Pneumonia Specialists in Delhi

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, with bacterial pneumonia often being more severe and requiring prompt antibiotic treatment. The condition ranges in severity from mild illness manageable at home to a severe, life-threatening infection requiring hospitalisation, particularly in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic illness. Pneumonia remains a significant cause of illness and death in India, especially among young children and the elderly, where it can progress rapidly if not treated promptly. Chest X-ray and clinical examination are typically used for diagnosis, and treatment depends on the identified or suspected causative organism.

Causes of Pneumonia

Most commonly caused by bacterial infection, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae, though viruses including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, and less commonly fungi, can also cause pneumonia. Infection typically occurs when the causative organism is inhaled or aspirated into the lungs, overwhelming the body's usual respiratory defences. Risk is heightened in young children, older adults, smokers, and individuals with chronic lung disease, weakened immunity, or recent viral respiratory infection.

Symptoms of Pneumonia

Cough with phlegm or mucus, fever and chills, difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing, fatigue, confusion especially in older adults, bluish lips or fingertips in severe cases, reduced appetite

Treatment & Types of Pneumonia in Delhi

Bacterial pneumonia is treated with a course of appropriate antibiotics, selected based on the likely organism, severity of illness, and local resistance patterns, along with rest and adequate fluid intake. Viral pneumonia is managed with supportive care, though antiviral medication may be used in specific cases such as influenza. Severe pneumonia with low blood oxygen levels requires hospitalisation for oxygen therapy, intravenous antibiotics or fluids, and close monitoring for complications.

Pneumonia is classified by causative organism as bacterial, viral, or fungal, with bacterial pneumonia, most often from Streptococcus pneumoniae, tending to be more severe. It is also classified by where it was acquired, as community-acquired pneumonia, developing outside a healthcare setting, or hospital-acquired pneumonia, developing during a hospital stay and often involving more resistant organisms requiring different antibiotic choices.

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