Pneumonia is a lung infection leading to inflammation of the lungs’ alveoli (air sacs). A variety of organisms could cause pneumonia in teens. In addition, the inflamed air sacs may cause breathing difficulties (due to insufficient oxygen levels) in your teen. This condition commonly occurs in children below four. However, teenagers who are predisposed to risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and chronic diseases have higher chances of developing pneumonia (1). Ensuring adequate nutrition and sleep, avoiding smoke exposure, and getting scheduled immunization are some strategies that could help prevent pneumonia. However, it is crucial to seek medical care if your teen has the signs of pneumonia. Keep reading to discover the possible causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment, and preventive measures for pneumonia in teens.
Causes Of Pneumonia In Teenagers
Bacteria, fungi, and viruses are common causes of pneumonia. Microbes can spread through respiratory droplets while coughing and sneezing or direct contact with an infected person. The common microorganisms that cause pneumonia are the following (2).
Mycoplasma pneumonia
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Haemophilus influenzae type b
Staphylococcus aureus
Chlamydia pneumoniae
Group B streptococcus
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Parainfluenza virus
Influenza virus
Adenovirus
Pneumocystis jirovecii
Aspergillus
Chickenpox virus (varicella)
Coronaviruses
Immunocompromised teens are more likely to get fungal pneumonia, such as aspergillosis and pneumocystis pneumonia. Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae are common causative agents in adolescents (1). Risk Factors For Pneumonia In Teenagers The following factors may increase the risk for pneumonia in teens (3).
Weak immune system due to cancer, HIV infection, malnutrition, or other conditions
Chronic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, or sickle cell anemia
Lung or airway issues
Parental smoking
Crowded living conditions
Indoor air pollution
Long term hospitalization may cause nosocomial (hospital-acquired) pneumonia
Although several factors may increase the risk of pneumonia, nutritional deficiencies and weaker immune systems result in a higher risk of pneumonia in children and teens.
Signs And Symptoms Of Pneumonia In Teens
Depending on the causative agent, the signs and symptoms of pneumonia may vary in each teen. Trouble in breathing is a significant symptom since the air sacs are filled with fluid and pus instead of air. The onset of the following symptoms and signs may be seen in teens during pneumonia (4).
Breathing problems
Cough
Coughing up phlegm or mucus
Chest pain
High fever
Chills
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lack of appetite
Fatigue
Headache
Viral and bacterial pneumonia can have similar clinical features in the early period. Bacterial pneumonia may have an earlier onset of breathing issues than viral pneumonia. Viral pneumonia could be mild or often resolve with home treatments, but some viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19, may cause severe pneumonia (5) (6). It is best to seek medical care if your teen has pneumonia symptoms, such as high fever, chest pain, and breathing difficulties, since these also occur in other respiratory conditions. Early diagnosis of the underlying cause may help avoid complications.
Diagnosis Of Pneumonia In Teens
Diagnosis can be made by history and physical examination. Additional tests are ordered to identify the causative agent. The tests to confirm pneumonia are the following (2).
A chest X-ray helps to visualize the lung tissue.
Blood tests help measure arterial blood gas, blood count, and inflammatory markers.
Sputum smear is helpful in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis, which many times, presents with features of pneumonia
Pulse oximetry measures the amount of oxygen in blood using a sensor on the finger or toe. Oximetry measurements indicate the lung’s ability to absorb oxygen.
Bronchoscopy helps visualize the airways from inside.
Chest CT scans visualize the lungs and the organs nearby.
Pleural fluid culture may also help identify the organisms causing pneumonia since the fluid contains bacteria from the lungs.
The tests may vary for each person, depending on their health, symptoms, and certain specific test results.
Treatment For Pneumonia In Teens
The treatment for pneumonia is decided depending on the cause, severity, and complications of the disease and your teen’s health status. Some teens with uncomplicated pneumonia may receive prescription medications and be allowed to continue treatment at home. Severe pneumonia requires hospitalization with intravenous medications, fluids, and often ventilatory assistance. The following treatments can provide symptomatic relief during pneumonia (2).
Hydration
Adequate rest for a faster recovery
Cool-mist humidifier to make breathing easier
Cough syrups or cough medications
Acetaminophen for fever
Most teens with viral pneumonia may get better with symptomatic care. Antivirals are rarely prescribed and usually prescribed in severe cases or to immunocompromised individuals. Bacterial pneumonia and other severe types of pneumonia may require the following treatments (1).
Oral or intravenous (IV) antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia
Oxygen therapy
Fluid replacement (IV fluids)
Breathing therapies
It is essential to complete the full course of antibiotics to prevent relapse and antibiotic resistance. The time taken for recovery may vary depending on the severity of the illness and complications. It may take up to a month in some teens for complete healing, whereas some may return to normal activities within a week. Although respiratory symptoms and fever resolve, some may experience tiredness and fatigue for a month during the recovery phase (7).
Complications Of Pneumonia In Teens
Teens with low immunity and chronic illnesses are more vulnerable to pneumonia-related complications, such as (7):
Sepsis (blood infection)
Multi-organ failure due to sepsis
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Respiratory failure requiring ventilatory or breathing support
Pleural effusion (fluid build-up in the pleural space around the lungs)
Lung abscesses (pus-filled cavities in the lungs) that require surgical draining
Prevention Of Pneumonia In Teens
The following measures may help prevent pneumonia (8).
Vaccination can help prevent or lower the risk for pneumonia caused by a few bacteria and viruses, such as haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), varicella (chickenpox), influenza (flu), streptococcus pneumoniae, bordetella pertussis (whooping cough), and measles (9).
Wash hands with alcohol-based sanitizer or soap and water.
A healthy diet, physical activity, and adequate sleep help improve immunity.
Maintain good hygiene and proper ventilation in crowded homes.
Avoid smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, and exposure to air pollutants.
Dosage of preventive medicines can reduce the risk of pneumonia in immunocompromised teens.
