Pneumonia, according to a lung specialist in Hyderabad, Dr Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale.
Causes of Pneumonia:
Viruses and bacteria are the main causes of Pneumonia. A person contracts Pneumonia when he inhales the bacteria causing germs that settle and multiply in the lungs filling the air sacs with fluid and causing the symptoms. Also, Pneumonia can be contagious, the germs that travel into the air or settle on objects when pneumonia patient sneezes can spread this condition.
Symptoms of Pneumonia:
The symptoms and severity of the Pneumonia depend on the type of infection that causes the condition.
Pneumonia caused by bacteria are most common are also can be serious with the rapid rise in temperature, pulse, breathing and sweating. In contrast, Pneumonia due to viral infection can take several days to develop starting with dry cough, headache and mild fever which gradually worsen over some time. Symptoms of Pneumonia may also vary based on age where new-borns or infants may not show up any symptoms and older adults quickly catch symptoms that worsen rapidly.
Pneumonia Treatment in Hyderabad:
After diagnosing the patient’s condition and taking the age, medical history into consideration and lung doctor in Hyderabad will put together a treatment plan for the patient.
The treatment plan usually includes antibiotics or antiviral medications are prescribed for bacterial or viral Pneumonia along with other lifestyle changes that help manage the condition. Staying away from the smoke, drinking plenty of fluids and prioritising warm beverages and taking loads of rest are usually recommended.
“Patients are advised not to take self-medication when the symptoms show up. Based on the type of medication they use it can disturb the treatment progress. Always consult an expert lung specialist as soon as the symptoms show up”, says the best lungs doctor in Hyderabad, Dr Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale.
One of the leading authorities and lung and heart transplantation, Padma Shri Awardee Dr Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale is the leading lung and heart specialist in Hyderabad with an excellent track record in treating all types of lung problems. If you are looking for pneumonia treatment in Hyderabad, you can consult Dr Alla Gopal Krishna Gokhale here: 9603040506
