What is Pneumonia, Types of Pneumonia, Causes of Pneumonia & Treatment of Pneumonia.

 What is Pneumonia?

Normal Vs Pneumonia 
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Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in one or both of your lungs. This inflammation typically happens due to bacteria, viruses, or fungi. When someone has pneumonia, the tiny air sacs in the lungs, known as alveoli, become swollen and fill up with fluid or pus, which makes it tough to breathe. How serious pneumonia is can depend on what caused it, the overall health of the person, and how quickly they get treatment.

Types of Pneumonia

Pneumonia comes in several varieties, categorized by what causes the infection or where it was contracted:

1. Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)

This is the most prevalent type of pneumonia, occurring outside of hospitals or healthcare facilities. It can be triggered by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

2. Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (HAP)

This type develops during a hospital stay, particularly 48 hours or more after being admitted. HAP can be more serious than CAP because patients in hospitals often have weakened immune systems, and the bacteria involved may be more resistant to antibiotics.

3. Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)

A specific kind of HAP, VAP occurs in individuals who are on a ventilator to assist with breathing. This type is also frequently resistant to treatment.

4. Aspiration Pneumonia

This happens when food, drink, vomit, or saliva is inhaled into the lungs. It's more common in people who have trouble swallowing or are not fully conscious.

5. Walking Pneumonia (Atypical Pneumonia):

It caused by bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumoniae, this is a milder form of pneumonia. Those with walking pneumonia might not even realize they’re infected because the symptoms are so mild.

Causes of Pneumonia

Pneumonia can stem from a variety of infectious agents:

1. Bacterial Causes

The most common culprit behind bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Other bacteria that can cause it include Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila.

2. Viral Causes

Viruses that can lead to pneumonia include the influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and, more recently, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19).

3. Fungal Causes:

This type of pneumonia is caused by pneumocystis jirovecii, Histoplasma & cryptococcus.

Symptoms of Pneumonia:

There are following symptoms of Pneumonia below.

1. Nausea and vomiting 

2. Cough with phlegm or puss

3. Shortness of breath.

4. Fatigue and weakness.

Pneumonia Diagnostic Tests 

1. Chest X rays :

Chest X rays detect the lungs inflamed or filled with fluid or puss.

2. Blood Test: 

This test detect  infection and identify the microorganisms like bacteria, virus & fungi.

3. Pulse oximeter :

This device measures the level of oxygen present in the blood.

4. Sputum Test:

Analysis of mucus and identify.

Treatment of Pneumonia

Alternatives for Therapy The kind and severity of pneumonia determine the course of treatment.

1. Infection with bacteria.

Antibiotics are most often used to treat this. The type of bacteria causing the illness, the patient's age, and their overall health all influence the antibiotic that should be used. Even if improvement is observed early, the entire course of antibiotics must be taken.

 2. The Influenza

 If the virus is the cause, antiviral medications may be administered. With rest and supportive care, such as fluids, fever reduction (acetaminophen or ibuprofen), and cough syrup, the majority of viral pneumonias resolve on their own.

 3. Fungal Pneumonia 

This kind typically requires an antifungal drug, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Care that Supports Regardless of the cause.