In cold and flu season, along with your typical symptoms, you find yourself struggling to breathe. Are you dealing with the typical cold, or could you have pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the air sacs. Those fluid-filled sacs make breathing more difficult. Typically, a region of the lung is infected, but when it impacts multiple regions, it is known as multifocal pneumonia.
What is multifocal pneumonia?
As previously stated, multifocal pneumonia affects different areas of the lungs, compared to lobar, or “regular” pneumonia. It can be more severe than other types, since it affects more sacs.
Understanding Pneumonia and Its Types
The Greek word pneumonia breaks down to mean “breath” or “wind” and “disease of.” Pneumonia translates to inflammation of the lungs. This inflammation of the air sacs (alveoli) can be from fluid or pus, and it can lead to flu-like symptoms and difficulty breathing.
The term pneumonia actually refers to a series of diseases all that impact the lungs. The respiratory infection can be caused by a variety of organisms:
Bacterial Pneumonia
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of a pneumonia bacterial infection. Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (walking pneumonia) are also common.
Viral Pneumonia
The flu (influenza), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), coronaviruses, and cold viruses can cause pneumonia.
Fungal Pneumonia
Histoplasma, coccidioses, and Pneumocystis jirovecii (common in people with HIV/AIDS) can lead to pneumonia. These fungi are more likely to infect someone with a weakened immune system, like a cancer patient.
Aspiration Pneumonia
Sometimes foreign material gets caught in your lungs, and that can cause aspiration pneumonia. For instance, someone can develop this after nearly drowning. Aspiration pneumonia is why hospitals take precautions before surgery to make sure patients undergoing general anesthesia don’t inhale any stomach contents while they’re unconscious. Individuals with swallowing issues are also at risk.
There are various types of pneumonia, determined by their causes and severity. Lobar pneumonia involves the entire lobe of the lung, and can be mild, like “walking” pneumonia, or it can feel like a bad cold. Multifocal, on the other hand, tends to be more serious.
Lobar Pneumonia
Lobar pneumonia involves the entire lobe of the lung. It involves four stages: congestion, red and firm lung tissue, a gray appearance, and resolution.
Bronchopneumonia
Bronchopneumonia is characterized by inflammation in patches around the bronchi, and it is often localized in one part of the lung.
Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia
Hospital-acquired pneumonia tends to affect people on breathing machines, or those who can cough hard enough to clear their lungs. It tends to be severe, since this type may be resistant to antibiotics. Ventilator-associated pneumonia overlaps with hospital-acquired acquired, and it is diagnosed when someone on a ventilator develops it within 48 hours.
Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Community-acquired is the most common mode of transmission, and it tends to be caused by bacteria. This form spreads through droplets sprayed when someone sneezes or coughs.
Symptoms of Multifocal Pneumonia
- Cough (with or without sputum)
- Fever and chills
- Shortness of breath
- Racing heart
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
Someone may not have all of the pneumonia signs, and they may not even feel very sick (like in the case of walking pneumonia).
Diagnosis of Multifocal Pneumonia
Diagnosing multifocal pneumonia is the same as diagnosing other forms. It starts with a physical examination, and the doctor will listen to your lungs. The doctor may order a chest x-ray or a CT scan, as well as blood tests and/or a sputum culture.
Treatment of Multifocal Pneumonia
Treatment for multifocal pneumonia depends on various factors. According to Christina Fontana, PharmD, “Pneumonia is typically treated with medications that target the underlying cause of the infection and also the type of pneumonia, including community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP).”
Furthermore, she explains that the choice of medication depends on the type of pneumonia, severity, patient age, renal function, and overall health.
“For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics such as amoxicillin, azithromycin, or ceftriaxone are commonly prescribed. Viral pneumonia may be managed with antiviral medications like oseltamivir—if caused by influenza—along with supportive care such as rest, fluids, and fever reducers like acetaminophen. In cases of fungal pneumonia, antifungal drugs such as fluconazole or amphotericin B may be used.”
Hospitalization may be required for older adults, and in that setting, supplemental treatments such as oxygen and IV fluids may be given along with pneumonia medication. Also, for viral infections, treating the symptoms may be the only way it is managed.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Babies and the elderly are most at risk for adverse outcomes. Also, those who are chronically ill with lung diseases, and those who smoke, are at risk for pneumonia..
Pneumonia isn’t a rare illness, but it is usually not the first diagnosis. It typically follows sickness like the flu. If left untreated, a patient can experience abscesses, respiratory failure, sepsis, multiorgan failure, and even death.
Hand washing and mask wearing can prevent a flu or COVID infection and subsequent pneumonia diagnosis. Also, you may have better outcomes if you quit smoking.
Complications of Multifocal Pneumonia
With more areas of the lungs being impacted by multifocal pneumonia, there is a chance of complications. Some pneumonia complications can include: respiratory failure, sepsis, an abscess in the lungs, and pleural effusion. These complications can also contribute to someone dying.
That is why prompt treatment is imperative, and a trip to the emergency department is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How is multifocal pneumonia different from regular pneumonia?
Multifocal pneumonia affects more areas of the lungs, whereas regular, or lobar, pneumonia isn’t as extensive.
What are the most common causes of multifocal pneumonia?
Bacteria, viruses, and fungi typically cause multifocal pneumonia, but inhaling foreign material, and even chemicals, can also lead to inflammation of the lungs.
Is multifocal pneumonia contagious?
Multifocal pneumonia can be contagious, depending on its cause. Viruses and bacteria can spread through droplets when sneezing and coughing.
How long does it take to recover from multifocal pneumonia?
Recovery depends on the severity as well as the cause. Symptoms may begin to clear up with medication.
When should I seek medical attention for pneumonia symptoms?
The sooner you seek treatment, the better. Waiting too long can exacerbate symptoms or even lead to poor outcomes like death.
Final Thoughts
Multifocal pneumonia is a serious condition, but it is treatable. Early diagnosis and following your physician’s treatment plan are crucial to avoiding permanent lung damage and lasting pain and symptoms.
If you’re experiencing cold and flu symptoms that are accompanied by difficulty breathing and excessive exhaustion, be sure to communicate with your physician. Closely follow your treatment plan and rely on credible resources, such as your doctor.