Pneumonia is a type of lung infection, caused by a virus or bacteria. The lungs are filled with

thousands of tubes, called bronchi, which end in smaller sacs called alveoli. Each one has a fine mesh of

capillaries. This is where oxygen is added to the blood and carbon dioxide removed.

If a person has pneumonia, the alveoli in one or both lungs fill with pus and fluids (exudate),

which interferes with the gas exchange. This is sometimes known as consolidation and collapse of the

lung.

Anyone of any age can contract pneumonia, but it tends to be common in children aged four

years and under, and in the elderly. Pneumonia can strike suddenly or gradually. With appropriate

treatment, one can expect to get better in around one week to 10 days.

What Are the Symptoms of Pneumonia?

The general symptoms of bacterial pneumonia can develop quickly and may include:

chest pain

shaking chills

fever

dry cough

muscle aches

nausea/vomiting

rapid breathing

rapid heartbeat

difficulty breathing

Some symptoms may indicate a medical emergency. These symptoms include:

skin with bluish tone (from lack of

oxygen)

blood in sputum (coughed-up mucus)

labored breathing

high fever (103 °F or higher)

confusion

rapid heartbeat

Causes of pneumonia

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Pneumonia can be triggered by a cold or bout of flu, which allows the germs to gain access to the

alveoli. In about half of all cases, no cause is ever found. Some of the micro-organisms that can cause

pneumonia include:

Bacteria – symptoms include rust or green-coloured phlegm. Anyone of any age can be

affected, but susceptible groups include babies, the elderly, alcoholics, and people recovering

from surgery or coping with other illnesses (such as lung disease).

Viruses – symptoms are similar to a severe bout of flu. It is thought that around 50 per cent of

pneumonia cases are caused by viral infections.

Mycoplasma (a special kind of bacteria) – symptoms can include white phlegm, nausea and

vomiting. Pneumonia caused by mycoplasma organisms is generally mild, but recovery takes

longer.

Who Is at Risk for Developing Pneumonia?

No one is immune to pneumonia, but there are certain factors that can raise your risks:

previous stroke or problems swallowing: People who have had a stroke, have problems

swallowing, or are bedridden can easily develop pneumonia.

age: Infants from birth to age two are at risk for pneumonia, as are individuals age 65 or older.

weakened immune system: This includes people who take medications (steroid drugs and anti-

cancer drugs) that weaken the immune system and people with HIV, AIDS, or cancer.

drug abuse: This includes excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.

certain medical conditions: Asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and heart failure raise your risks for

pneumonia.

How Is Pneumonia Treated?

The type of treatment prescribed for pneumonia primarily depends on what type of pneumonia is

present and its severity. In many cases, pneumonia can be treated at home.

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The typical treatment plan for pneumonia includes taking all prescribed medications and

participating in follow-up care. A chest x-ray may be ordered to ensure your pneumonia has been

successfully treated.

Treatment depends on the age of the individual and the type of infection, but can include:

hospital admission – for babies, young children and the elderly. Mild or moderate cases of

pneumonia in people who are otherwise well can often be treated at home.

plenty of fluids – taken orally or intravenously

antibiotics – to kill the infection, if bacteria are the cause

medications – to relieve pain and reduce fever

rest – sitting up is better than lying down.

Can Pneumonia Be Prevented?

Anyone with diabetes, asthma, and other severe or chronic health problems, is at risk for

pneumonia. However, in many cases, it can be prevented with vaccines against bacterial pneumonia

and flu. Quitting smoking will definitely lower the risk of pneumonia.

It is recommended that certain people be immunised, including:

young children

older people up to the age of 65 years

people with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, asthma or respiratory disorders

people with reduced immunity

people who have had an organ transplant

people who have damaged spleens or have had their spleens surgically removed

people who live in remote communities.

Things to remember

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, caused by bacteria or viruses. Anyone of any age can be

affected, but children under the age of four years are very susceptible.Certain people can be

immunised against one of the most common types of bacterial pneumonia.

Summary

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Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, caused by bacteria or viruses. Anyone can be affected, but

young children and the elderly are most susceptible. Pneumonia is often triggered by a cold or bout of

flu. Treatment may include rest, medications, including antibiotics, and hospitalisation in severe cases.

Immunisation is available against pneumococcal pneumonia.

Article Sources:

CDC Features - Pneumonia Can Be Prevented - Vaccines Can Help. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention. Retrieved March 2, 2012, from http://www.cdc.gov/features/Pneumonia/

How Is Pneumonia Treated? - NHLBI, NIH. (n.d.). NIH Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Retrieved March 2,

2012, from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pnu/treatment.html

Pneumonia - Symptoms. (n.d.). University of Maryland Medical Center. Retrieved March 2, 2012, from

http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_symptoms_of_pneumonia_000064_3.htm

Understanding Pneumonia illness. (n.d.). Understanding Pneumonia - American Lung Association. American

Lung Association. Retrieved March 2, 2012, from http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/pneumonia/understanding-

pneumonia.html

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