Pneumonia is an infection that affects the lungs and this infection can be caused by viruses, bacteria or even fungi. In this condition inflammation and fluid accumulation in the lung tissues may be observed. This condition can affect one or both the lungs in a person. If both the lungs are affected then it is called double pneumonia. This condition is also called bilateral pneumonia. Pneumonia is quite a common infection with as many as 3 million fresh cases every year in United States. Many of these patients may suffer from double pneumonia.

Double pneumonia like pneumonia infection can be transmitted through droplets containing the pneumonia causing organisms. These droplets may get into air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. In some others cases this infection may also be caused when these bacteria present in the throat, mouth or nose gain entry into the lungs.

People having compromised immune systems have a greater chance of contracting this condition. Those with viral infections, heart problems, lung problems and alcoholics are at a greater risk of getting an infection like double pneumonia. The symptoms associated with this condition include cold followed by high fever, shaking chills and cough that has sputum production.

In double pneumonia the sputum may be discolored and in some cases it may be bloody. Shortness of breath along with chest pain is frequently experienced by those having this condition. This pain may get worse when the patients take deep breath. Some other symptoms may include headaches along with muscle aches. In some cases the patients may experience changes in skin color. The skin and lips may get a dusky or purplish tinge and this occurs due to improper oxygenation of blood.

Diagnosis of double pneumonia can be done through physical examination along with some tests. The doctor may listen to the breathing sounds through a stethoscope and a chest X-ray may also be used to confirm the pneumonia diagnosis. Coarse breathing along with cackling sounds are often a tell tale sign of pneumonia. Sputum samples may be collected and these may be examined. A blood test measuring the white blood cells may also be done. In some cases bronchoscopy may be done. In this a viewing tube may be inserted in the mouth and specimens of the infected lung may be obtained.

The treatment for double pneumonia largely depends on some factors like age of the patient along with the stage of the disease. The kinds of microorganisms causing the infection also determine the kind of antibiotics that may be prescribed. Other factors that may affect the treatment include presence of other problems like heart disease and diabetes.

Patients suffering from this condition have to take adequate rest and take the medication as per the directions of the doctor. It is advisable not to discontinue the medicine course. Follow up appointments with the doctor are crucial as they help in monitoring the recovery process. Diet should include food items that are easily digestible and warm soups and fluids should also be incorporated.