Is bronchopneumonia contagious or not?

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Is pneumonia contagious and how is it transmitted?

Is pneumonia contagious or not? How is pneumonia transmitted? Not only ordinary people, but also doctors are concerned about finding answers to these questions. This is justified by the fact that, despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of this pathology, the proportion of morbidity with the development of complications and death is still high.

Table of contents:

This article contains information about how you can get pneumonia and what to do to avoid getting the disease.

Causes and mechanisms of possible transmission of pneumonia from person to person

As is known, pneumonia is an acute infectious process of damage to lung tissue. It occurs due to the entry of various pathogens into the lungs. In order to catch a microbe, there must be certain conditions for this.

The main causative agents of the inflammatory process are:

  • bacteria;
  • chlamydia;
  • mycoplasma;
  • fungi;
  • pneumocystis;
  • combination of microbes.
The range of microorganisms is wide, so the answer to the question of whether pneumonia is contagious in adults will be positive. Because, like any contagious disease, it has a high probability that germs can simply be transmitted from a sick person to a healthy one.

In microbiology, the following pathogen transmission mechanisms are distinguished:

  1. Aerogenic, or respiratory, is caused by inhalation of infected water aerosol or dust particles.
  2. Fecal-oral, in which the infection enters the body with food, water, through contaminated objects or hands.
  3. Bloody, or hematogenous, which can occur when using contaminated syringes, needles, medical and cosmetic instruments, during transfusion of blood substitutes, infusion of infusion solutions, insect bites, coitus.
  4. Contact - for injuries, sexual intercourse.
  5. Transplacental or vertical - from the mother through the placenta to the fetus.

In addition, in the question of how to get pneumonia, it is important to learn about the pathogenetic processes that cause infection of the lower respiratory tract.

In pulmonology, such mechanisms of pathogenesis are determined as:

  1. Aspiration of mucus from the oropharynx.
  2. Inhalation of contaminated particles.
  3. Spread of a pathogen through blood from another site.
  4. Transfer of inflammation from neighboring organs (liver, mediastinum).
  5. Penetrating chest injury.

The entry of infected mucus from the nasopharynx into the lower sections is the main route of infection. Microaspiration occurs constantly, especially at night, but the body’s defenses are able to prevent the disease from developing. But in some cases, with weakened immunity or massive contamination, pathogens penetrate into the mucous membrane of the bronchi and alveoli.

Predisposing factors to developing pneumonia

Pneumonia is contagious and how pneumonia is transmitted largely depends on the nature of the pathogen. But the most important mechanism of infection is aerogenic. That is, we can say that pneumonia is transmitted by airborne droplets. It is characteristic of primary damage, when the disease occurred against the background of complete health.

If secondary pneumonia occurs, whether it is possible to become infected with it will be a controversial issue. In cases where pneumonia occurs as a complication of an existing infectious process and is one of the syndromes, it is possible that contacts become infected, but it is unlikely that lung damage will occur.

Is pneumonia contagious to others if it occurs as a result of a severe physical illness, such as heart failure or a paralyzed patient? The answer will be negative, because here the pathogenesis of the disease is based on congestion in the lungs and the cause is opportunistic microorganisms. People who are more likely to become infected from another person include:

  • weakened infants;
  • old people;
  • those suffering from immunodeficiency;
  • having chronic lesions of the lung tissue (cystic fibrosis, COPD, bronchiectasis);
  • heavy smokers;
  • pregnant women;
  • cancer patients;
  • those suffering from alcoholism;
  • receiving treatment with glucocorticoids or cytostatics;
  • having chronic heart disease;
  • after severe hypothermia;
  • patients with diabetes mellitus;
  • often suffering from ARVI with bronchitis.

How to get pneumonia outside the hospital

Community-acquired or home infections include cases of the disease that developed outside the walls of a medical institution. This is the most common group of lower respiratory tract infections. Whether pneumonia is contagious or not depends on the causative agent of the infectious process.

The most common pathogenic factors of community-acquired infection are:

  • pneumococci;
  • hemophilus influenzae;
  • staphylococci.

Whether it is possible to become infected with pneumonia if the causative agent is pneumococcus is indicated by the fact that this microbe is most often the cause of this pathology. Pneumococcus is a typical causative agent of a lobar (affecting an entire lobe) process, and in weakened patients it causes bronchopneumonia. Infection occurs in close groups, where there are more conditions for the infection to be transmitted by airborne droplets. Very often occurs during influenza epidemics.

Haemophilus influenzae causes damage to the respiratory tract in children from 2 months of age to 6 years. The infection is dangerous for patients with chronic pathologies of the respiratory system, people with immunodeficiency and smokers. In order to understand how to get pneumonia of hemophilic etiology, you need to know that only a person can be the source of infection. The mechanism of transmission of the bacterium is aerogenic. You can become infected by inhaling air containing droplets of mucus released when coughing, talking or sneezing.

