Pneumonia is a disease of the lungs caused due to inflammation of alveoli. These are small sac like structures that help absorb oxygen. Alveoli are the most important part of lungs and any irregularities in it disturb regular functioning of human body. The alveoli inflate when there is infection caused due to a parasite or if it is filled with fluid. In most of the cases, this disease is caused due to virus, bacteria or any other such microorganism. But in some uncommon cases, it is seen to have been caused due to certain drugs or other medical conditions. The treatment for this disease depends on the way it has been caused.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
The most common symptoms are severe cough accompanied with chest pain, breathlessness, fever and fast respiratory rate. These are the signs of pneumonia in small children. In adults, it can be recognized by shaky and shivering hands, confusion, severe chest pain, prolonged cough, fever, breathlessness and increased respiration. Most of the cases of pneumonia can be cured with antibiotics. But in some very severe cases, this disease may lead to death. The disease can attack anyone but is most fatal to babies, old people and those suffering from weak immune system.
Causes of Pneumonia
Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, fungus and virus. Other microbes or means such as wrong medicines etc can also be a cause of pneumonia. When a person’s immunity is not good, pneumonia carrying bacteria enters into his system and settles down into the alveoli, which is the main absorber of oxygen in the body. These bacteria start multiplying. White blood cells (WBC) produce antigens to attack the multiplying bacteria. All this fills up the alveoli with fluid and what is known as the pneumonia pus. Pneumonia is classified based on the type of organism causing it and accordingly treatment is given.
Bacteria
Bacteria are the most common cause of pneumonia. Most of the bacterial pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics.
Fungal and Viral Pneumonia
These are not very prominent contributors of pneumonia especially in the developed countries. Some of the typical viral pneumonia causing agents is Adenoviruses, rhinovirus, influenza virus (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and parainfluenza virus. These pneumonias are known to not respond to antibiotic treatment. Fungal infections caused due to Histoplasmosis, coccidiomycosis, blastomycosis, aspergillosis, and cryptococcosis can lead to pneumonia.
Who is most susceptible to pneumonia
People with very weak immunity and weakened respiratory system are the most prone to pneumonia infection. A regular smoker and/or an alcoholic will have a weak respiratory system and hence is at a higher risk of getting the disease. Since, weak or underdeveloped immune system is unable to resists it, babies below 12-14 months and older people, above 65 should be careful as not to incur the infection. Also, people who are under gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) medication are prone to getting the disease. The other cases include, under nourished children, people exposed to harmful pollutants and chemicals, have an influenza infection or recently recovered from one and those who’ve been recently treated or hospitalized for some serious injuries, operation, treatment etc.
How can pneumonia be treated and prevented
Preventing the disease is a better alternative than treating it. Though treatments are available for most of the cases, there are some severe ones in which the infection cannot be treated. Also, a person treated off pneumonia has a weaker immune system and care should be taken to restore the body to its full health. To prevent this disease, the best way is to get vaccinations. There are two types of vaccines that are commonly adhered to prevent most common type of pneumonia caused to bacterial attack: pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevnar) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (Pneumovax).
Prevnar is usually given to infants along with their regular immunization doses. It is recommended that babies below two years of age and kids fewer than three to four years with some medical conditions are administered with the vaccine so as to build immunity against pneumonia. Pneumovax is administered to older people and adults who suffer from chronic heart and lung diseases, smokers, diabetics, alcoholics and those without spleen. The vaccine doesn't prevent the risk of pneumonia totally but reduces the risk of pneumonia bacterial attack.
In addition to vaccines, it is recommended that you have a healthy diet and lifestyle and refrain from alcohol and smoking. It is advised that you keep distance from people suffering from the same disease as the bacteria are transmitted through inhaling infected air.