Print ArticleIt´s killed untold millions the world over, sometimes on an individual level, other times in wide-ranging outbreaks. Pneumonia affects people of all age groups but takes an especially deadly toll on the very young and the very old – over two million children die worldwide from pneumonia each year. For parents with young children already struggling with respiratory illnesses, perhaps no other sickness proves so great a cause for worry.
Understanding pneumonia is the first step in fighting back against its painful effects. It´s an illness that comes in many varieties from many different causes, and affects all kinds of people.
The definition of pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammation and filling of the alveolar, the microscopic cavity sacs within the lungs that absorb oxygen. As these sacs fill with white blood cells used to repel invading viruses, bacteria, and other pollutants, the lungs must work harder delivering oxygen to the rest of the body. A variety of symptoms, otherwise associated with a severe bout of the cold or flu, typically result.
There are two main types of pneumonia: Lobar pneumonia may affect the entirety of one of the lung´s five lobes. The more common and potentially more dangerous bronchial pneumonia afflicts different sections of both lungs. Double pneumonia occurs when the infection spreads to include both lungs.
The basic causes of pneumonia
According to the American Lung Association, pneumonia can have over thirty different causes. The most common include viral and bacterial infections; the microorganisms known as mycoplasmas; some kinds of fungi; and many types of chemicals. As the body loses the battle to fend off such irritants, symptoms continue to grow and build, often as a result of other respiratory ailments such as the flu or bronchitis.
Pneumonia is also sometimes diagnosed as idiopathic, or caused by a miscellany of different causes not included in other causes. Diagnosing a specific type of pneumonia is often difficult, even after a thorough examination. Some statistics show only half of all pneumonia cases are ever given an exact attribution.
It´s important to remember that pneumonia isn´t commonly transmitted from one patient to another. Instead, it develops when the body´s immune system falls prey to an attack from contagions in the outside environment.
Common types of pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia begins with severe chills, chest pain, and a racking cough that spits up rust-colored or greenish sputum (phlegm). The patient´s temperature can rise to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, accompanied by sweating and heavy breathing.
The most common form of bacterial pneumonia results from infection of the streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium. This very common type of bacteria has also been linked to sicknesses such as sinusitis, meningitis, peritonitis, and cellulitis, among others. Fortunately a vaccine was first developed in the 1970s, with widespread innoculation of children first beginning in 2000. Diagnosis rates have dropped steadily ever since.
Viral pneumonia is commonly caused by the influenza or respiratory syncytial (RSV) viruses. The virus invades through the nose or mouth and attacks the cell lining and alveoli of the lungs. The initial symptoms of viral pneumonia are all but identical to the signs of influenza: fever, muscle aches, and a dry cough. Oddly, there are at first no signs of the lung walls filling with fluid. After approximately a day and a half, a sporadic difficulty breathing sets in as the cough becomes wet and filled with mucus. The fever rises, and some patients experience a bluing of the lips.
Viral pneumonia can also leave the lungs vulnerable for further infection by bacteria, resulting in bacterial pneumonia symptoms as well.
Mycoplasmas have traits of both viruses and bacteria. They result in a mild pneumonia whose most pronounced indicator is a severe cough that nonetheless produces little mucus. Chills and fever, and also nausea and vomiting, are other reported symptoms. While mycoplasma pneumonia affects all age groups, its mortality rate is comparitively low.
Different types of fungi sometimes cause a relatively uncommon form of pneumonia that´s most likely to occur in patients with immune system difficulties. Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP), caused by a fungus-like microorganism, is often the first sign of disease in patients with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
In recent years a number of new or previously misunderstood pathogens have caused pneumonia outbreaks in many parts of the world. These include the H5N1 virus, most commonly known as the bird flu virus, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Finally, pneumonia is known to occur from exposure to a broad scope of hazardous or toxic chemicals. In rare cases it can even be caused by inhaling dust or consuming foods or liquids. Aspiration pneumonia occurs when foods or other materials pass from the stomach into the lungs after vomiting. Under normal circumstances the gag reflex prevents this from happening.