Staphylococci are representatives of normal human microflora. Therefore, the question arises: is it possible to contract pneumonia from a patient if it is caused by staphylococcus? These bacteria can be transmitted by airborne droplets and dust, fecal-oral and contact routes. Moreover, the source of infection can be cows that are sick with mastitis; then, when drinking contaminated milk, a pathological process can develop.

How can you become infected with pneumonia caused by atypical flora?

Atypical inflammation, as a nosological unit, combines in its concept cases of damage to the lower parts of the respiratory tract, which have an atypical pathogen and nature of the course. The routes and mechanisms of transmission of such microbes are varied, and it is important to know whether pneumonia is transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person.

The main microorganisms that cause an atypical course are:

  • chlamydia;
  • mycoplasma;
  • legionella.

The entry point for chlamydia is the respiratory tract. The source of chlamydia from which the infection can be transmitted is a sick person or a carrier. Susceptibility to the microorganism is high at all ages. The transmission mechanism is airborne.

Mycoplasmas are widespread in the environment. Damage to the respiratory tract most often occurs without complications, but has a protracted course. Transmitted from a sick person or carrier through airborne droplets.

Legionella is an inhabitant of places with high humidity. The mechanism of infection is inhalation of an aerosol containing the pathogen. In modern conditions, the microbe is found in home and industrial climate control systems, humidifiers and inhalers.

Is hospital-acquired infection contagious?

Nosocomial or hospital-acquired pneumonia is transmitted by airborne and contact routes. The illness appears 2 days after admission to the hospital. Sources of infection include patients, medical personnel, and contaminated equipment (breathing apparatus, bronchoscopes).

The causative agents of nosocomial infections can be:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
  • Klebsiella;
  • coli;
  • anaerobes;
  • fungi;
  • pneumocystis.

The main contingent of people who quickly develop infectious lesions of the respiratory system, and, as a rule, it is bilateral pneumonia, is represented by oncological and hematological patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy, depleted and weakened patients with AIDS, and intravenous drug users.

Bacteria carried by medical personnel are especially dangerous in terms of infection.

Pneumonia is contagious. Based on the knowledge gained, we can say that there are many mechanisms and routes of infection through which infections are transmitted between people. The most characteristic of this disease is the aerogenic method of penetration of the microbe into the body. Knowing the routes of penetration and characteristics of pathogens, it is possible to develop preventive measures that will protect against the development of intrapulmonary damage.

Quiz: How susceptible are you to lung disease?

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Information

Our immunity is directly dependent on our lifestyle and nutrition. Only a small part of it is initially genetic. Throughout life, a person acquires immune deficiency, which subsequently leads to various kinds of diseases, allergic reactions and poor health. By taking care of your diet, you will also take care of your immunity, which will subsequently save you from many health problems. This test will show you what to pay attention to in your current diet. What to add, what to reduce, and what should be abandoned completely.

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Something needs to be changed urgently!

Judging by your diet, you don’t care about your immune system or your body at all. Most likely, you get sick often, suffer from intestinal problems, and are haunted by a feeling of constant fatigue. It's time to love yourself and start improving. It is urgent to adjust your diet, to minimize fatty, starchy, sweet and alcoholic foods. Eat more vegetables and fruits, dairy products. Feed the body by taking vitamins, drink more water (precisely purified, mineral). Strengthen your body, reduce the amount of stress in your life, think more positively and the transition to a healthy diet will be much easier, you just need to start.

Your immune system is in fairly good condition.

So far, it’s good, but if you don’t start taking care of her more carefully, health problems may begin (if the prerequisites haven’t already existed). Namely, allergies, frequent colds, intestinal problems and other “charms” of life accompany weak immunity. You should think about your diet, minimize fatty, flour, sweets and alcohol. Eat more vegetables and fruits, dairy products. To nourish the body by taking vitamins, do not forget that you need to drink a lot of water (precisely purified, mineral water). Strengthen your body, reduce the amount of stress in your life, think more positively and your immune system will be strong for many years to come.

Congratulations! Keep it up!

You care about your nutrition, health and immune system. Continue in the same spirit and health problems will not bother you for many years to come. Don't forget that this is mainly due to the fact that you eat right. Eat proper and healthy food (fruits, vegetables, dairy products), do not forget to drink plenty of purified water, strengthen your body, think positively. Just love yourself and your body, take care of it and it will definitely reciprocate your feelings.

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  1. With answer
  2. With a viewing mark

How often do you eat fast food?

  • Few times a week
  • Once a month
  • Several times a year
  • I don't eat at all

Do you eat healthy and nutritious food?

  • Always
  • I strive for this
  • No

How often do you eat foods containing high amounts of sugar?

  • Daily
  • Few times a week
  • Once a month or less
  • I don't use it at all

Do you carry out fasting days or any other cleansing procedures?

  • 1-2 times a week
  • Several times a month
  • Several times a month

How many times a day do you eat?

  • Less than 3 times
  • Breakfast lunch and dinner
  • More than 3 times

What type of people do you consider yourself to be?

  • Optimist
  • Realist
  • Pessimist

How often do you eat baked goods and pasta made from light flour?

  • Daily
  • Few times a week
  • Several times a month or less

Do you eat a varied diet?

