Pneumonia: causes and prevention

[Ayuba Ernest]

What is pneumonia: pneumonia can be defined as inflammation of the lung parenchyma which arises as a result of inhalation of effected aerosols, or by haematogenous dissemination all by aspiration of oropharyngeal secretion and associated Flora. Pneumonia causes an inflammation on both of the lungs, the inside maybe field with pus or fluid that could lead to the development of cough, fever, difficulty in breathing, chills, etc.

Causes of pneumonia: pneumonia is caused buy different variety of organisms which includes bacteria, fungi, viruses protozoa, chemical reaction and allergy. Here is a breakdown of organisms causing pneumonia.

Viruses: Cytomegalovirus
Bacteria: Streptococcus pneumoniae
Fungi: Aspergillus funigatus
Protozoa: Paragonimus westermani
Chemical causes: Inhalation of kerosene etc.
All these are causative organism of pneumonia.

Symptoms of pneumonia: symptoms of pneumonia include cough with sputum production, fever, pleurisy and dyspnoea, chest pain, fatigue, sweating and shaking, lower body temperature, vomiting and shortness of breath maybe experienced.

Prevention of pneumonia: to prevent pneumonia you should get vaccinated. Vaccination won't prevent all types of pneumonia. But it will be able to prevent some types of pneumonia and the flu. Make sure everyone around you has been vaccinated against pneumonia and make sure to practice good hygiene by washing your hands, quitting smoking and keeping your immune system strong by eating a healthy diet.

 

[Jasz]

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid, pus, or pus and mucus.

People often get it after having an illness that lowers their resistance to infection such as a cold or the flu. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can cause pneumonia. It is more common in people older than 65 years of age, children younger than 2 years of age, people who have medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, alcoholism, cancer, and diabetes, and people who smoke. Symptoms vary depending on the type of pneumonia you have but may include:

Chest pain when you breathe or coughFever and chillsCoughing up mucus (sometimes with blood)SweatingShaking chillsShortness of breath

You are more likely to get pneumonia if you don't eat well, smoke cigarettes or cigars, drink too much alcohol or use illegal drugs; live in a nursing home; have trouble swallowing; don't take care of your teeth; have had a recent viral illness; have weak immune system; live in crowded and unsanitary conditions; have a serious medical condition.

To prevent pneumonia you should: eat well-balanced meals; exercise regularly.

To prevent pneumonia, you should also get vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia, wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading germs, and avoid smoking.