Patient information: Pneumonia in adults

PNEUMONIA OVERVIEW

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It is a serious illness that can affect people of any age, although it is most serious in the very young, people over the age of 65, and those with underlying medical problems such as congestive heart disease, diabetes, and chronic lung disease. It is most common during the winter months, and occurs more often in smokers and men than women.

This article will focus on community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), which refers to pneumonia that develops in people in the community, rather than in a hospital, nursing home, or assisted-living facility. About four million cases of CAP occur each year in the United States, and approximately 20 percent of people require hospitalization.

LUNG FUNCTION

As we breathe, air is inhaled through the nose and mouth, and travels through the trachea and the bronchi to the bronchioles. At the end of the bronchioles, there are tiny air sacs, called alveoli. Alveoli have thin, porous walls that contain capillaries (figure 1).

The mouth and respiratory tract are constantly exposed to microorganisms as air is inhaled through the nose and mouth. However, the body's defenses are usually able prevent microorganisms from entering and infecting the lungs. These defenses include the immune system, the specialized shape of the nose and pharynx, the ability to cough, and fine hair-like structures called cilia. Pneumonia can develop if your defenses are not adequate or the microorganism is particularly strong.

As microorganisms multiply, the alveoli become inflamed, red, and accumulate fluid. These changes lead to the symptoms of pneumonia. (See 'Pneumonia symptoms' below.)

HIGH-RISK GROUPS

Some groups are at a greater risk of developing pneumonia. These include people who:

• Are greater than 65 years old
• Are cigarette smokers
• Are malnourished due to health conditions or lack of access to food
• Have underlying lung disease, including cystic fibrosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and emphysema
• Have other underlying medical problems, including diabetes and heart disease
• Have a weakened immune system due to HIV, organ transplant, chemotherapy, or chronic steroid use
• Have difficulty coughing due to stroke, sedating drugs or alcohol, or limited mobility
• Have had a recent viral upper respiratory tract infection

PNEUMONIA CAUSES

Pneumonia can be caused by a variety of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, and less commonly, fungi. The most common cause of pneumonia in the United States is the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus.

Viruses are estimated to be the cause of adult CAP in nearly 20 percent of cases. Fungi rarely cause pneumonia in people who are generally healthy; people with a weakened immune system (those with HIV, organ transplant patients, or those on chemotherapy) are at higher risk of fungal infection. Other organisms, such as Mycoplasma, are a common cause of mild pneumonia.

PNEUMONIA SYMPTOMS

Common symptoms of pneumonia include chest pain, shortness of breath, pain with breathing, a rapid heart and breathing rate, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a cough that produces green or yellow sputum; occasionally the sputum is rust colored. Most people have fever (temperature greater than 100.5ºF or 38ºC), although elderly people have fever less often. Shaking chills (called rigors) and a change in mental status (confusion, unclear thinking) can occur.

The characteristics of pneumonia are different than those of a more common infection, acute bronchitis; bronchitis does not usually cause a fever is usually caused by a virus, and does not usually require treatment with an antibiotic. (See "Patient information: Acute bronchitis in adults".)

PNEUMONIA DIAGNOSIS

Pneumonia is usually diagnosed with a complete medical history and physical examination, as well as a chest x-ray. The need for further testing depends upon the severity of the illness and the person's risk of complications.

Chest x-ray — Chest x-ray is the best test for diagnosing pneumonia when the history and physical examination also support the diagnosis.

Sputum testing — Sputum testing requires a sample of sputum, collected from a deep cough. Sputum testing is used to identify the bacteria that caused the pneumonia and can help determine which antibiotic is best. This test is generally reserved for people who require hospitalization.

Blood testing — Patients who are hospitalized require blood testing, including a complete blood cell count (CBC) and sometimes a blood culture. A CBC measures the number of many types of blood cells, including white blood cells (WBC); these cells multiply when there is a bacterial infection. An increased number of WBCs is one indicator that a bacterial infection, including pneumonia, is present.