Treating the various kinds of pneumonia.
Effectively treating pneumonia depends to a certain degree upon containment: catching the inflammation while the infection of lung tissues is still relatively small. Other factors that bear heavily on treatment include the patient´s age and history of respiratory disease, immune system strength, and overall physical condition. Put simply, healthy patients have a better chance of curbing the inflammation.
The different kinds of pneumonia require different types of treatment. Antibiotic medications will work on most kinds of bacterial and mycoplasma-based pneumonia, but prove ineffective against viral strains. Doctors often take chest X-rays to examine the extent and severity of the pneumonia´s damage to the lungs.
Most pneumonia patients are treated at home following an initial doctor´s consultation. Proper bed rest, a healthy diet, and staying hydrated are all important factors in resisting symptoms and the underlying inflammation. Hospitalization may become necessary in extreme cases of impaired breathing or immune system depression.
Pneumonia presents potentially deadly complications.
Pneumonia is known to result in sometimes-deadly side effects. Complications commonly include:
bacteria infecting the bloodstream after passing through the lung´s air sacs, resulting in a condition called bacteremia. Doctors can detect such occurrences with blood tests;
fluid accumulation around the lungs, which can hamper lung movement within the chest cavity. The fluid is often surgically drained;
lung abscesses, which form on the lung wall and become filled with pus. They´re usually treated with antibiotics.
Preventing pneumonia in adults and children
A variety of vaccines and booster shots are available that work to resist bacterial and viral pneumonia infections. Besides the streptococcal vaccine, an immunization against pneumococcal pneumonia(another bacteria-based pneumonia) has also become available. Vaccination is not recommended for pregnant women or infants under the age of two.
Proper hygiene and health are strongly encouraged as pneumonia deterrents. Keeping hands sanitized will reduce the possibility of ingesting bacterial or viral agents.
Experts recommend careful vigilance of any other respiratory infection to make sure pneumonia doesn´t follow in its wake, infecting the already-weakened respiratory system. Patients should take all prescribed medication, even after symptoms apparently subside, in order to completely remove all irritants from the lungs. A follow-up examination may also be necessary.
Pneumonia is a worldwide health concern.
According to the Mayo Clinic, more than 60,000 Americans die from pneumonia each year. Patients being treated in hospitals for even unrelated illnesses can sometimes contract a particularly virulent strain called nosocomial pneumonia. This type typically affects patients on respirators or who have suffered some form of esophageal reflux. It also affects those with kidney disorders, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, and some heart diseases.
Pneumonia poses its greatest risk to extended families and families struggling with poverty. The World Health Organization reports that one out of every three infant deaths is attributed to pneumonia, most commonly streptococcus pneumoniae. Ninety percent of infant pneumonial deaths take place in developing countries, where children often lack access to preventative or thereapeutic medications.
Men are more likely to contract pneumonia than women, and blacks are more susceptible than whites. Smokers and those with a history of alcoholism are also at increaed risk. Men and women over 65 years of age are more likely to develop pneumonia than others.
The history of pneumonia as a disease and its famous victims
Pneumonia as a respiratory disorder was first diagnosed by no less than Hippocrates, the father of all Western medicine, more than 2500 years ago. Prior to the introduction of antibiotics in the 1930s, pneumonia was the leading cause of death in the United States. Extensive advances in antibiotic medications and vaccines such as the ones mentioned above have made prevention and treatment vastly more manageable. Nonetheless, pneumonia continues to pose a serious public and individual health threat.
In American history, a mixture of pneumonia and laryngitis struck down George Washington, the country´s first president, after he spent several hours in damp, freezing temperatures but did not change from his wet clothes upon returning home. William Henry Harrison, the nation´s 9th president, served for just thirty-one days (the shortest term of any U.S. president) before falling victim to pneumonia in 1841. It´s believed he caught sick while standing in the rain during his outdoor inauguration.
Other famous Americans to die from pneumonia include Muppets creator Jim Henson, "the godfather of soul" James Brown, and film legend Fred Astaire.
