After an upswing in pneumonia cases in kids in China, reports of a similar disease in Ohio prompted alarming headlines around the world. Known as “white lung syndrome,” it has nothing to do with the COVID-19 pandemic or any other illness, according to officials in Warren County. Instead, it’s an infection with mycoplasma pneumonia. This bacterial infection shows up as white patches on a lung X-ray.
Pneumonia occurs when an infection infects the lungs, restricting airflow and making breathing harder. A bacterial, viral, or chemical exposure may cause lung inflammation. In addition to infection, complications may include respiratory failure (inability to breathe), chest pain, or a blood clot that moves to the lungs and stops blood flow.
The symptom of pneumonia that most people are familiar with is a cough. Those with the disease can also experience fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. If left untreated, pneumonia can lead to severe complications, such as sepsis (blood poisoning), pulmonary embolism, and even death.
Sometimes, symptoms may be so severe that patients must be treated in hospital. Pneumonia treatment in a hospital may include getting a respirator to help them breathe, IV fluids, medication, and sometimes oxygen therapy.
Generally, if the cause of your pneumonia is due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics are used to treat the condition. Depending on the severity of your case, you may need to have a blood test or sputum culture to determine what kind of bacteria is infecting you. You may also need a CT scan of your lungs or pleural fluid culture to look for abscesses and other complications.
In rare cases, pneumonia can be due to other infections or illnesses, such as a fungal infection, a parasite, or an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues. These cases are usually confined to those with weakened immune systems and can be more challenging to treat.
While waiting to see your doctor, practice good hygiene by frequently washing your hands with soap. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, and don’t smoke. Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly will also help you build up your immune system. Ultimately, listening to your doctor and following their instructions is essential. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have any questions or concerns about your health.