A blood culture is used to determine whether the infection has spread from the lungs into the blood stream. It involves taking a sample of blood from a vein and testing it for bacteria. Normally, there should be no bacteria in the blood stream. Blood cultures are used to identify the bacteria that caused the pneumonia and to guide the choice of antibiotic. A patient's antibiotic may be changed when results of the blood or sputum culture are completed (usually after 48 to 72 hours).

Blood oxygen measurement — Pneumonia can decrease the amount of oxygen available in the blood. As a result, a blood oxygen level is often measured by attaching a small clip to the finger or ear that uses infrared light. In those who are sicker, the oxygen level may be measured by withdrawing a sample of blood from an artery.

Bronchoscopy — Patients who fail to improve or worsen during their hospitalization despite treatment with antibiotics may require further testing with bronchoscopy. In this procedure, a physician uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to view the trachea and bronchi (the tube between the trachea and lungs). This allows them to look directly at the lungs, collect fluid samples or a biopsy (a small tissue sample), and determine whether there is an underlying cause of infection, such as a growth or inhaled foreign body. (See "Patient information: Fiberoptic bronchoscopy".)

PNEUMONIA TREATMENT

The goal of treatment for patients with CAP is to treat the infection and prevent complications. Treatment of CAP is based upon the organism that is likely to be causing pneumonia (called empiric treatment). Most patients improve with empiric treatment.

Hospital versus home care — Most patients are treated for CAP at home with oral antibiotics. People who are at increased risk for complications may be hospitalized. Hospital monitoring usually includes measurement of heart and breathing rate, temperature, and oxygen levels. Hospitalized patients are usually given intravenous (IV) antibiotics initially. The number of days spent in the hospital is variable, and depends upon how a person responds to treatment and if there are underlying medical problems.

Some patients, including people with previous lung damage or disease, a weakened immune system, or infection in more than one lobe of the lungs (called multilobar pneumonia), may be slow to recover and require a longer hospitalization.

Antibiotic choice — A number of antibiotic treatment regimens exist for treatment of CAP. The choice of which antibiotic to use is based upon several factors, including the person's underlying medical problems and the likelihood of being infected with a bacteria that is resistant to specific drugs.

People with certain underlying medical problems and those who have used antibiotics in the past three months have a higher risk of infection with drug resistant bacteria. For all antibiotic regimens, it is important to finish the entire course of medication and take it exactly as directed.

EXPECTED RECOVERY FROM PNEUMONIA

A person with pneumonia usually begins to improve after three to five days of antibiotic treatment. Improvement may be defined as feeling better or having fewer symptoms, such as cough and fever. Fatigue and a persistent, but milder, cough can last for up to one month, although most people are able to resume their usual activities within seven days. Patients treated in the hospital may require three weeks or more to resume normal activities.

All patients, whether treated at home or in the hospital, should take special care of themselves during the recovery period. This includes getting adequate rest at night and taking naps during the day if needed. Patients should drink fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated; there is no specific amount of fluid recommended, but thirst is a good indicator of the need to drink more fluids. Patients should be sure to finish all of their antibiotic medication, even if they feel better after a few days.

All patients should see a healthcare provider four to six weeks after being diagnosed with pneumonia. This visit allows the provider to be sure that the patient is feeling better and has no new problems.

PNEUMONIA COMPLICATIONS

Pneumonia can usually be treated successfully without complications. However, complications can develop in some patients, especially those in high-risk groups.