  • Yes
  • No
  • I eat a variety of foods, but the same dishes for many years

What products do you have for breakfast?

  • Porridge, yogurt
  • Coffee, sandwiches
  • Other

What time do you have breakfast?

  • Before 7.00
  • 07.00-09.00
  • 09.00-11.00
  • Later 11.00

Do you have food intolerances?

  • Yes
  • No

Do you take vitamins?

  • Yes, regularly
  • Every season
  • Very rarely
  • I don't accept it at all

How much pure water do you drink per day?

  • Less than 1.5 liters
  • 1.5-2.5 liters
  • 2.5-3.5 liters
  • More than 3.5 liters

Have you ever had a food allergy?

  • Yes
  • No
  • I find it difficult to answer

What portions do you eat?

  • While it fits
  • I'm still a little hungry
  • I eat up, but not to the point of being full

Are you taking antibiotics?

  • Yes
  • No
  • In case of urgent need

How often do you eat vegetables and fruits?

  • Daily
  • Few times a week
  • Very rarely

What kind of water do you drink?

  • Mineral
  • Cleaned with household appliances with filters
  • Boiled
  • Raw

How often do you consume fermented milk products?

  • Daily
  • Few times a week
  • Once a month or even less often

Do you always eat at the same time?

Source: http://pulmonologi.ru/pnevmoniya/zarazna-ili-net.html

What Causes Pneumonia

Few people know that pneumonia is caused by various types of microorganisms. Among them are:

Inflammation begins against the background of colds. A weakened body is an excellent environment for infection. But strong immunity is able to resist pathogens.

Pneumonia is a contagious disease for a certain group of people, among which are:

  • — people after surgery;
  • - people suffering from chronic diseases;
  • - pregnant women and those who have recently given birth;
  • — those who have had ARVI or other respiratory diseases;
  • - experiencing regular stress;
  • - patients with alcoholism or drug addiction.

Community-acquired types of pneumonia

We should begin to discuss whether pneumonia is contagious to others by explaining what the community-acquired nature of the disease is. This is the name for common bacterial pneumonia. And she is recognized as incapable of transmission.

Community-acquired pneumonia is contagious only for people with a low level of immunity, since it itself is only a complication of a number of diseases, such as rhinoviruses and paraviruses. When inflammation develops, ventilation of the lungs becomes difficult and the obstacle to bacterial growth disappears.

Returning to the question of whether pulmonary pneumonia is contagious, it should be said that when coughing, sneezing and raising the voice, direct pathogens are released to the patient.

It is also questionable whether viral pneumonia is contagious. If the cause of its occurrence is a virus, then you can become infected by air, but you do not become infected with pneumonia itself, but with the root cause of the disease, a complication of which is pulmonary inflammation.

Hospital types of pneumonia

Research has been conducted in different countries on the topic “Pneumonia: Contagious or not for healthcare workers.” It was found that employees of pulmonology departments more often than others acquire respiratory diseases.

Over the years of staff work, it became obvious that hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia was contagious, and many doctors and lower medical staff could even endure it several times.

In addition, it was possible to find out whether focal pneumonia is contagious. It can be transmitted if the role of pathogens is played by:

Infection with them causes two thirds of deaths from hospital-acquired pneumonia. This happens because each of the pathogens very quickly adapts to drugs.

Whether pneumonia is contagious in children is a question that requires separate consideration.

Complex contagious forms of pneumonia

Is pneumonia contagious in adults?

This question can only be answered positively.

There are forms caused by specific pathogens. These are atypical representatives of microorganisms, such as:

The septic pneumonia they cause is contagious to many people with weakened immune systems.

Is pneumonia contagious to other children?

Absolutely yes. But if a child eats properly and does not lack vitamins, then infection almost always bypasses him.

So, the question of whether pneumonia in children is contagious or not cannot be answered positively or negatively.

How long is a person with pneumonia contagious?

The absence of symptoms after treatment is not an indication that the pathogen has disappeared from the body along with the symptoms. Clinics and hospitals do not have any way to accurately determine the presence of pathogens.

Therefore, how many days pneumonia is contagious depends on the specific data according to the patient’s indications.

Is bilateral pneumonia contagious?

This last question remains unanswered for now.

Many people are afraid of this particular variety. This inflammation is a specific form of the disease. If we talk about whether bilateral pneumonia is contagious or not, then the situation here is the same as with other forms. That is, there is a direct dependence on the state of immunity.

Source: http://moilegkie.com/pneumonia/pnevmoniya-zaraznaya-ili-net

JMedic.ru

The question regarding whether pneumonia itself is contagious is somewhat ridiculous, but arises due to the fact that most people simply do not understand how this disease develops. How pneumonia is transmitted sounds even more literate, if I may say so. Question: “Are pneumonia contagious or not?” asked only by a person who does not quite understand what he is actually asking about. The very definition of “pneumonia” presupposes a topological diagnosis, that is, it indicates where exactly the source of inflammation is located. In this case, we can talk about contagiousness (the so-called infectiousness) only after the causative agent of the disease has been identified. The question regarding whether pneumonia is contagious will be considered. Komarovsky’s video is devoted to a similar topic.

