Pneumonia is an inflammation of one or both lungs, typically due to a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. So, with the disease, the tiny air sacs inside the lungs fill with fluid. Therefore, the infection can be life-threatening to anyone but particularly to infants, children, and people over 65years.
Transmission.
There are several ways in which transmission of pneumonia can happen. The virus and bacteria which you commonly find in a child’s nose can infect the lungs. Moreover, they may also transmit via airborne droplets from a cough or sneeze. Moreover, it may transmit through blood, especially during and shortly after birth.
Symptoms.
a. Coughing
b. Fatigue.
c. Chest pain when breathing or coughing.
d. Fever, sweating, and shaking chills.
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e. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
f. Shortness of breath.
g. Loss of appetite.
h. Headaches.
Causes.
Pneumonia affects one when germs get into the lungs and cause an infection. The immune systems’ reaction to clear the infection results in inflammation of the lungs’ air sac. Therefore, this inflammation causes the air sacs to fill up with pus and liquid. However, there are several types of infectious agents that can cause it, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Bacterial.
The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia is streptococcus pneumonia. However, other causes include mycoplasma pneumonia and Legionella pneumophila.
Viral pneumonia.
The respiratory virus is often the cause of pneumonia. However, other examples of viral infections include common cold, flu, and chickenpox. Although the symptoms of viral and bacterial pneumonia are very similar, viral pneumonia is usually milder.
Fungal pneumonia.
Fungi from soil or bird dropping can cause it. Examples of fungi include; Cryptococcus species and histoplasmosis species.
Treatment.
Treatment for the illness involves curing the infection and preventing complications. However, specific treatments depend on the type and severity of the illness.
1. Antibiotics.
These are medicines that treat bacterial pneumonia. However, it may take time to identify the type of bacteria causing the illness.
2. Cough medicine.
Its main use is to calm the cough so that you can rest well. However, if you want to try a cough suppressant, use the lowest dose that helps you to rest well.
3. Fever reducer.
Risk factors.
Hospitalization. You are at a greater risk of being affected if you are in a hospital care unit. Most especially if you are in a machine that is helping you breathe.
Smoking. Smoking damages your body’s cells like white blood cells against the bacteria and viruses that cause the disease.
Weak immune system. People who have had organ transplants like; heart or kidney, or who have HIV/AIDs are at high risk.
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