Participation: Prof. José Roquette Pneumonia and pneumonitis are similar words, but they don't mean the same thing . Both affect the lungs and involve inflammation of the pulmonary alveoli where gas exchange occurs (oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal from the body). However, the causes of pneumonia and pneumonitis are different: Pneumonia is an infectious disease , that is, it is caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi; Pneumonitis is an inflammation of the lungs that can be caused by irritants, toxins, allergens, or even be a side effect of some medications and radiotherapy treatments. Pneumonia and pneumonitis may have common symptoms – for example, cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath – but these have different characteristics and progression . In most cases, pneumonia develops rapidly, with high fever, cough with phlegm, shortness of breath, chest pain when breathing or coughing, and fatigue. Pneumonitis has a slower progression, without fever, the cough is dry, shortness of breath is progressive, and symptoms alleviate when exposure to the cause decreases. The treatment for pneumonia and pneumonitis differs, mainly in the part aimed at combating the cause. In the case of pneumonia, it involves medications to eliminate the microorganism that caused it, such as antibiotics (for bacteria), antivirals (for viruses), or antifungals (for fungi), and to combat inflammation (anti-inflammatories). In the case of pneumonitis, it is necessary to eliminate exposure to the cause and combat inflammation with anti-inflammatories. In both pneumonia and pneumonitis, treatment may include other measures, both to help relieve symptoms and supportive measures to aid recovery. Which is more frequent, pneumonia or pneumonitis? Pneumonia is much more common than pneumonitis. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children under 2 years old, people with chronic diseases, people undergoing cancer treatment, immunocompromised individuals, smokers, and people with a history of alcoholism are those mainly affected. They are more frequent in cold weather. In many cases, pneumonia is contagious. In Portugal, pneumonia is the leading cause of respiratory mortality: 57 deaths per 100 thousand inhabitants. In 2023, approximately 5 thousand people died in the country from pneumonia. Pneumonitis is much rarer . It usually occurs in very specific risk groups, for example, people exposed to smoke from fires, agricultural workers, workers in chemical industries such as pesticides, among others. They are not contagious. Seeking medical attention when there are warning signs or doubts is best These are warning signs of possible respiratory illness that should prompt seeking medical attention: High and persistent fever that does not respond to usual treatment; Severe and persistent cough, especially if accompanied by sputum or blood; Shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain; Lips and skin becoming bluish; Fatigue with inability to perform usual routines, confusion, or excessive drowsiness; Worsening of symptoms after 24 hours of treatment prescribed by the doctor. Medical evaluation and diagnostic tests, if necessary, will allow for the correct diagnosis, selection of appropriate treatment, and thus avoid complications. Vaccination plays an irreplaceable role in the prevention of pneumonia In the groups where they are indicated, vaccines against bacterial pneumonia and also against influenza are the best strategy to reduce the risk of pneumonia. Vaccination against pneumococcal pneumonia specifically protects against the main pneumonias of bacterial origin. It is included in the national vaccination program for children; It can be indicated in several vulnerable groups, depending on individual medical evaluation, including the elderly, people with chronic respiratory diseases or other chronic illnesses, immunocompromised individuals, among others. Influenza vaccination : Significantly reduces the risk of getting the influenza; Even so, if you do get influenza, it will be less severe; The influenza affects the respiratory system, weakens it, and thus facilitates the onset of secondary infections, such as pneumonia; Therefore, influenza vaccination is a form of indirect prevention of pneumonia. Meet the general and family medicine clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
