Among non-medical professionals, when someone is diagnosed with pneumonia, it’s generally just that – pneumonia is pneumonia. But medical professionals know that this is just a broad label for a life-threatening infection of the lungs. There are multiple causes for the disease, and more than 30 types of pneumonia.
Given SSCOR’s focus on designing and manufacturing industry-leading products to clear patients’ airways, our devices and tools are useful in preventing or treating many forms of pneumonia – especially for the common and serious aspiration pneumonia.
Read on for a breakdown of the different types of pneumonia and how our suction devices can help.
Bacterial Pneumonia
The most common bacteria to cause pneumonia is streptococcus pneumoniae, though there are several others that do so, and the type of bacteria can determine the health care provider’s treatment decisions. These bacteria are generally spread person-to-person and quite frequently occur in hospitals or health care facilities where patients are being treated for pneumonia.
Bacterial pneumonia can be caught by breathing it into the lungs, but the number of bacteria the patient inhales, the specific bacteria and the patient’s age can determine whether and how seriously they are infected. Older and younger patients – each of whom have weaker immune systems – are more susceptible to bacterial pneumonia.
Viral Pneumonia
Common respiratory viruses can cause pneumonia, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and even SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). During non-pandemic years, viral pneumonia was more common during the fall and winter, when flu season is at its peak.
Although all forms of pneumonia share common symptoms, such as a cough, fever, labored breathing and increased mucus production, viral pneumonia may be slower to form these indications, often beginning with a simple cough. A clearer distinguishing feature is when breathing sounds are not clear on either side of the chest, whereas bacterial pneumonia typically affects one lobe or one section of the lungs.
Fungal Pneumonia
As the name implies, fungal pneumonia is a lung infection caused by inhalation of spores of certain fungi – some of the most common being Pneumocystis, Cryptococcus and Aspergillus, although many fungi can cause an infection and create varying symptoms that make diagnoses difficult. Overall, symptoms between different types of fungal pneumonia are homogenous, but treatment can take months and long-term damage is possible, depending on the fungi involved.
The Aspiration Dangers
Aspiration pneumonia occurs when a person unintentionally breathes in food or liquid instead of swallowing it. A patient who is unconscious, has difficulty swallowing or has a blockage in their airway is at risk of this, which makes suctioning so vital during an airway emergency. SSCOR’s hospital suction devices and EMS suction devices, as well as suction tips and catheters, are designed to swiftly and safely remove dangerous particulates from a patient’s airway, helping to prevent potential aspiration pneumonia.
How SSCOR Helps
With prompt and careful attention, pneumonia is treatable, and there are even effective vaccines for viral strains. However, an exacerbation of symptoms can result in an emergency scenario which may require suctioning the mucus or fluid buildup in the airway.
Both versions of the SSCOR VX-2 portable suction unit, which are equipped with battery maintenance systems, enable medical professionals to clear and protect patients’ airways, rescue choking and aspirating patients, and help responders tend to patients without moving them. This equipment is also lightweight enough for use during bedside treatments.
Additionally, the SALAD (Suction Assisted Laryngoscopy and Airway Decontamination) technique, which is specially developed to prepare the airway ahead of intubation, can be implemented more easily with the SSCOR DuCanto Catheter.
Pneumonia is a complicated disease with potentially fatal consequences if not treated correctly, but with enough knowledge and the right tools, medical personnel can make a significant difference in their patient’s life.
Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in November 2021. It has been re-published with additional up-to-date content.