In addition, it should be noted that it is not the disease that is contagious - the microorganism itself is contagious. For example, when they say that measles is contagious, what is meant is the probability of transmission of the microorganism from one person to another, with the further development of the entire clinical picture of the disease. The same is true here – it is not pneumonia itself that is transmitted as a pathological process occurring in a specific anatomical area, but a microorganism – the causative agent of the disease, which gradually migrates from the upper respiratory tract to the lower.

Very rarely, so-called primary pneumonia occurs, which immediately manifests itself with specific symptoms. In the vast majority of cases, an acute respiratory viral infection simply occurs first, affecting the upper and middle respiratory tract. If a person’s immune system is impaired and weakened, or there is some provoking factor (hypothermia, smoking, stress), then the inflammatory process “reduces” in the lower parts of the respiratory tract and lung parenchyma. Considering that pneumonia is caused by a huge variety of different pathogens, it is somewhat more reasonable to raise the question - how contagious is a person with pneumonia? How many people can it infect?

Virulence (ability to infect) of various pathogens

Pneumococcal, streptococcal or staphylococcal pneumonia

In the event that pneumonia is caused by pneumococcus, streptococcus or staphylococcus (actually those microorganisms that in the vast majority of cases are the root cause of the pathological process), then we can safely say that a patient with pneumonia is no more contagious to others than the patient bronchitis or a common acute respiratory viral infection. One can even say even more - in the early stages of the inflammatory process, a much more intense release of pathological secretion with the pathogen contained in it occurs into the environment. So the most contagious are not those patients who are lying at home with pneumonia, but those who travel on public transport and are in crowded places, continuing to spread harmful microorganisms, instead of staying at home and taking the necessary anti-cold therapy. That is, it is clear that risk factors for the development of pneumonia are of great importance.

Inflammation caused by atypical flora

If pneumonia is caused by atypical flora, then the contagiousness is quite high. Especially if Legionella infection occurs - this microorganism has a very high virulence. In this case, regarding whether pneumonia is contagious, we can safely say that it is very! The problem is that the entry of this pathogen into the human body very often leads to pneumonia. Although, if we consider the option that how many people become infected with this infection from unclean air conditioners, then infection from a sick person is only a tiny part of the total mass.

Viral pneumonia

Viral pneumonia is also very dangerous for others in terms of the fact that a sick person can infect everyone with a virus that in his body has led to the development of pneumonia, although in most cases it is not characteristic of him. A striking example is pneumonia due to measles. It happens very rarely, as a rule. Measles does not cause any complications to the lungs. But the probability of transmission of measles infection from such a patient is very high, how many times has this happened during epidemics.

A separate discussion concerns pneumonia caused by opportunistic infections. They develop only when the human body is in immunodeficiency, the level of the famous CD-4 cells drops to indecently low values ​​(or even lower). By definition, a sick person cannot become infected with them from a healthy person. This is due to the fact that:

  • Opportunists live in the body of every person and with a normal level of immunity they will not manifest themselves; they are not dangerous to healthy people;
  • Even if these microorganisms get from one person to another through airborne droplets, the immune system of a healthy person will not allow them to cause pneumonia;
  • The only possible way of transmitting this type of pneumonia is if both people have severe immunodeficiency.

Another type of non-contagious pneumonia is aspiration pneumonia. It develops only when gastric contents enter the respiratory tract and has nothing to do with infections. Pneumonia cannot be contagious in this case; it is not transmitted by airborne droplets.

conclusions

If the question “is pneumonia contagious or not” means exclusively the transmission from one patient with pneumonia of this particular nosological form to another person, then this is extremely unlikely. If only for the simple reason that the likelihood of developing pneumonia is very insignificant (if infected with pneumococcus, for example, out of ten infected, only one or two will develop a characteristic clinical picture). Some people will not get sick at all, but for most people the disease will be limited to the inflammatory process of the upper respiratory tract.

Of course, one person can get pneumonia from another, but the likelihood of this is low. But, for example, you can easily become infected with any respiratory infection that is transmitted by airborne droplets and will be localized in the upper respiratory tract, and will not go further due to a person’s reliable immune system. So, be that as it may, it is better to stay away from a person with pneumonia, if only for this reason, and to assume that pneumonia is contagious - this, in principle, is all that an unenlightened layman needs to know on the question of whether it is possible to become infected with pneumonia. By the way, Komarovsky covers this issue well in his program.

Source: http://jmedic.ru/pnevmoniya/zarazna_ili_net.html

Is pneumonia contagious or not?

Pneumonia is a disease of the lung tissue of an infectious-inflammatory nature with damage to its alveoli and stroma. Most often, the disease occurs in an acute form and is characterized by a severe course: in terms of the frequency of death, pneumonia ranks 4th after cancer, heart attack and acute cerebral circulatory failure (stroke). For this reason, it is necessary to take the question especially seriously and carefully: “Is pneumonia contagious or not?”

