Any time is the season for Pneumonia to be in the air.

What is pneumonia? It is infection that attacks one or both lung lobes. Lungs have tiny air sacs essential for healthy breathing. When pneumonia is induced into the lungs via its host these little air sacs become inflamed,and become filled with fluid or pus.

Symptoms may include all or one of the following;

>productive cough with phlegm
>fever with chills
>and some times you will even experience difficult breathing.

There are several types of pneumonia.

>Community-Acquired Pneumonia most common found with people working or living in crowed environments,and outside the realm of medical facilities. Is seen most often in the winter These germs are contracted by breathing in as they live in the mouth nose or throat.
>Hospital Acquired and Health Care Associated Pneumonia. This is not limited to only staff members. This can also infect patients in medical places that are actually being treated for another illness. This tends to be more serious.
>A Typical pneumonia caused by several types of bacteria,and is passed from person to person.
>Walking pneumonia is mild.
>Double pneumonia is both lung lobes affected.

Germs are generally the culprit for causing you to acquire pneumonia. The most common that we hear about would be;

>Pneumococcal the most common often seen after having the flu or common cold.
>Legionnaires disease. This has had serious outbreaks and it is thought that it comes from whirl pools and spas.
>Mycoplasma pneumonia seen in people 40 years of age or younger. Also, seen in the over crowed work areas, living environments.
>Chlamdophila Pneumonia is very common and seen year round. Seen in people in the age group of 55 to 79.

Viruses are the second cause of pneumonia. Most commonly seen in children younger than 5 years of age. Most are mild.

Even with viral pneumonia you are still at risk for bacterial pneumonia. Viruses,are better left to run their course as there is no real treatment of cure. There are some antiviral medicines available but you need to start them the very moment you think you have a virus induced illness. Other wise they are not very effective if started a few days after your symptoms occur. The best thing that can be done is for your doctor to treat your symptoms, such as anti pyretics for fever, updraft treatments to help open air sacs, and cough elixirs to sedate the cough.

Fungi are least likely to cause pneumonia. People on long term medicines that suppress the immune system are most likely to acquire fungal pneumonia.

Pneumonia is not choosy as it will affect any one of any age. Infants 2 years or younger, people over 65 years of age and older, and people with other lung issues like asthma and C.O.P.D. are most affected.

Parents with children 2 years and younger should avoid taking them to places,that are crowed with lots people. This age group does not have a fully developed immune system, leaving them at high risk.

Chest X ray and blood test can be ordered for diagnoses.

Most pneumonia's are treated at home, with oral antibiotic, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting plenty of rest. Only the more serious cases are admitted to the hospital for more evasive medicines and therapy.

Prevent pneumonia by having a flu shot yearly,and a pneumonia vaccine every five years. Vaccines have not been perfected to 100%, but it will greatly reduce your chances. Children can receive the vaccine starting at 2 months.

Learn more about this author, Barbara Gruber Capps.
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