What You Should Know About
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a generic term that is applied to an infection that involves the tissues of the lung. Most often it is caused by a bacterial infection. However, viruses and fungi may also cause pneumonia. In more mild infections only a small portion of the lungs are involved. When the infection is severe, and/or caused by an agent that is particularly potent, it may involve a whole lung or more. Terms such as "walking pneumonia" and "double pneumonia" have been used to describe different degrees of severity, but have little or no meaning and should not be used. In most cases it is assumed that the cause of the pneumonia is a bacteria. Therefore, treatment is begun with an antibiotic. Unfortunately, viral and fungal pneumonias do not respond to antibiotics. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that if possible, a specific cause of the pneumonia be determined. Although they are not as effective, antiviral medications can be helpful in viral infections, and antifujngal agents are effecrtive in treating fungal pneumonias.
What Happens in Pneumonia
Two different terms may be used to describe pneumonia depending on where it affects the lungs. In lobar pneumonia, the infection or inflammation involves a section (or lobe) of a lung. In bronchial pneumonia, the infection or inflammation is not confined to a single anatomic location.. In either case, the disorder typically causes a cough (with or without mucus), chest pain, rapid breathing, and shortness of breath. Fever, sweats, a headache, and weakness are usually present.
The medical history is extremely important in making a diagnosis of pneumonia, and often also in differentiating the types of infections involved. Bacterial pneumonias typically have rather sudden onset of symptoms with a relatively high fever. The cough may be either dry or contain large amounts of sputum. Chest x-rays reveal shadows where the pneumonia is present, and blood counts show elevated white blood counts that are more typical of bacterial infections than either viruses or fungi.
By far the most common form of fungal pneumonia in the Tucson area is valley fever, or more properly, coccidioidomycosis. Although a majority of people who have contact with the valley fever fungus have no specific symptoms, when they do have symptoms it is because they have a fungal pneumonia. Most people who have normal immunity recover from valley fever pneumonia without specific treatment. However, anti-fungal agents are available. The other kinds of fungal pneumonia are occur most often in people who have reduced immune status. |
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Finally, viral pneumonias, although not common, can be severe and life threatening. Often they occur when immune defenses are reduced, and are caused by viruses that are more common in children. The chicken pox virus is an example. Anti-viral agents are available but generally are not as effective as antibiotics are for bacterial infections. For additional information about viral infections look up the Influenza guide.
Treatment and Tips
Treatment for pneumonia will depend on the type of pneumonia and the severity of the infection, in addition to the general health of the patient. Most people can be treated for pneumonia at home rather than in the hospital, especially if they are young and otherwise healthy.
Where to Get More Information
For more information, try these online resources.
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