Pathogens

The following microorganisms can be sources of infection:

In about 50% of cases, the causative agent of the pathology is pneumococcus. Less commonly, pneumonia is caused by chlamydia, mycoplasma and legionella, and relatively rare microorganisms that provoke the onset of the disease include staphylococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella, influenza viruses, parainfluenza and adenovirus.

What are the signs to recognize the disease?

At the beginning of the disease, a sick person may not pay attention to the deterioration of his general condition, mistaking the symptoms for a cold. Then, during the flushing stage, migraine attacks appear and severe chills occur. The patient feels weakness in the limbs, a slight rise in body temperature. He begins to cough without producing sputum, he may suffer from shortness of breath, and also periodically feel hot, after which cold sweat appears.

Characteristic symptoms of pneumonia

If during this time the patient has not been prescribed suitable therapy, the manifestations of the disease begin to intensify, and specific signs of the disease appear. These include:

  • The appearance of high temperature;
  • The occurrence of fever with various hallucinations;
  • Severe painful cough producing copious sputum streaked with blood or pus;
  • Chest pain that gets worse with coughing;
  • Feeling tired and decreased physical activity;
  • Constant headaches;
  • Shortness of breath, the degree of which directly depends on the severity of the inflammatory process in the lungs;
  • Bluish-gray skin color due to impaired gas exchange;
  • Rapid breathing;
  • Forced position of the patient: he lies on the painful side or partially on his back with emphasis on the painful side.

Such signs should alert a person. Most often, he is unable to bear the disease on his feet, and his performance is sharply reduced. When these specific manifestations of pneumonia appear, a person must be immediately hospitalized for treatment.

Can you get pneumonia?

To understand and try to answer this question, let’s consider what pathology can be and how it is caused. Under certain conditions, it is possible to contract an illness from another person. There are several ways of transmission of infection:

  • Airborne: when talking to a patient and kissing, the pathogen can enter the body of a healthy person. However, whether he gets sick or not depends on the state of his immunity.
  • Hematogenous: through the blood from a pregnant woman, the source of the disease enters the fetus’s body, and pneumonia develops.
  • Lymphogenic: with the flow of lymph, the infection spreads throughout the body. This route of transmission is also dangerous during pregnancy.

Community-acquired pneumonia

The causative agent of this type of infection is

bacteria. Doctors call this form non-contagious. Most often, community-acquired pneumonia is caused by a complicated course of acute respiratory viral infections: rhinovirus, parainfluenza, influenza. This form is more typical for children. In children, inflammation in the bronchi produces excessive production of sputum, followed by its accumulation and infection. This disrupts normal ventilation of the lungs, which leads to the accumulation of bacterial flora. When a sick person coughs, sneezes or speaks loudly, they can release the source of infection into the environment. If the inflammatory process was caused by a viral nature (ARVI or influenza), surrounding people can become infected with pneumonia through airborne droplets. However, whether these individuals develop an infection or not depends on the state of their immune system and the timely and adequate fight against the virus.

Nosocomial pneumonia

Studies have revealed that medical workers in the pulmonology department suffer from respiratory tract diseases more often than other people. Therefore, the incidence of pneumonia among staff is several times higher.

Nosocomial pneumonia is a pulmonary infection that develops 2 days after the patient is admitted to the hospital. Moreover, the patient had no signs of an inflammatory disease during his admission to the hospital.

The most common sources of infection are:

  • Staphylococcus aureus;
  • Streptococcus;
  • Pneumococcus;
  • Chlamydia;
  • Anaerobic bacteria;
  • Gram-negative microorganisms.

Risk factors for contracting this type of pneumonia:

  • Postoperative period;
  • Severe chronic diseases;
  • Taking systemic glucocorticoids;
  • Women during pregnancy and the postpartum period;
  • Transmission of ARVI and influenza;
  • Alcohol abuse;
  • Addiction.

Aspiration pneumonia

It is a non-contagious type of disease, as it occurs due to the entry of stomach contents into the respiratory tract, which does not have an infection. In this case, there is no airborne transmission, so people around you will not be able to get the disease.

The most dangerous and contagious types of pneumonia

Currently, the most dangerous pneumonias are those that are transmitted by airborne droplets from a sick person to a healthy person. Their causative agent is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes caseous pneumonia, as well as microorganisms of atypical nature: chlamydia, mycoplasma and SARS. The latter can form acute respiratory syndrome. Fortunately, such infections rarely cause epidemics, occurring in isolated cases.

The most contagious types of pneumonia are those caused by the following microorganisms:

What are the consequences of pneumonia?

Due to the fact that antibacterial drugs successfully fight the causative agent of the disease, nowadays adults rarely experience any complications. However, this is not a reason to take the inflammatory process lightly, much less not to follow medical prescriptions or not complete treatment. This can lead to serious consequences.

All complications can be divided into 2 groups:

  1. Conditions that develop in the respiratory tract: bronchi and lungs.
  2. General conditions in the body not related to the respiratory system.

