Double pneumonia, when the infection attacks both sides of the lung at once & bull; hello healthy

Pneumonia usually affects only one part of the lung at a time, either right or left. But sometimes, pneumonia, aka pneumonia, can occur on both sides of the lung at the same time. This condition is called double pneumonia or bilateral pneumonia. Left untreated, pneumonia of any kind can be life-threatening.

What causes double pneumonia?

Pneumonia can be caused by viral infections, bacterial, fungal, or other parasitic infections. Both can cause double pneumonia.

There has been no research into the reasons why pneumonia can attack both lungs at the same time. However, the causes are the same as those that cause pneumonia in general.

Quoted by the Mayo Clinic, here are the causes of pneumonia:

Bacteria

The most common causes of pneumonia are Streptoccocus pneumoniae. This type of pneumonia appears after you have a cold or flu. Usually these bacteria attack one part of the lung.

However, a risk double pneumonia tends to be higher when caused by a bacterial infection pseudomonas and staphylococcus which is often preceded by the flu never goes away. Double pneumonia also more often due to infection legionella serious.

Germs are like bacteria

Mycoplasma pneumoniae can also be a cause of pneumonia. Usually, the symptoms caused by this type of pneumonia are mild.

Mushroom

Pneumonia infection caused by a fungus may also affect both sides of the lung, but only in individuals with low immunity, such as the elderly.

Virus

Some viruses that cause colds and flu can cause pneumonia. Viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in children under five years. Viral pneumonia is usually mild, but in some cases it can be very serious.

Bilateral pneumonia can also occur due to complications of pneumonia caused by sepsis, causing infection in the lungs that are still healthy.

Typical symptoms and complications from

Double pneumonia has the same characteristics as the symptoms of pneumonia in one lung. However, the impact that arises from bilateral pneumonia tends to be more fatal. This condition can only be detected by X-ray of the lungs.

Double pneumonia can have an impact on the respiratory system and other parts of the body, resulting in symptoms, such as:

• Pain in the chest when inhaling and exhaling
• Shortness of breath despite not doing strenuous activities
• Cough with thick phlegm and won't heal
• The body's condition worsens when you have an acute respiratory infection
• Changes in body temperature such as high fever or hypothermia
• Limp
• Feel nauseous and vomiting or have diarrhea
• Cyanosis (bluish lips and fingertips)

Quoted from Kid's Health, even though it occurs in both lungs, it doesn't mean you experience twice as much pain.

What complications might result from

Without proper handling, double pneumonia can get worse, and cause complications of pneumonia, such as:

• Systemic inflammation, such as sepsis
• Inflammation of the pleural lining of the lung
• Lung abscess
• Pleural effusion
• Kidney failure and respiratory system failure.

Who is most at risk of developing double pneumonia?

Pneumonia infection can be experienced by anyone, but the following characteristics can increase a person's chances of experiencing it double pneumonia:

• Advanced age, especially over 65 years.
• Very young.
• Experiencing malnutrition / malnutrition.
• Smoke.
• Have a history of airway diseases such as chronic pulmonary obstruction (COPD), asthma, or cystic fibrosis.
• Have a chronic disease, such as congestive heart failure.
• Experiencing decreased immunity caused by HIV / AIDS or autoimmune diseases.
• Taking certain medications that decrease the work of the immune system.
• Have a swallowing disorder.
• Recently had a viral infection of the respiratory system.

How is double pneumonia diagnosed?

Double pneumonia can be detected when you take a chest x-ray. In addition, your doctor may ask you to do the following tests as a follow-up examination:

• Blood test, which is an examination to determine the occurrence of infection and its cause.
• Pulse oximetry, which is a test to measure the level of oxygen in the blood.
• Sputum test, which is to determine the cause of infection.

If you are over 65 years of age, have serious symptoms, or have other health conditions, you will be asked to:

• CT scan, which is a test that allows your doctor to see a more detailed picture of your lungs.
• Pleural fluid culture, which is a sample of the fluid between your ribs to determine the type of infection you have.

What are the treatment options

Infection occurs in both lungs causing the breathing process to be very disturbed and causing reduced oxygen intake. This can increase the risk of death, but is very likely to be prevented and treated.

Treatment of pneumonia must be started early when the initial symptoms of infection such as shortness of breath and fever appear suddenly, so that disease progression can be controlled as quickly as possible.

Generally, drugs for double pneumonia are the same as those used for the treatment of ordinary pneumonia, such as:

• Antibiotics (for those caused by bacteria)
• Antivirus (for those caused by viruses)
• Oxygen mask if breathing is difficult
• Complete rest

In addition, pneumonia of any type, including bilateral ones, causes coughing. However, coughing is a reflex for the body to remove germs from the body.

You probably won't be advised to use cough medicine unless your doctor recommends it.

In addition, if you have a smoking habit and have double pneumonia, you should stop smoking so that your lungs recover quickly.

Quitting smoking is also one of the main steps if you want to take precautions against pneumonia.

It may take you some time to completely recover from pneumonia. Some people feel better and can return to activities after going through treatment in one week, while others can take a month.

Make sure you limit your contact with people around you so that germs don't spread.