Michael Kabel is senior staff writer for Corner Stork Baby Gifts.com. Stop by for parenting and baby resources, unique baby gifts, baby gift baskets and baby shower favors.
Understanding pneumonia is the first step in fighting back against its painful effects. It´s an illness that comes in many varieties from many different causes, and affects all kinds of people.
The definition of pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammation and filling of the alveolar, the microscopic cavity sacs within the lungs that absorb oxygen. As these sacs fill with white blood cells used to repel invading viruses, bacteria, and other pollutants, the lungs must work harder delivering oxygen to the rest of the body. A variety of symptoms, otherwise associated with a severe bout of the cold or flu, typically result.
There are two main types of pneumonia: Lobar pneumonia may affect the entirety of one of the lung´s five lobes. The more common and potentially more dangerous bronchial pneumonia afflicts different sections of both lungs. Double pneumonia occurs when the infection spreads to include both lungs.
The basic causes of pneumonia
According to the American Lung Association, pneumonia can have over thirty different causes. The most common include viral and bacterial infections; the microorganisms known as mycoplasmas; some kinds of fungi; and many types of chemicals. As the body loses the battle to fend off such irritants, symptoms continue to grow and build, often as a result of other respiratory ailments such as the flu or bronchitis.
Pneumonia is also sometimes diagnosed as idiopathic, or caused by a miscellany of different causes not included in other causes. Diagnosing a specific type of pneumonia is often difficult, even after a thorough examination. Some statistics show only half of all pneumonia cases are ever given an exact attribution.
It´s important to remember that pneumonia isn´t commonly transmitted from one patient to another. Instead, it develops when the body´s immune system falls prey to an attack from contagions in the outside environment.
Common types of pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia begins with severe chills, chest pain, and a racking cough that spits up rust-colored or greenish sputum (phlegm). The patient´s temperature can rise to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, accompanied by sweating and heavy breathing.
The most common form of bacterial pneumonia results from infection of the streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium. This very common type of bacteria has also been linked to sicknesses such as sinusitis, meningitis, peritonitis, and cellulitis, among others. Fortunately a vaccine was first developed in the 1970s, with widespread innoculation of children first beginning in 2000. Diagnosis rates have dropped steadily ever since.
Viral pneumonia is commonly caused by the influenza or respiratory syncytial (RSV) viruses. The virus invades through the nose or mouth and attacks the cell lining and alveoli of the lungs. The initial symptoms of viral pneumonia are all but identical to the signs of influenza: fever, muscle aches, and a dry cough. Oddly, there are at first no signs of the lung walls filling with fluid. After approximately a day and a half, a sporadic difficulty breathing sets in as the cough becomes wet and filled with mucus. The fever rises, and some patients experience a bluing of the lips.
Viral pneumonia can also leave the lungs vulnerable for further infection by bacteria, resulting in bacterial pneumonia symptoms as well.
Mycoplasmas have traits of both viruses and bacteria. They result in a mild pneumonia whose most pronounced indicator is a severe cough that nonetheless produces little mucus. Chills and fever, and also nausea and vomiting, are other reported symptoms. While mycoplasma pneumonia affects all age groups, its mortality rate is comparitively low.
Different types of fungi sometimes cause a relatively uncommon form of pneumonia that´s most likely to occur in patients with immune system difficulties. Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP), caused by a fungus-like microorganism, is often the first sign of disease in patients with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
In recent years a number of new or previously misunderstood pathogens have caused pneumonia outbreaks in many parts of the world. These include the H5N1 virus, most commonly known as the bird flu virus, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Finally, pneumonia is known to occur from exposure to a broad scope of hazardous or toxic chemicals. In rare cases it can even be caused by inhaling dust or consuming foods or liquids. Aspiration pneumonia occurs when foods or other materials pass from the stomach into the lungs after vomiting. Under normal circumstances the gag reflex prevents this from happening.
Treating the various kinds of pneumonia.