• Fluid accumulation — Fluid can develop between the covering of the lungs (pleura) and the inner lining of the chest wall; this is called a pleural effusion. If the fluid becomes infected as a result of pneumonia (called empyema), a chest tube (or less commonly, surgical drainage) may be needed to drain the fluid.
• Abscess — A collection of pus in the area infected with pneumonia is known as an abscess. They can usually be treated with antibiotics; rarely, surgical removal is needed.
• Bacteremia — Bacteremia occurs when the pneumonia infection spreads from the lungs to the bloodstream. This is a serious complication since infection can spread quickly from the bloodstream to other organs.
• Death — Although most people recover from pneumonia, it can be fatal in some cases; less than 3 percent of people who are hospitalized and less than 1 percent of people who are treated at home will die as a result of pneumonia or it's complications.

WHEN TO SEEK HELP

Anyone who suspect that they have pneumonia should seek medical care as soon as possible. Pneumonia is a serious illness that can be life-threatening if not treated, especially for people who are older than 65 years, alcoholic, have underlying medical problems, or a weakened immune system.

People with the following symptoms should see their healthcare provider promptly:

• Cough with phlegm that does not improve or worsens
• New shortness of breath with normal daily activities
• Chest pain with breathing
• Feeling suddenly worse after a cold or the flu

PREVENTION

The pneumococcal vaccine is one of the most effective ways to prevent pneumonia. The vaccine is discussed separately. (See "Patient information: Pneumonia prevention".)

Infection control — Infection control measures can help to prevent the spread of any type of infection, including pneumonia. Infection control is most commonly practiced in healthcare settings, but is useful in the community as well. Simple practices such as frequent hand washing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs can be effective.

Because pneumonia is spread by contact with infected respiratory secretions, people with pneumonia should limit face-to-face contact with uninfected family and friends. The mouth and nose should be covered while coughing or sneezing, and tissues should be disposed of immediately. Sneezing/coughing into the sleeve of one's clothing (at the inner elbow) is another means of containing sprays of saliva and secretions and has the advantage of not contaminating the hands.

WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION

Your healthcare provider is the best source of information for questions and concerns related to your medical problem. Because no two people are exactly alike and recommendations can vary from one person to another, it is important to seek guidance from a provider who is familiar with your individual situation.

This discussion will be updated as needed every four months on our web site (www.uptodate.com/patients). Additional topics as well as selected discussions written for healthcare professionals are also available for those who would like more detailed information.

Some of the most pertinent include:

Patient Level Information:
Patient information: Acute bronchitis in adults
Patient information: Fiberoptic bronchoscopy
Patient information: Pneumonia prevention

Professional Level Information:
Aspiration pneumonia in adults
Bacterial pulmonary infections in HIV-infected patients
Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Legionella infection
Clinical presentation and diagnosis of Pneumocystis carinii (P. jirovecii) infection in HIV-infected patients
Clinical presentation and diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia
Community-acquired pneumonia in adults: Risk stratification and the decision to admit
Diagnostic approach to community-acquired pneumonia in adults
Epidemiology and pathogenesis of Legionella infection
Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and microbiology of community-acquired pneumonia in adults
Epidemiology, pathogenesis, microbiology, and diagnosis of hospital-acquired, ventilator-associated, and healthcare-associated pneumonia in adults
Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in adults
Nonresolving pneumonia
Pneumococcal pneumonia in adults
Pneumonia caused by Chlamydophila (Chlamydia) species in adults
Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia
Risk factors and prevention of hospital-acquired, ventilator-associated, and healthcare-associated pneumonia in adults
Sputum cultures
Treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in adults in the outpatient setting
Treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in adults who require hospitalization
Treatment of hospital-acquired, ventilator-associated, and healthcare-associated pneumonia in adults
Treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections

A number of web sites have information about medical problems and treatments, although it can be difficult to know which sites are reputable. Information provided by the National Institutes of Health, national medical societies and some other well-established organizations are often reliable sources of information, although the frequency with which they are updated is variable.

• National Library of Medicine

      (www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000145.htm, available in Spanish)

• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

      (www.niaid.nih.gov)

• American Lung Association

      (www.lungusa.org, click on "Diseases A to Z", then click on "P")

• Canadian Lung Association

       (www.lung.ca/pneumonia)

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