Breathing should be an automatic and simple act. However, for those with bilateral pneumonia, filling the lungs with air becomes a challenge.
This infection affects both lungs at the same time, inflaming the alveoli and filling them with fluid or pus, drastically reducing the blood’s oxygenation capacity.
Although it can affect anyone, it poses a greater threat to children, older adults, and patients with weakened immune systems. Early detection is key to avoiding serious complications.
What causes bilateral pneumonia?
Specialists point out that this disease can have multiple causes. Among the most common are bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, although viruses such as influenza, and even fungi and parasites, can also be responsible for infections.
The risk increases in people who smoke, have chronic illnesses ( diabetes or heart disease), or suffer from conditions that weaken the body’s natural defenses.
Warning signs
Bilateral pneumonia does not always present the same intensity, but it usually presents clear signs :
- Persistent high fever.
- Productive cough, sometimes with sputum.
- Difficulty breathing or feeling of suffocation.
- Chest pain when coughing or taking a deep breath.
- Extreme fatigue and general weakness.
In severe cases, mental confusion in older adults or cyanosis may occur, which is reflected in bluish lips and nails due to a lack of oxygen.
How is it diagnosed?
Early diagnosis makes all the difference. Doctors often use several tests to confirm the disease:
- Clinical history and pulmonary auscultation.
- Chest X-ray, revealing the extent of the infection in both lungs.
- Blood tests and sputum culture to identify the causative agent.
Available treatments
The approach depends on the source of the infection. Bacterial cases are treated with antibiotics, while viral infections require specific antivirals. If the cause is fungal, antifungals are used.
When respiratory failure is severe, oxygen therapy and supportive care are indicated, including hydration, rest, and fever control. Completing the treatment prescribed by the doctor is essential to avoid relapses or complications.
Prevention: the best defense
Preventing bilateral pneumonia is possible by adopting simple but effective measures:
- Get vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcus.
- Maintain proper hand hygiene.
- No smoking, to protect lung health.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition, exercise, and rest.
If not treated promptly, bilateral pneumonia can lead to serious problems such as:
- Respiratory failure.
- Sepsis which can be life-threatening.
- Lung abscesses.
- Pleural effusion.