The first includes the occurrence of chronic bronchitis, acute respiratory failure, fibrotic changes, abscess and gangrene of the lungs, pulmonary edema, pleurisy and broncho-obstructive syndrome.

In the second case, anemia, endocarditis, myocarditis, endocarditis, meningitis, encephalitis, mental disorders, infectious-toxic shock, sepsis, disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome and death may develop.

Preventing pneumonia infection

Thanks to the use of a set of therapeutic measures, you can minimize the risk of contracting this dangerous disease.

  • Taking vitamin complexes, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Vaccination: prescribed to people with weak immunity. These special vaccinations will help protect them from the formation of pathology.
  • Frequent walks in the fresh air combined with moderate physical activity help reduce the likelihood of getting sick.
  • Regular ventilation of the living space.
  • Strengthening the body's immune forces.
  • Night sleep at least 8 hours a day.
  • Avoiding stressful situations.
  • Quitting bad habits, including passive smoking.

Conclusion

Currently, experts do not give a clear answer to the question “whether pneumonia is contagious or not.” There are types of pneumonia that are absolutely not dangerous to other people. However, there are also forms that can threaten healthy individuals not only with infection, but also with the occurrence of severe complications.

People most often at risk include people with weakened immune systems, the elderly or children, as well as pregnant and postpartum women. In order to protect yourself from a serious illness, you must be attentive to the issue of personal prevention of the disease, treat all colds to the end, and be sure to follow all the recommendations of your doctor.

Is it possible to walk if you have pneumonia?

Pink sputum - common causes

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Is pneumonia contagious to others or not?

Pneumonia or pneumonia is an infectious pathology of one of the most important respiratory organs. The disease has several varieties, which will determine the route of its transmission and the possibility of infection from the patient. Pneumonia can be fatal without the necessary therapeutic measures, and this disease is in 4th place as a cause of mortality after oncology, cerebral hemorrhage and necrosis of the heart muscle.

Whether pneumonia is contagious or not can be determined after undergoing a series of tests, which will be prescribed by a pulmonologist when a typical clinical picture for this disease occurs. Pathology occurs in people, regardless of gender and age, but there are factors that increase the risk of the disease. Inflammation of the lungs of bacterial origin with sputum production is dangerous for surrounding children and adults. This form of pathology, like fungal, is transmitted from sick to healthy, but it is externally impossible to determine the contagiousness of the pathology.

Considering the question of whether pneumonia is contagious or not, we can safely say that yes, most forms of this disease are transmitted by airborne droplets.

Contagious forms of pneumonia

In total, there are 9 main forms of pneumonia:

  1. Focal pneumonia. An acute inflammatory process affecting one or more organ segments. There are both right-sided and left-sided, as well as bilateral pneumonia (polysegmental). Infection occurs predominantly by airborne droplets. This pathology is considered the most dangerous, because for a long time it can occur without any symptoms.
  2. Stagnant. Blood stagnates in the bronchioles or lungs. This form often develops as a secondary disease. Congestive pneumonia is not contagious.
  3. Basal. An infection of the lungs that is difficult to diagnose. More often develops in children. This form of pathology is transmitted from a sick relative, acquaintance and in public places. You can become infected with hilar pneumonia through kissing, coughing and sneezing.
  4. Caseous. This is a serous inflammation accompanying pulmonary tuberculosis. This form is characterized by an acute onset and a high incidence of complications. Such pneumonia is contagious, and is especially dangerous for people with weakened immune defenses (pregnant women, young children, HIV-infected people).
  5. Bronchial (bronchopneumonia). Occurs in response to damage to the lungs by bacterial and viral pathogens. This inflammation is localized in the alveoli. Infection with this form of pneumonia is possible, but it is not the pathology itself that is transmitted, but only some viruses and bacteria, which can provoke completely different pathologies, depending on the route of transmission and the entrance gate of the infection.
  6. Sick leave. The most dangerous form of the pathological process. The causative agents of this pathology are often resistant to medications, and treatment takes a long time. It is possible to become infected with this type of disease.
  7. Atypical. Viral pneumonia, which occurs under the influence of infectious agents such as mycoplasma, chlamydia, salmonella. It may also be Pneumocystis pneumonia against the background of a fungal infection.
  8. Interstitial. Damage to the interstitium, that is, connective tissue. It is extremely rare. Not contagious.
  9. Chronic. Develops after an acute form of pathology. It has mild symptoms, but remains contagious.

Dangerous periods of the disease

During the incubation period of the disease, which usually ranges from 2 to 6 days, there are no signs of the pathological process, but the pathogen is already released into the environment during sneezing and coughing.

The incubation period occurs in 3 stages:

  1. Adaptation. The infectious agent enters the lungs. Most pathological microorganisms die if they cannot withstand the conditions of a healthy microflora. Persistent pathogens travel directly to the area of ​​the organ that will be affected.
  2. Reproduction. The pathogens begin to actively divide, quickly and significantly increasing their numbers.
  3. Dissemination. Pathological microorganisms reach the peak of their development and numbers, after which they spread throughout the body along with the blood, affecting other systems and organs.

