Pneumonitis: dangerous and easily transmissible

     Pneumonitis, also known as pneumonia, is an acute infectious disease that causes inflammation of the lung tissue, small airways, and alveoli.

Causes of Pneumonitis

Pneumonitis can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including:

• Bacteria: commonly found in the mouth, nose, and throat.
• Viruses: such as those responsible for measles, chickenpox, and influenza (flu), among others.

Routes of Transmission

Pneumonitis can spread in four ways:

• Inhalation: Breathing in airborne pathogens.
• Aspiration: Inhaling pathogens from the mouth into the lungs.
• Hematogenous Spread: Infection spreads from other areas of the body via the bloodstream to the alveoli in the lungs.
• Direct Spread: Infection from nearby areas like the liver or esophagus spreads to the lungs.

Pneumonitis can be contagious until the pathogens are no longer present in the patient's mucus, saliva, and sputum.

Symptoms of Pneumonitis

The symptoms can vary depending on the area affected by the infection. For example:

• Bronchial Infection: Coughing may be the most prominent symptom.
• Lung Tissue Infection: Affects oxygen exchange, leading to symptoms like blue lips or fingers (cyanosis) due to a lack of oxygen. Initially, symptoms may resemble a cold, such as coughing, sneezing, and a sore throat. Later, high fever, chills, shortness of breath, and chest pain may develop.

Severity of Pneumonitis

     The severity of pneumonia depends on several factors, such as the patient's overall health and the type of infection. In some cases, symptoms may progress rapidly. In the elderly, symptoms might not be as obvious. If untreated or if complications arise, pneumonia can be life-threatening.

The Treatment of Pneumonitis

     Treatment may be symptomatic, and in some cases, antiviral medication may be prescribed. If symptoms persist after taking antiviral drugs, further laboratory tests may be conducted to identify the type and strain of the pathogen causing the illness.

Who is Suitable For Special Care?

Most patients with pneumonia do not require hospitalization, but if you fall into the following high-risk groups, special care and monitoring at the hospital may be necessary:

• Age: Over 65 years old.
• Underlying Health Conditions: Include heart disease, asthma, diabetes, kidney failure, or liver problems
• Inability to Care for Oneself: If you cannot communicate worsening symptoms or care for yourself
• Chest Pain: Difficulty coughing up sputum, or experiencing shortness of breath
• Difficulty Eating: With concurrent shortness of breath

Preventing Pneumonitis

• Vaccination: Get the pneumococcal vaccine and the flu vaccine, especially for those in high-risk groups.
• Preventing Spread: Wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Healthy Diet: Eat a nutritious diet to strengthen your immune system.
• For Patients Over 65: If hospitalized for pneumonia, it is recommended to receive a vaccine before discharge or at a follow-up appointment to prevent recurrence.
• Consult a Doctor: Always seek proper medical treatment.
• Avoid Smoking: Smoking should be avoided as it can exacerbate respiratory problems.