Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a general term which refers to an infection of the lungs which can be caused by a variety of microorganisms, involving viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The air sacs in the lungs fill with pus and other liquid. Oxygen has difficulty reaching your blood. Pneumonia is a detailed concern for older adults and people having chronic illnesses or impaired immune systems, but it also can strike young, healthy people. There are more than 50 kinds of pneumonia varying in acuteness from mild to life-threatening. Though signs and symptoms vary, many cases of pneumonia develop abruptly, with chest pain, fever, chills, cough and shortness of breath. This makes it hard for oxygen to get deep into the lungs, where it can be passed through to the blood.

The person can still breathe, but it might be hard to breathe, especially if the pneumonia strikes both lungs. Infection often follows a cold or the flu, but it also can be related with other illnesses or occur on its own. Earlier to the discovery of antibiotics, one third of all people who developed pneumonia ulteriorly died from the infection. A cold or flu which gets worse can turn into pneumonia. That's due to the cold or flu will irritate the lungs, creating an environment where it's simpler for pneumonia germs to move in and start an infection.

Every year, more than 60,000 Americans die of pneumonia an inflammation of the lungs typically caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, or other organisms. Usually pneumonia begins after an upper respiratory tract infection (an infection of the nose and throat). Today, over 3 million people develop pneumonia each year in the United States. Alveoli are minute air sacs covered in tiny blood vessels called capillaries. When oxygen-rich air reaches the alveoli, it can be absorbed into the blood.

The air sacs then fill with pus and mucous, as your body tries to combat off the infection. This swelling (inflammation) of the air sacs makes them less hitchy and keeps oxygen from reaching your blood stream properly. This is known as hospital-based pneumonia. It may be more serious as you already are ill. The swelling also causes many of the other symptoms of pneumonia like cough and chest pain. themselves. Rarely it is very difficult, even for a doctor, to tell pneumonia and bronchitis apart. The symptoms and physical examination can be selfsame. Occassionally a chest x-ray is the only way to tell the 2 apart.

Causes of Pneumonia

The common Causes of Pneumonia :

• It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, parasites, or fungi.
• It often begins after an upper respiratory tract infection (an infection of the nose and throat).
• Viruses, such as influenza A (the flu virus) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause pneumonia.
• In people who have a weak immune system or ability to fight infections, Pneumonia can occur and this can become severe.
• Aspiration and inhalation of aerosols containing the bacterial pathogen are the most common modes of infection. Some bacteria, such as Staphylococcus species, may spread to the lungs hematogenously.
• Sometimes during sleep, secretions from the nose, throat or mouth can be aspirated into the lungs and this can lead to Pneumonia.
• Pneumonia is caused by breathing in small particles or droplets of the Pneumonia bacteria or virus. Typically this is transmitted by an infected person when they cough or sneeze.

Symptoms of Pneumonia

Some Symptoms of Pneumonia :

• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Cough with greenish or yellow mucus; bloody sputum happens on occasion
• Vomiting
• Chills
• Fever with shaking chills
• Shortness of breath
• Breathing with grunting or wheezing sounds
• Abdominal pain
• Decreased activity
• Chest pain
• Yellow-green phlegm (mucous)

Treatment of Pneumonia

• Acetaminophen can be used to treat muscle aches and fever.
• If her chest hurts, put a heating pad or warm towel on her chest. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen also can help.
• Children with severe symptoms, such as troubling breathing, may need to remain in the hospital.
• If your child has a cough, ask your doctor if they recommend an over-the-counter medicine.
• Children who have both pneumonia and a chronic illness may have to stay in the hospital.
• After 4 to 6 weeks of treatment, your child should see the doctor again, even if she feels well. The doctor will make sure that she is better. If not, more tests may be needed to see what is causing the symptoms.
• Most cases can be treated at home with antibiotics.
• Take the medicine as instructed. Even if your child feels better, do not stop taking the medicine until the prescription is gone.