By the time of dissemination, the patient already has some signs of pathology. This may include coughing and sneezing due to irritation of the respiratory tract. During this period, the person will already be a carrier of the infection.

After recovery, that is, the disappearance of all symptoms and normalization of health, the person remains contagious for some time. This will continue as long as the pathogen is in the body. That is why treatment is not interrupted when the patient begins to feel better.

Risk factors and groups

People at risk are more likely to contract pneumonia:

  • with a weakened immune system;
  • with immunodeficiency;
  • with systemic pathologies;
  • with congenital pathologies of the respiratory system;
  • with reflux esophagitis and peptic ulcer;
  • in old age;
  • with dependence on alcohol and drugs;
  • during pregnancy and after childbirth;
  • during the period of exacerbation of chronic pathologies;
  • in the early postoperative period.

Can a healthy person suffer from pneumonia, and is pneumonia contagious to others who are forced into contact with a carrier of the infection (in public transport and places)? Yes. No one is immune from viral and bacterial infections, and people at risk are only more susceptible to various diseases.

Ways of transmission of pneumonia

Pneumonia is not transmitted through sexual contact or food. You can only get sick through saliva and aerogenously, that is, by kissing and through the air.

It is extremely rare that infection occurs in ways atypical for pneumonia:

  • lymphogenous and hematogenous - the infection spreads along with lymph and blood, entering the lungs;
  • due to a foreign body entering the lungs, blockage of the organ leads to stagnant processes, and pathogenic microorganisms begin to multiply;
  • during surgery, the infection enters the lungs from a previously unknown source.

Risks for children and pregnant women

Infants under 3 years of age, as well as from 6 to 12 years of age, are especially susceptible to pneumonia. This is due to weak immune defense and the active development of the body, which is not yet adapted to aggressive environmental conditions. Children are also susceptible to contracting pneumonia because they are often among their peers.

During pregnancy, infection is possible. Women have a high risk of contracting pneumonia in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, when the body is undergoing active restructuring, which causes a decrease in immune defense.

Prevention of infection

Primary prevention measures for pneumonia:

  • compliance with personal hygiene rules, frequent hand washing;
  • timely vaccination;
  • Carrying disposable handkerchiefs with you;
  • using an antibacterial hand spray after visiting a public toilet, traveling in transport, or contacting a carrier of infection;
  • minimizing contact with patients;
  • general improvement of the body;
  • regular examination.

Pneumonia is contagious, but it is always possible to recognize its typical symptoms in time, which will allow you to immediately begin drug therapy. The consequences of pneumonia are not the most pleasant, but they can be eliminated if you follow the general prevention of pathology and follow the instructions of your doctor.

Are you sure you are not infected with parasites?

According to WHO, about 97% of people worldwide are infected with parasites. The most difficult thing is that they are quite difficult to detect and destroy.

There are symptoms by which you can definitely say that parasites live in your body:

  • Allergic reactions.
  • Constant pain in the head.
  • Chronic fatigue.
  • Frequent colds.
  • Pain in muscles and joints.
  • Bags under the eyes.
  • Nervous state, disturbed sleep and appetite.

If you find two of the listed signs in yourself, then there are definitely parasites in your body.

It is PARASITES in the human body that lead to FATAL diseases, because they can penetrate any organ and multiply there. It's worth taking them seriously!

It would be more correct to treat not the consequences of infection, but the CAUSE! We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the new method of Elena Malysheva, which effectively cleanses the body of PARASITES and worms. Read the article>>>

Better read what Honored Doctor of Russia Victoria Dvornichenko says about this. For the last 2-3 years I have been suffering from very bad health - endless colds and coughs, problems with the throat and bronchi, headaches, problems with excess weight, nausea, constipation, loss of strength, weakness and terrible depression. Numerous tests, visits to specialists, diets and medications, unfortunately, did not solve my problems. The doctors simply shrugged their shoulders. BUT thanks to a simple recipe, headaches, colds, gastrointestinal problems are now a thing of the past - my weight has returned to normal and I feel HEALTHY, energetic and full of strength. Now my attending physician is surprised how this is so. Here is a link to the article.

I always thought that it was impossible to get pneumonia, I read your article and was puzzled, because I went to visit my godfathers, and their child was more likely to have pneumonia. Should I be afraid that I will get infected?? What is the risk?? Thank you.

Tell me, please, my husband is sick, what should I do? What measures should be taken to avoid contracting pneumonia from him? Maybe the children and I should take some vitamins or antiviral drugs?

I doubt that you can get pneumonia. My father suffered from pneumonia; no one in the family became infected while living in the same apartment. You just need to constantly ventilate the room and actually treat pneumonia!

Source: http://mainrox.ru/pnevmoniya/simptomy/pnevmoniya-zarazna-ili-net

Is pneumonia contagious? Everyone should know this

Pneumonia or pneumonia is a dangerous disease. In Russia, in just 1 year, more than 1 person suffers from it. And even despite modern technologies and innovative medicines, about 5% of people with pneumonia die.

Which types of pneumonia are contagious and which are the most dangerous?

