Pneumonia

Theresa Gardner

Pneumonia occurs when the lower respiratory tract gets inflamed as a result of an infection or an injury. When microbes enter the lungs, toxins are released which causes the alveoli to fill with fluid, damaging it, and preventing gas exchange. Typically, our immune system begins an attack on the invaders, but oftentimes our natural defense system is not as strong as it should be. Common causes are upper respiratory infections, alcoholism, cigarette smoking, malnutrition, liver, kidney, and heart diseases.

Symptoms of pneumonia include chills, fever, cough, chest pain, labored breathing, fatigue, anorexia, headache, leukocytosis, and bloody sputum.

In the United States, pneumonia is the most common cause of death in terms of contagious infections. It is estimated that four million cases of pneumonia occur every year.

There are four types of pneumonia, and treatment varies according to the type.

Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics. Viral is only treated with lots of rest and plenty of fluids. Mycoplasma pneumonia mirrors symptoms of a chest cold, so people oftentimes do not seek medical attention. The symptoms generally go away on their own, but this type of pneumonia is treated with antibiotics as well. Fungal pneumonia is caused by a fungus, so antifungal medication is the typical course of treatment. It is important to note that coughing actually helps clear the lungs, so taking an over-the-counter cough suppressant is not usually advised.

Any type of pneumonia untreated can result in hospitalization. I actually have a couple of friends who ended up in this condition. By then, IV antibiotics and oxygen are administered for a few days, and the recovery time at home is a little longer.

References:

Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. (2007). Introduction to the Human Body (7th Edition). New York, NY. John Wiley & Sons, inc.

Galvan, C. & Argabright, D. & Johnston, M. (2003). Medicinal Plants of the Southwest. Retrieved June 17, 2009 from http://medplant.nmsu.edu/Diseases/pneumonia/pneumonia.htm

Mayo Clinic Staff (2009). Pneumonia. Retrieved 6-18-09 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/AboutThisSite/AM00057 and http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pneumonia/DS00135/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs