What Is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a condition where the lungs get inflamed due to an infection by bacteria, viruses (or) fungi. Pneumonia can affect people in all age categories and can also be fatal with over 60,000 Americans dying each year from Pneumonia infections.

Symptoms:

Pneumonia usually starts off as a cold along with cough and fever. It is therefore not easy to spot the condition initially until you experience further symptoms. The symptoms experienced will differ based on the organism that causes the infection. Typical symptoms that indicate a pneumonia infection are. rapid breathing, shortness of breath, chils, fever, cold, cough, yellowish green phlegm, muscle pains, tiredness, sweaty skin, blood while coughing and chest pain. In some cases the skin and lips may even turn blue in color.

Causes:

Our body is constantly exposed to bacteria, viruses, fungi and other organisms that can cause a pneumonia infection. However we do have inbuilt mechanisms to attack these invading organisms and prevent them from reaching vital regions of our system. In some cases though these organisms can get past our body's  defense system and eventually reach our lung's air sacs. Our body's white blood cells (WBC) then start attacking these invading organisms and ultimately the lungs air sacs get accumulated and clogged with a mixture of white blood cells, dead cells and pathogens.This creates a blockage in a person's airways thus making breathing difficult.

Pneumonia can also be caused if the stomach's contents enter into your lungs after vomiting. This may happen in a person who has had a brain injury or even from consuming too much alcohol. For example if a drunk person vomits and loses consciousness the liquid and solid substances in the stomach could back up into the lungs and eventually result in a pneumonia infection.

People At Risk:

Pneumonia usually affects new born babies and young children whose immune systems aren't fully developed but can also people of other ages and especially older adults. Some of the factors that may contribute to a possible pneumonia infection are

Inherent Diseases:

People with diseases such as HIV, Diabetes, and heart disease are more likely to  develop a Pneumonia infection due to their weakened immune system. People with such diseases would also probably need to take various drugs and medication which could again further suppress their immunity.

At The Hospital:

Patients who need a mechanical ventilation system can also risk developing a Pneumonia infection because the inserted breathing tube prevents coughing and as a result there is an increased chance of the stomach's contents moving into the oesophagus.

Exposure To Dangerous Chemicals:

People who are exposed to dangerous toxic chemicals  and industrial pollutants are also at a risk of developing a pneumonia infection. People who have undergone surgery can also risk developing a Pneumonia infection as surgery makes breathing difficult and if the mucous enters the lungs it can serve as a breeding ground for pneumonia causing bacteria.

Complications:

I younger and healthy people pneumonia can usually be treated without any serious complications or adverse effects. However in older people their immunity is weaker and as a result their infection can develop into certain serious complications

Bacteremia:

Bacteremia occurs when the pneumonia causing bacteria manages to move into a person's bloodstream   thus enabling it to quickly spread to other organs in the body. When this happens the infection can turn deadly.

Abscess:

In some cases an abscess may develop in the region affected by pneumonia which could lead to other complications. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat abscesses but under certain circumstances surgery may be required.

Treatment:

A Pneumonia infection may be diagnosed with the help of a stethoscope by listening to certain sounds and noises that would indicate an infectious inflammation of the lungs. The infection may then be confirmed with an X ray scan of the chest to determine how bad the infection is and where it is concentrated. Blood or mucous examination may also be carries out to determine the type of organism that is causing the infection. 

If the pneumonia infection is caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus Aureus it is usually treated with the use of antibiotics  taken orally. It is also essential that one should complete their antibiotic dosage to prevent the bacteria from coming back stronger and inflaming the lungs again.  However if the Pneumonia infection is severe and causes serious respiratory distress hospitalization would be needed and the patient may be administered antibiotics intravenously.

Prevention:

1.Vaccination:

If you are over 55 years of age it is recommended that you get  a vaccination against Pneumococcai   Pneumonia. Your doctor may also recommend a vaccination if you're a smoker or if you suffer from diseases that could weaken yourimmune system considerably.

In young children a vaccine called Pneumococcal Conjugate may be recommended and can help protect children against pneumonia. Vaccination is also recommended to children who suffer from other immune system compromising diseases.

2.Nutritious Food:

Taking nutritious wholesome food and plenty of fruits regularly will nourish your body with all the vital nutrients it needs and will help maintain a strong and healthy immune system.