Can pneumonia cause disorientation?

If you’re feeling a tad disoriented these days, it could be because of one of the many things that can cause this feeling. But did you know that pneumonia is also on the list? That’s right, folks! Pneumonia doesn’t just affect your lungs; it can impact your brain too! Let’s dive right in and find out more about this peculiar phenomenon.

What is Pneumonia?

First off, let’s tackle what pneumonia actually is. It’s not just a fancy way of saying ‘flu’ or cold’. No sir-ee-bob! Pneumonia is an infection caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi – usually in the lungs but occasionally elsewhere in the body. Symptoms include coughing up phlegm, chest pains and shortness of breath.

How Does Someone Get Pneumonia?

There are several ways someone can contract pneumonia:

  • Breathing infected air particles
  • Contact with someone who has pneumonia
  • Having a weak immune system

So basically, kiss your pets goodbye (just joking), isolate yourself from all human contact and never leave your house again if you want to avoid getting sick.

How Does Pneumonia Affect Your Brain?

Now onto the good stuff: how does contracting pneumonia lead to feelings of dizziness or disorientation? Inflammation may occur as part of an immune response while fighting off an infection which causes swelling that impairs cognitive function thus leading to disorientation.

Furthermore,pneumococcal meningitis, which often results due to weakened immunity after battling pneumomia,it affects both blood-brain barrier permeability resulting cytokines being released into the cerebrospinal fluid causing mild confusion (wait….did I hear they’re admitting my cousin Karen into hospital for noticing she’s been doing weird things like calling beef “dirt”….) to delirium, fever or seizures hence the manifestation of these symptoms.Viral pneumonias can also cause disorientation due to cerebral edema resulting from high levels of ammonia and metabolic disorders secondary to pneumonia

What Are The Symptoms You Should Watch Out For?

Aside from not being able to remember what day it is or where you put your keys (story of my life), here are some other indicators:

  • Difficulty with tasks usually done without thinking
  • Short-term memory problems (oh boy)
  • Unfocused attention
  • Easily getting lost (might as well install GPS in brain)

If you notice any of these while battling pneumonia, then this could be the reason behind your predicament.

Can This Disorientation Be Treated?

The good news – this disorientation typically resolves itself over time once your body has fully recovered. However if disorientaion is severe (Delirum) ,then many doctors will recommend antipsychotic drugs such as Haloperidol which treats psychosis-related symptoms .

Conclusion

So there you have it! Pneumonia isn’t just a respiratory ailment that causes coughing and difficulty breathing. It can sneakily mess with your brain too ! So make sure to take care of yourself when down with pneumonia so that all senses including cognitive peformance remains on track .cue uplifting music.

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