To understand pneumonia you need to understand that it is not like other diseases with a single, well-defined cause. Rather, it is a cluster of diseases with similar symptoms, defined by the area of the body affected.

WHAT IS PNEUMONIA

Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs causing inflammation and difficulty breathing. There are at least five different types of organisms that can cause pneumonia.

CAUSES OF PNEUMONIA

Bacteria: Bacterial pneumonia is the form we normally think of as pneumonia. It can affect anyone, from the very young to the very old. The pneumonia vaccine generally refers to a vaccine that protects against the most common bacteria involved in pneumonia, streptococcus pneumoniae.

Virus: Viral pneumonia actually accounts for about half of all cases of pneumonia. Most cases are not serious, although viral infections are often complicated by concurrent bacterial infections.

Mycoplasma: Mycoplasmas usually cause very mild disease, with symptoms often coming on slowly and resembling a mild flu. Mycoplasmas are often the cause of what many people call "walking pneumonia." Walking pneumonia symptoms are often so mild they go almost unnoticed.

Fungi: Although much less common, there are some types of fungus that infect the lung. Most of the time inhaling these fungi does not lead to disease, but sometimes it can lead to a chronic pneumonia, lasting months.

Pneumocystis carinii: This organism causes opportunistic infections in people whose immune systems have been compromised. This includes people with AIDS, people undergoing chemotherapy and those taking immunosuppressants after organ transplantation.

TYPES OF PNEUMONIA

Regardless of the causative organism, there are two basic types of pneumonia.

Lobular pneumonia: This type affects only one section (lobe) of the lung.

Bronchial pneumonia: Sometimes also called double pneumonia this type is more diffuse and affects both sides of the lung.

SYMPTOMS OF PNEUMONIA

A cough is the most common symptom of pneumonia and may include coughing up mucus (often greenish or tinged with blood) from the lungs.

Other pneumonia symptoms include fever and chills, weakness, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea.

Many of these symptoms are common to other illnesses like the flu or even the common cold. Symptoms vary depending on the causative organism, so not everyone has the same symptoms. Because pneumonia can be serious, it is important to have a doctor make a diagnosis.

PNEUMONIA TREATMENT

Treatment depends on which organism is causing it. Antibiotics will cure most bacterial and mycoplasma infections. It is very important to finish all the pills to prevent the organisms from re-growing and getting stronger.

Antibiotics for pneumonia caused by the other disease organisms will be ineffective. For most cases of viral pneumonia, time, rest and plenty of fluids are the best cure. For a particularly bad infection, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication.

Fungal infections are usually treated with antifungal medicines.

PREVENTING PNEUMONIA

The organisms that cause pneumonia are everywhere, living in and on us every day. So is pneumonia contagious? No, we cannot "catch" what is already living on us. Infection (pneumonia) occurs only when our immune system has been compromised.

Anyone can get it, but young children with underdeveloped immune systems, older adults and people with chronic diseases are at greatest risk. The best way to avoid infection is to get vaccinated. Living a healthy lifestyle will also help keep your immune system strong and help prevent illness.

Learn more about this author, Melissa J Luther.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Symptoms and treatment of pneumonia?
We want to hear your view. Write now!