Effectively treating pneumonia depends to a certain degree upon containment: catching the inflammation while the infection of lung tissues is still relatively small. Other factors that bear heavily on treatment include the patient´s age and history of respiratory disease, immune system strength, and overall physical condition. Put simply, healthy patients have a better chance of curbing the inflammation.
The different kinds of pneumonia require different types of treatment. Antibiotic medications will work on most kinds of bacterial and mycoplasma-based pneumonia, but prove ineffective against viral strains. Doctors often take chest X-rays to examine the extent and severity of the pneumonia´s damage to the lungs.
Most pneumonia patients are treated at home following an initial doctor´s consultation. Proper bed rest, a healthy diet, and staying hydrated are all important factors in resisting symptoms and the underlying inflammation. Hospitalization may become necessary in extreme cases of impaired breathing or immune system depression.
Pneumonia presents potentially deadly complications.
Pneumonia is known to result in sometimes-deadly side effects. Complications commonly include:
bacteria infecting the bloodstream after passing through the lung´s air sacs, resulting in a condition called bacteremia. Doctors can detect such occurrences with blood tests;
fluid accumulation around the lungs, which can hamper lung movement within the chest cavity. The fluid is often surgically drained;
lung abscesses, which form on the lung wall and become filled with pus. They´re usually treated with antibiotics.
Preventing pneumonia in adults and children
A variety of vaccines and booster shots are available that work to resist bacterial and viral pneumonia infections. Besides the streptococcal vaccine, an immunization against pneumococcal pneumonia(another bacteria-based pneumonia) has also become available. Vaccination is not recommended for pregnant women or infants under the age of two.
Proper hygiene and health are strongly encouraged as pneumonia deterrents. Keeping hands sanitized will reduce the possibility of ingesting bacterial or viral agents.
Experts recommend careful vigilance of any other respiratory infection to make sure pneumonia doesn´t follow in its wake, infecting the already-weakened respiratory system. Patients should take all prescribed medication, even after symptoms apparently subside, in order to completely remove all irritants from the lungs. A follow-up examination may also be necessary.
Pneumonia is a worldwide health concern.
According to the Mayo Clinic, more than 60,000 Americans die from pneumonia each year. Patients being treated in hospitals for even unrelated illnesses can sometimes contract a particularly virulent strain called nosocomial pneumonia. This type typically affects patients on respirators or who have suffered some form of esophageal reflux. It also affects those with kidney disorders, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, and some heart diseases.
Pneumonia poses its greatest risk to extended families and families struggling with poverty. The World Health Organization reports that one out of every three infant deaths is attributed to pneumonia, most commonly streptococcus pneumoniae. Ninety percent of infant pneumonial deaths take place in developing countries, where children often lack access to preventative or thereapeutic medications.
Men are more likely to contract pneumonia than women, and blacks are more susceptible than whites. Smokers and those with a history of alcoholism are also at increaed risk. Men and women over 65 years of age are more likely to develop pneumonia than others.
The history of pneumonia as a disease and its famous victims
Pneumonia as a respiratory disorder was first diagnosed by no less than Hippocrates, the father of all Western medicine, more than 2500 years ago. Prior to the introduction of antibiotics in the 1930s, pneumonia was the leading cause of death in the United States. Extensive advances in antibiotic medications and vaccines such as the ones mentioned above have made prevention and treatment vastly more manageable. Nonetheless, pneumonia continues to pose a serious public and individual health threat.
In American history, a mixture of pneumonia and laryngitis struck down George Washington, the country´s first president, after he spent several hours in damp, freezing temperatures but did not change from his wet clothes upon returning home. William Henry Harrison, the nation´s 9th president, served for just thirty-one days (the shortest term of any U.S. president) before falling victim to pneumonia in 1841. It´s believed he caught sick while standing in the rain during his outdoor inauguration.
Other famous Americans to die from pneumonia include Muppets creator Jim Henson, "the godfather of soul" James Brown, and film legend Fred Astaire.
Michael Kabel is senior staff writer for Corner Stork Baby Gifts.com. Stop by for parenting and baby resources, unique baby gifts, baby gift baskets and baby shower favors.
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