Pneumonia
Overview
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that is caused by various kinds of bacteria, fungi and viruses. When these different "attackers" enter the small air sacs that are present inside the lungs, the lungs become inflamed and get filled with pus and mucus leading to pneumonia.
Type
There are various types of pneumonia such as bacterial pneumonia, viral pneumonia, mycoplasma pneumonia, pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and more.
Bacterial pneumonia is the more dangerous and often affects small children. Pneumonia poses a risk to the lungs and the ability to filter out impurities. Some suggest that pneumonia can only be contracted three times in one's life.
Symptoms
Symptoms for pneumonia can vary in intensity, but they usually include chills, cough, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, fever, enlarged lymph glands in the neck, cyanosis (blue nails), chest pains and rapid and difficult respiration. Symptoms for bacterial pneumonia include shaking, high temperature, dry cough and breathing that is labored and rapid. Bacterial pneumonia can also produce rust-colored sputum.
Causes/Risk Factors
There are many different causes and risk factors for pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia is common among children under-12 and can be very dangerous. Typical risk factors that can cause pneumonia include the common cold, alcoholism, smoking, seizure or stroke, aspiration under anesthesia, influenza, sickle cell disease, foreign bodies in the respiratory passages, malnutrition, allergies and even some chemical irritants. Neither type of pneumonia is considered contagious, but both kinds can be brought on by contracting germs from someone else, such as those with common cold or flu.
Tests/Diagnosis
The most common test regarding both kinds of pneumonia is the chest x-ray. This test is necessary to determine if any fluid is been collected in the lungs. This can decrease the ability to breathe. If too much fluid has collected in the lungs, a procedure is required to clear the fluid from the lungs. In some cases, the fluids are drained from the lung so that air can continue to flow. Air flow is necessary for proper heart and brain function operations. If you suspect pneumonia, consult with your doctor immediately.
Treatment
Many cases of pneumonia require hospitalization for several weeks. During hospitalization, treatment may include a hyperbaric tent around the patient's bed that provides a certain quality of oxygenated air or a pure oxygen apparatus. The patient should be given leads for the nostrils, which pump oxygen into the patient's lungs. X-rays are usually taken to determine the condition of the patient's lungs, particularly when they are inflamed and mucus and pus have begun to collect in the lung's air sacs. Antibiotics will be prescribed during and possibly after the hospital stay. At the hospital and at home, a humidifier or vaporizer may be put to use to help ease labored breathing with a cool or mentholated mist. Pure juices, fresh lemon juice and distilled water, along with other liquids, can help to thin the lung secretions. This ensures good lung production and the movement of secretions also takes place.
