Pneumonia Information Center

Pneumonia is a widespread infection which affects the lungs. It can be caused by parasites, fungus, bacteria or virus. One of the characteristic features of pneumonia is the inflammation of the lungs, particularly the alveoli in the lungs. Alveoli are tiny sacs in the lungs, which help in absorbing oxygen.

Pneumonia was the leading cause of death in the United States until 1936. However, the availability of effective antibiotics since then has reduced pneumonia related deaths significantly.

  • Fight Pneumonia: Offers some valuable tips on fighting flu and pneumonia.

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is basically a respiratory disease which is marked by lung inflammation. When the lungs are affected by pneumonia, oxygen absorption drastically reduces, which greatly impairs the functioning of body cells. Although pneumonia is curable, it can become fatal at times. Pneumonia can occur across all age groups and what’s more, healthy people can get infected with pneumonia too.

  • Describing Pneumonia: Provides a concise description of the disease with links to more information.
  • Definition: Pneumonia information center with links to symptoms, causes, risk factors, and others.

Causes of Pneumonia

The two key causes of pneumonia are viruses and bacteria. Bacteria or virus enters the body, infecting the lungs after a person breathes in pneumonia-causing germs. If the person has a weak immune system, the possibility of the germ infecting the alveoli increases manifold. As a response to the infection, white blood cells are sent for attacking and curbing the infection. As a result, the sacs of the alveoli get filled with pus, causing pneumonia.

Bacterial Pneumonia

The most common germ which causes pneumonia is bacteria. In most cases, the bacterium is the Streptococcus pneumoniae. There are also other bacteria which can cause pneumonia. People with a history of alcoholism often get infected by Hemophilus influenzae or Klebsiella pneumoniae. On the other hand, Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the bacteria which often cause pneumonia infections during the fall season. Another type of bacteria known as Legionella pneumoniae can cause pneumonia and they are sometimes found in air-conditioners which contain contaminated water.

Viral Pneumonia

Viral pneumonia is generally caused by virus parainfluenza, rhinovirus, adenoviruses, influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus. Viral pneumonia is comparatively more dangerous since it does not always respond to antibiotics.

  • Viral Pneumonia: Discusses the symptoms, prevention, and treatment of viral pneumonia.

Mycoplasma Pneumonia

Mycoplasma Pneumonia is a virus which often causes severe pneumonia. Accompanied by dry cough, the pneumonia caused by this virus can linger for weeks. Mycoplasma Pneumonia is one of the major causes of community acquired pneumonia. The disease also has a prolonged onset. More dangerously, mycoplasma pneumonia can cause severe pneumonia among children.

Other Kinds of Pneumonia

Apart from the most common germs which cause pneumonia, several other kinds of pneumonia exist as well. Aspiration pneumonia causes lung inflammation. It’s carried through food and drink which may be infected. Atypical pneumonia is a kind of pneumonia caused by the bacteria Legionella pneumophila, Chlamydophila eumoniae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. A few other types of pneumonia include Legionnaire’s disease, hospital-acquired pneumonia, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, and community-acquired pneumonia or CAP.

  • Legionnaire's Disease: Comprehensive information on the causes and treatment of Legionnaire’s disease

Treating Pneumonia

Generally, pneumonia is treated with antibiotics, respiratory support, and in severe cases, oxygen. The basis of treatment is the gram stain results which determine the selection of antibiotics to be administered. Some of the commonly used antibiotics for treating pneumonia include clarithromycin, azithromycin, amoxicillin, and fluoroquinolones.

  • Home Treatments: WHO proposes a few effective home treatments for people who are infected with pneumonia.

Preventing Pneumonia

One of the most common ways in which pneumonia is transmitted is by shaking hands. To prevent pneumonia, it’s important to practice good hygiene, and wash your hands with soap and water when necessary. It’s also essential to include fresh antioxidant rich vegetables in your daily diet. Deep breathing, exercises, and any other activities which boost the immune system would always reduce the chances of getting infected with pneumonia.

Pneumonia Facts

  1. The leading cause of child mortality worldwide is pneumonia.
  2. Pneumonia kills almost 2 million children each year.
  3. The elderly and babies are susceptible to the infection since pneumonia easily affects individuals with a weak immune system.
  4. There are primarily two types of pneumonia, lobar and bronchial pneumonia

Additional Information

  • 1918 Pneumonia: Reveals that bacterial pneumonia was a major cause of death in the influenza pandemic in 1918.
  • Basic Facts: A fact sheet with basic information on pneumonia.