Is pneumonia contagious? It all depends on the type of disease:

  1. Congestive pneumonia begins if the patient has stagnation of blood in the bronchi or lungs. Usually appears as a secondary disease. This type of pneumonia is not contagious.
  2. Focal – acute pneumonia, the focus of which is in one or more parts of the lungs. This type of disease is divided into right-sided, left-sided and bilateral pneumonia. This variant of the disease is the most dangerous. It's easy to get infected. The main danger is that it can be asymptomatic.
  3. Atypical or community-acquired - infectious bacterial damage to the lungs. The causative agents of this disease are various viruses (viral pneumonia), chlamydia, legionella, mycoplasma, salmonella and other atypical bacteria. It is possible to become infected with this disease, but those around you often develop not pneumonia, but some other disease provoked by a pathogen that has entered the patient’s body.
  4. Hilar pneumonia is an inflammatory and infectious disease that is very difficult to diagnose. This problem is especially dangerous for children. This type of pneumonia is contagious and is transmitted by airborne droplets.
  5. Chronic pneumonia is a consequence of the acute and advanced stage of this disease. Is contagious. With timely treatment, the prognosis is favorable.
  6. Bronchial pneumonia is caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria, as is the atypical type of pneumonia. The main difference is the localization of inflammatory processes (directly in the alveoli of the bronchi). You can only become infected with bacteria and viruses that are considered to be the causative agents of this type of pneumonia. But inflammation will not necessarily develop.
  7. Caseous pneumonia is a serious, dangerous type of pulmonary tuberculosis. It is characterized by a rapid and fleeting onset, progresses quickly and becomes more complicated. A dangerous variant of pneumonia that is contagious to others.
  8. Hospital-acquired pneumonia is one of the most dangerous. The causative agents of this disease are often adapted and resistant to medications. Therefore, it can be very difficult to cure the problem. This type of pneumonia is contagious.

It is very easy to contract pneumonia in the hospital. It develops in patients of the pulmonology or therapeutic department.

How contagious is pneumonia?

There is no clear time frame for each specific type of pneumonia. Typically, the incubation period for an adult lasts several days. In small and newborn children - up to several weeks. At this time, a patient suffering from a contagious form of the disease is especially dangerous to others.

The disappearance of pneumonia symptoms does not mean complete recovery. The pathogens may remain in the patient’s body for some time. Accordingly, he will distribute them.

Risk group

They can easily become ill with contagious forms of pneumonia:

  • people with reduced immunity;
  • pregnant women;
  • persons with alcohol and drug addiction;
  • patients who take hormones;
  • people who are exhausted and suffering from depression;
  • persons who have suffered acute respiratory infections, influenza, acute respiratory viral infections and other colds;
  • patients with chronic diseases: diabetes, heart or kidney failure, asthma, etc.

How is pneumonia transmitted and how long is the incubation period?

When a patient with pneumonia sneezes and coughs, a large number of microbes are released, which provoke the development of this dangerous disease. And if a healthy person inhales this air, microbial agents will enter it, which begin to act directly in the body. The incubation period for pneumonia usually lasts 2-5 days. At this time, there are no significant signs of illness, only a slight increase in temperature.

The airborne route of infection with pneumonia is the most common. But there is another option - household. The virus settles on surrounding objects and can be active for another 4 hours. If a healthy person touches an “infected” object with his hands, and then rubs his eye or even puts his hands to his mouth, then pneumonia is guaranteed.

Is pneumonia contagious in adults?

In adults, contagious forms of pneumonia are transmitted through airborne droplets and household contact. In just a few years, this disease has claimed many lives.

Is pneumonia contagious to children?

Children are especially susceptible to contracting pneumonia. After all, they have to constantly visit organized groups, where there is always an obvious or hidden source of infection. And in the modern environmental situation, our children always have weakened immunity.

Pneumonia and pregnancy

Expectant mothers need to be especially careful about their health. At the slightest manifestation of even cold symptoms, you should go to the doctor. After all, the development of pneumonia in pregnant women can lead to complications not only in bearing a healthy child, but also in problems during childbirth.

Is pneumonia transmitted through kissing?

There is practically no virus or bacteria in saliva that causes pneumonia. After all, they appear from the respiratory tract with force (coughing, sneezing). Therefore, you can get pneumonia from kissing, but the risk is minimal. It is much easier to get sick through a handshake.

How to avoid becoming a victim of pneumonia?

To protect yourself from pneumonia, you need to follow a few simple rules:

  • Carefully follow the rules of personal hygiene;
  • When to get vaccinated;
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap;
  • Avoid contact, especially close contact, with sick people;
  • When sneezing, cover your mouth, preferably with a tissue.

When symptoms of a cold appear, there is no need to let the disease take its course. It needs to be treated in a timely manner. Then pneumonia will not become a complication.

If someone in the family gets pneumonia, you need to:

Source: http://infectus.ru/infekcionnaye-zabolevaniya/obshhie/zarazna-li-pnevmoniya-dlya-okruzhayushhih.html