Double pneumonia is a condition where both lungs become infected and fill with fluid. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, and symptoms include fever, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. Treatment depends on the cause, and while it can be fatal, most patients do not require hospitalization. It is a leading cause of death in underdeveloped countries.
While the term “double pneumonia” used to refer to acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), today it is commonly used to describe pneumonia affecting both lungs. This condition is quite common and occurs when the tissue inside the lungs fills with fluid and becomes infected. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, although bacteria and viruses are the most common causes.
Double pneumonia typically develops from influenza, adenoviruses, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or when bacteria such as strep throat are inhaled into the lungs. Symptoms of this disease include fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, vomiting and chills. Once these symptoms are present, doctors typically do blood tests and X-rays of the lungs to determine whether double pneumonia is the cause of the symptoms.
ALI is usually used to refer to all cases of double pneumonia and simply means that there has been an injury to the lungs. ARDS, while not occurring in all cases, is more likely when pneumonia affects both lungs. This is because both sides of the infected lungs lead to less oxygen entering the bloodstream, which makes respiratory discomfort more likely.
The cause of double pneumonia determines the treatment. Bacterial pneumonia is usually treated with a combination of antibiotics, plenty of fluids, and rest. Viral pneumonia is also treated with fluids and rest, although antibiotics are useless in this case. The only drugs available for this type of pneumonia are rimantadine and amantadine, and these are only helpful if the pneumonia is caused by influenza A. When the pneumonia is caused by parasites or fungi, some drugs may be used to destroy the cause, although these depend on the type of parasite or fungus.
While double pneumonia can be fatal, nearly 80% of patients do not require hospitalization. The other 20% of patients, typically very young or very old, may require long hospital stays and are more likely to have a fatal outcome. Double bacterial pneumonia is considered the most dangerous, although it clears up relatively quickly, usually within two to four weeks. Viral pneumonia takes a little longer due to a lack of available medications, resolving completely within four to six weeks.
Double pneumonia, while typically not life-threatening in developed countries, is a leading cause of death in underdeveloped countries. If left untreated, it can lead to organ failure, permanent lung damage, and even death. Over-the-counter medications have no effect on pneumonia, so those experiencing symptoms of pneumonia should contact their doctor right away to determine what treatment is needed.
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