Pneumonia Health Information

Top : Conditions and Diseases : Pneumonia

Learn About Pneumonia:


Pneumonia refers to an infection of the lungs, which can be caused by a variety of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Pneumonia often begins after an upper respiratory tract infection (an infection of the nose and throat). When this happens, symptoms of pneumonia begin after 2 or 3 days of a cold or sore throat. Pneumonia is usually triggered when a patient's defense system is weakened.

Pneumonia is sometimes defined in one of two ways according to its distribution in the lung:

1. Lobar Pneumonia - occurs in one lobe of the lung.
2. Bronchopneumonia - tends to be patchy.

Although the majority of pneumonias respond well to treatment, the infection can still be a very serious problem. Together with influenza, pneumonia is the sixth leading cause of death in the US and is the leading cause of death from infection.

Causes of Pneumonia:

Pneumonia is caused when bacteria or viruses that are normally present in the mouth, throat, or nose inadvertently enter the lungs.

Symptoms of Pneumonia:

The symptoms of bacterial pneumonias develop abruptly and may include:
  • chest pain
  • fever
  • shaking
  • chills
  • shortness of breath
  • rapid breathing and heart beat.
More advanced symptoms of pneumonia indicating a medical emergency include:
  • high fever
  • a rapid heart rate
  • low blood pressure
  • bluish-skin
  • mental confusion.
  • Coughing up sputum containing pus or blood is an indication of serious infection.
  • Severe abdominal pain may accompany pneumonia occurring in the lower lobes of the lung.

Treatment for Pneumonia:

If you suspect pneumonia based on the signs or symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible. There is no home treatment for pneumonia.

Treatments include:
  • If your pneumonia is very severe, you may need a breathing tube in your windpipe so that a machine can do the work of breathing for you. If you need a breathing machine, you will be admitted to an intensive care unit in the hospital.
  • You must avoid cigarette or other tobacco smoke while you recover from pneumonia.
  • Because coughing helps clear infection out of your lungs, your doctor may recommend that you not use a cough suppressant.
  • Drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids to stay hydrated. This helps your body fight the pneumonia. Anti-fever medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) may also help you feel better.
  • Bacterial pneumonia will require you to take an antibiotic which will depend on depends on your age, your chronic medical conditions, whether or not you smoke or drink alcohol, and other medications you are taking.

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