pneumonia( Symptoms,causes,Complications)

 pneumonia

Classifications of pneumonia according to causes:

• Bacterial pneumonia.

• Viral pneumonia.

• Fungal pneumonia.

• Inhalation pneumonia, (this is caused by inhalation of gasteric content leading to mechanical blockage of airways with secondary infection and death)

Classifications by areas involved:

•   Lobar pneumonia; If one or more lobe is involved.

•   Broncho-pneumonia; the pneumonic process has originated in one or more bronchi and extends to the surrounding lung tissue.

Symptoms :

The signs and symptoms of pneumonia vary from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, and your age and overall health. Mild signs and symptoms often are similar to those of a cold or flu, but they last longer.

*Signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include:

• Chest pain when you breathe or cough

• Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older)

• Cough, which may produce phlegm

• Fatigue

• Fever, sweating and shaking chills

• Lower than normal body temperature (in adults older than age 65 and people with weak immune systems)

• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

• Shortness of breath

Predisposing factors:

•   Immunosuppressed patients   People who smoke.

•   Any patient who is permitted to lie passively in bed for prolonged periods.

•   Any person who has a depressed cough reflex (due to medication or unconsciousness).

•   Any hospitalized patients on a nothing-by-mouth regimen or who is receiving antibiotics has increase pharyngeal colonization of organism.

•   Frequent suction. If the equipment has not been properly clean.

Risk factors :

Pneumonia can affect anyone. But the two age groups at highest risk are:

• Children who are 2 years old or younger

• People who are age 65 or older

Other risk factors include:

• Being hospitalized. You're at greater risk of pneumonia if you're in a hospital intensive care unit, especially if you're on a machine that helps you breathe (a ventilator).

• Chronic disease. You're more likely to get pneumonia if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart disease.

• Smoking. Smoking damages your body's natural defenses against the bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia.

• Weakened or suppressed immune system. People who have HIV/AIDS, who've had an organ transplant, or who receive chemotherapy or long-term steroids are at risk.

Complications :

Even with treatment, some people with pneumonia, especially those in high-risk groups, may experience complications, including:

• Bacteria in the bloodstream (bacteremia). Bacteria that enter the bloodstream from your lungs can spread the infection to other organs, potentially causing organ failure.

• Difficulty breathing. If your pneumonia is severe or you have chronic underlying lung diseases, you may have trouble breathing in enough oxygen. You may need to be hospitalized and use a breathing machine (ventilator) while your lung heals.

• Fluid accumulation around the lungs (pleural effusion). Pneumonia may cause fluid to build up in the thin space between layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). If the fluid becomes infected, you may need to have it drained through a chest tube or removed with surgery.

• Lung abscess. An abscess occurs if pus forms in a cavity in the lung. An abscess is usually treated with antibiotics. Sometimes, surgery or drainage with a long needle or tube placed into the abscess is needed to remove the pus.

Prevention:

To help prevent pneumonia:

• Get vaccinated. Vaccines are available to prevent some types of pneumonia and the flu. Talk with your doctor about getting these shots. The vaccination guidelines have changed over time so make sure to review your vaccination status with your doctor even if you recall previously receiving a pneumonia vaccine.
• Make sure children get vaccinated. Doctors recommend a different pneumonia vaccine for children younger than age 2 and for children ages 2 to 5 years who are at particular risk of pneumococcal disease. Children who attend a group child care center should also get the vaccine. Doctors also recommend flu shots for children older than 6 months.
• Practice good hygiene. To protect yourself against respiratory infections that sometimes lead to pneumonia, wash your hands regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Don't smoke. Smoking damages your lungs' natural defenses against respiratory infections.
• Keep your immune system strong. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.