Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs) fill with fluid or pus, reducing oxygen levels in the body. While most healthy people recover within a few weeks, it can be quite severe for at-risk populations. This includes seniors, infants, young children, those with chronic health conditions/reduced immune systems and pregnant people. It is usually spread by contact with respiratory droplets when infected people talk, cough or sneeze. Pneumonia is the 6th leading cause of hospitalizations across all ages in Canada1. Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment depend on the type of pneumonia.
Fungal pneumonia is non-contagious and usually found in people with chronic health conditions, lowered immune systems or high exposure to bird droppings or contaminated soil. Viral pneumonia is contagious and can be caused by RSV, SARS-COV2 (causes COVID-19), influenza (causes the flu), measles and other similar viruses. Bacterial pneumonia is contagious and usually caused by an overabundance of normal bacteria in the respiratory tract causing infection in those with a weakened immune system.
Contagious pneumococcal disease, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, bacteria, is the most common and often most severe form of pneumonia. It can lead to meningitis (brain infection) and septicemia (blood infection) as well as pneumonia. It kills roughly 1 in 20 older adults who contract it2.
Symptoms
- Mucus producing cough, or in the case of viral pneumonia, dry cough.
- Fatigue.
- Fever and/or chills.
- Breathing difficulties.
- Chest Pain.
- Confusion (especially in seniors).
- Vomiting and/or nausea (especially in young children).
Diagnosis
- a doctor may listen to the chest (breathing with pneumonia sounds different due to fluid buildup)
- X-ray of the chest
- CT scan of the chest
Treatment/Prevention
Pneumonia in most cases can be treated with rest, breathing supports and antibiotics. Occasionally an anti-viral or anti-fungal will be prescribed if the cause is known.
The best treatment is prevention. Good hygiene (washing your hands often), not smoking and up to date immunization (influenza, RSV, etc.) can prevent and/or limit complications from viral pneumonia as well as pneumococcal pneumonia.
Health Canada recommends two types of pneumococcal vaccines: conjugate (PCV15 or 20) and polysaccharide (PPSV13 or 23). Conjugate provides longer lasting protection and is usually given in childhood while polysaccharide is often used to bolster protection in at risk populations. Your healthcare provider can advise which is best for you.
Resources
Pneumococcal Disease- MyHealth Alberta
Merck Manual- Pneumococcal Infection
Health Canada-Pneumococcal vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide