When ARI turns into pneumonia

Each of us has experienced a cold more than once in our lives. So we in everyday life call ARI (acute respiratory disease). We are so often faced with manifestations of acute respiratory infections that we continue to go to work with symptoms such as low-grade fever, weakness and a slight cough. Often, ignoring the symptoms, people do not go to the doctor, while dangerous complications of the infection develop: inflammation of the lung tissue, or pneumonia.

Why does pneumonia occur?

Pneumonia is an inflammatory process of the lung tissue, which is accompanied by the accumulation of fluid in the alveoli (air cells in the lungs responsible for gas exchange).

Usually it is a disease of infectious origin. Pneumonia occurs due to bacteria (in more than 90 percent of cases it is pneumococcus), viruses. Rarely, pneumonia is caused by mycoplasmas, fungi, and parasites. The term “SARS” does not have a specific clinical condition and is retained to refer to an inflammatory process in the lungs caused by the corresponding intracellular microorganisms (mycoplasmas, chlamydia, legionella) ^[1].

Most cases of pneumonia are directly related to past acute respiratory infections and can be regarded as a complication of acute respiratory infections.

The most common ways of penetration of microorganisms into the lung tissue is the entry of microbes from the environment (airborne route) or the relocation of pathogenic flora from the upper respiratory system (from the nasopharynx).

Most often, it all starts with inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, and the main route of infection of the lung tissue is the spread of infection from the nasopharynx. Infection of only the lower respiratory tract as a result of inhalation of microbial aerosol is rare. ^[2].

Even with the multiplication of microorganisms in the nasopharynx, if the immune mechanisms function normally, the lower respiratory tract remains sterile.

The spread of infection into the bronchi may be the result of a decrease in the effectiveness of the protective mechanisms of the macroorganism and the massive invasion of microorganisms and / or their increased virulence.

The activity of immune system cells (macrophages and immunoglobulins), as well as mucociliary clearance and cough reflex, ensure the elimination of infected secretions from bronchioles.

But if bronchopulmonary protection is impaired and the mechanisms of “self-cleaning” of the tracheobronchial tree are damaged, pathogenic microorganisms spread beyond the bronchioles and cause inflammation of the lung tissue – pneumonia ^[3][4].

Factors predisposing to the development of pneumonia

Certain categories are known to have an increased risk of getting pneumonia:

• small children (under 5 years old), the elderly (over 65 years old);
• frequently suffering from acute infections of the upper respiratory tract (3 times a year or more);
• having a chronic pathology of the upper respiratory tract (tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis media, etc.);
• having other chronic diseases (including immunodeficiency states);
• prolonged stay in a horizontal position;
• smoking, alcohol abuse.

In addition to infection, adverse environmental factors can contribute to the development of pneumonia. The likelihood of pneumonia increases with hypothermia, stress, overwork, while staying in poorly ventilated rooms ^[2].

When to see a doctor with suspected pneumonia

For ordinary acute respiratory infections are not typical: severe weakness, fatigue, sweating.

Cough. The cough may be intermittent, but paroxysmal, occurring when trying to take a deep breath. At first, the cough is dry, then sputum production begins in large quantities. With acute respiratory infections, as a rule, there is no sputum when coughing or it is present in small quantities.

Fever. Pneumonia is characterized by a high temperature of 38-40 degrees, but there are times when the values ​​are lower.

Dyspnea. An increase in respiratory rate of more than 18 breaths per minute and a feeling of lack of air.

Tachycardia. Heart rate over 100 beats per minute.

In case of any of the above symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor, as delay can be dangerous to health.

You should also see a doctor if there is worsening after a seemingly better condition, or for any “cold” that lasts more than 7 days. ^[5].

Inflammation of the lungs is considered a serious disease, as in some cases it can be fatal. To draw attention to the problem of the high incidence of pneumonia since 2009, November 12 is World Pneumonia Day. With the support of WHO, on this day, healthcare institutions organize preventive measures, medical workers tell people about pneumonia and conduct medical examinations. ^[6].

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