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.
- Pneumonia Illness: Provides general information on the pneumonia illness.
- Pneumonia Information: A place to find vital information on pneumonia.
- 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.
- Pneumonia Inflammation: Explains the potential fatality of the infection.
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.
- Pneumonia Causes: Detailed information on the general causes of pneumonia
- Causes of Pneumonia: In-depth report on the causes of pneumonia.
- Pneumonia Explained: Covers the range of causes of pneumonia along with other information.
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.
- Bacterial Pneumonia: A good description of bacterial pneumonia with other details.
- Streptococcus Pneumoniae Disease: Provides vital information on the most common type of bacterial pneumonia.
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.
- Viral Pneumonia Facts: Great resource center to learn all about 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.
- Community Acquired Pneumonia: Provides detailed information on community acquired pneumonia and its prevention
- Mycoplasma Pneumonia: An article about the bacteria mycoplasma pneumonia.
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.
- Pnuemococcal Disease: A look at pneumococcal disease, including pneumococcal pneumonia.
- 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.
- Pneumonia Treatment: Government website on pneumonia with links to treatment.
- Home Treatments: WHO proposes a few effective home treatments for people who are infected with pneumonia.
- Pediatrics and Pneumonia: The site offers vital tips on treating children who are down 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.
- Immunization: A study on the pneumococcal vaccine.
- Pneumonia Prevention & Treatment: Looks at some of the preventive measures and treatment for pneumonia.
- Preventing Pneumonia: Some valuable pointers to prevent pneumonia.
Pneumonia Facts
- The leading cause of child mortality worldwide is pneumonia.
- Pneumonia kills almost 2 million children each year.
- The elderly and babies are susceptible to the infection since pneumonia easily affects individuals with a weak immune system.
- There are primarily two types of pneumonia, lobar and bronchial pneumonia
Additional Information
- Pneumonia & Children: UNICEF/WHO report on how pneumonia is the leading killer of children.
- 1918 Pneumonia: Reveals that bacterial pneumonia was a major cause of death in the influenza pandemic in 1918.
- Pneumonia Statistics: Provides some vital statistics about pneumonia.
- Basic Facts: A fact sheet with basic information on pneumonia.
