The first stage is congestion in the lungs. Even the lung inflammation in pneumonia has many stages. In the third stage (day 4-6), the lung has accumulation of more damaged red blood cells and an increase in fibrin as the debris thins out and becomes more fluid-like (exudative). It can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of germ causing the infection, your age, and your overall health. A type of pneumonia, called lobar pneumonia, has 4 stages of development and resolution which include: Patients can reduce their risk of getting pneumonia in some cases. Mild pneumonia can usually be treated at home with rest, antibiotics (if it's likely be caused by a bacterial infection) and by drinking plenty of fluids. The general rule of thumb is to treat animals with temperatures above 104 F (40 C). It's more likely if you have problems swallowing or coughing. These may include: CT scan. The lung is heavy, boggy, and red. Severe CAP (stage 3) is defined as pneumonia associated with respiratory failure and/or hemodynamic instability requiring treatment in an ICU, and has a death rate varying from 21% to 54%. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the most common serious infection encountered in medical practice, with 1% to 10% of patients requiring admission to a hospital. The stages of pneumonia. Pneumonia often starts with symptoms typical of a cold or upper respiratory infection, like sore throat, nasal congestion, and cough. Possible Pneumonia Complications. You can become infected if you come in contact with someone who is sick. Pneumonia is a lower respiratory lung infection that causes inflammation in one or both lungs. ANSWER: Four stages of inflammatory response are classically described, as follows: Congestion: This stage is characterized by vascular engorgement, intra-alveolar fluid, and numerous bacteria. The germs that cause pneumonia can be contagious. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, and it can impact either one or both of the lungs. eMedicineHealth does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. home The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. In very severe cases, COVID-19 pneumonia can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a … Pneumonia in the elderly occurs more frequently than in other age brackets. Pneumonia is most often caused by a bacterial infection (bacterial pneumonia) or a viral infection (viral pneumonia). Even the lung inflammation in pneumonia has many stages. With bacterial pneumonia, a person may have a high fever. Topic Guide, Aerobic gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Enterobacteriaceae such as, Microaerophilic bacteria and anaerobes (associated with aspiration), Coronaviruses (e.g., Middle East respiratory syndrome, Sputum test on a sample of mucus (sputum) taken after a deep cough, Urinary antigen testing for S. pneumoniae, Pulse oximetry to measure the blood oxygen levels, Pleural fluid culture, in which a small amount of fluid is removed from tissues surrounding the lung, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Taking steamy baths or showers or using a humidifier to help open airways, Talk to your doctor before you take cough medicines because coughing helps the body work to get rid of infection. Pneumonia- and non-pneumonia-related complications are often observed. Did you know that there are over 30 different causes of pneumonia and that there are different types of pneumonia? The congestion is a stage that comprises of numerous bacteria. It can cause serious illness in young children, people over age 65, and people with other health problems. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes cough, fever, and trouble breathing. Possible complications include: Respiratory failure, which requires a breathing machine or ventilator. We are fully equipped to diagnose and treat pneumonia, as well as other infections. People who may be more likely to have complications from pneumonia include: Older adults or very young children. During the first stage, the clogging of the alveoli takes place … Even if you combined the deal toll of AIDS, measles, and malaria, you would still not have a number high enough to match that of the deaths pneumonia has caused. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes cough, fever, and trouble breathing. Identification of the early stages of pneumonia in older patients can prove difficult. Decreased force in the stream of urine. When you get pneumonia -- whether it was caused by a bacteria, virus, or fungus -- there's a chance it could lead to other medical troubles. More severe cases may need hospital treatment. See your doctor immediately, since pneumonia can … Pneumonia … Many viruses can cause pneumonia. As a result, there are more cases of morbidity and mortality. After the initial infection, the first symptoms will occur within one day, in a form of a high body temperature and cough. Request free information; Peers. The Mayo Clinic defines pneumonia as the inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs as a result of infection. Pneumonia is an infection of one or both of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It's usually caused by a bacterial infection. Common symptoms of pneumonia include: a cough – which may be dry, or produce thick yellow, green, brown or blood-stained mucus (phlegm) difficulty breathing – your breathing may be rapid and shallow, and you may feel breathless, even when resting. Unless a healthcare professional tells you otherwise, you should always finish taking a prescribed course of antibiotics, even if you feel better. Four stages of inflammatory response are classically described, as follows: Congestion: This stage is characterized by vascular engorgement, intra-alveolar fluid, and numerous bacteria. rapid … The lungs will appear to be a grayish brown or yellow color because of the disintegration of red cells. : A type of pneumonia called lobar pneumonia has four stages of development and resolution. In children round pneumonia develops instead because the pores of Kohn which allow the lobar spread of infection are underdeveloped. Once you start taking antibiotics, your symptoms should begin to improve. Being an infant, young child, or older adult. Bacterial pneumonia is the most prevalent, with streptococcus pneumoniae being the leading bacteria to cause this type of infection. Pneumonia is an infection in one or both of the lungs. Pneumonia can occur in any age group or population. This means it can often be effectively treated with an antibiotic. Viral pneumonia is pneumonia that results from a viral lung infection. Your lungs will also appear to be paler and drier than usual. Sputum test. Recovering from pneumonia. A cough that produces green, yellow, or bloody mucus is the most common symptom of pneumonia. The congestion is a stage that comprises of numerous bacteria. A 2011 study of health-care records estimated that 866,000 cases of pneumonia occurred in the United States in 2004; in patients age 65 or older, pneumonia …