White pneumonia, also known as pneumococcal pneumonia, is a severe acute respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is called "white pneumonia" due to the classic appearance of infected lung tissue during a chest X-ray, which shows a white consolidation or infiltrate.
This form of pneumonia is highly contagious and is transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It primarily affects the lungs, causing inflammation, reduced oxygen exchange, and the accumulation of fluid and immune cells in the air sacs. Common symptoms of white pneumonia include sudden onset of high fever, chills, productive cough with purulent sputum (yellow or green), chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and sometimes confusion or altered mental status in older adults.
White pneumonia can cause severe illness and complications, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, young children, and the elderly. Potential complications may include empyema (accumulation of pus), lung abscess, respiratory failure, sepsis, and meningitis. Therefore, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention upon suspicion of pneumonia.
Treatment for white pneumonia typically involves antibiotics to target the specific bacteria responsible for the infection. Prompt treatment can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of severe complications. Vaccination against pneumococcus is considered a preventative measure to minimize the risk of developing white pneumonia, particularly for susceptible populations.
