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What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia, an infection in the lungs, can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The length of time from exposure to the causative factor and development of symptoms can vary from 18 hrs to 4 to 6 days.

Most bacterial cases of pneumonia can be cured within 1 to 2 weeks when treated with antibiotics. Viral pneumonia may require more time. Other types of pneumonia can take up to 4 to 6 weeks to resolve completely. Bacterial and viral pneumonia are both contagious, the illness is spread by coughing or sneezing, sharing drinking glasses or utensils, handling the tissues of an infected person.

Your age, general health and the type of pneumonia determine how serious the infection will be. A young and otherwise healthy person with prompt treatment will usually recover easily. An older person with underlying heart or lung disease is more likely to develop complications or a life-threatening infection.

Complications include:

Sepsisbacteria that has invaded the bloodstream. The infection can spread to other organs and cause new secondary infections.

Pleural effusionthe collection of fluid between the lining of the lungs and the chest wall. When this membrane becomes inflamed and fluid accumulates, it causes pain, known as pleurisy. If the fluid is infected, called empyema, a chest tube may be inserted to drain the fluid, or a surgical procedure performed to remove the infection.

Lung abscessa pus-containing cavity. An abscess may be treated with antibiotics, or removed surgically.

Preventing pneumonia

Pneumonia is often a complication of influenza. Getting an annual flu shot may prevent pneumonia. For people over 65 years of age, an additional vaccination against pneumococcal pneumonia every ten years is recommended. Persons younger than 65 with a lung or heart disease, diabetes or sickle cell anemia, or an immune-suppression problem may also be advised to have the pneumonia vaccine.

Wash your hands. Pneumonia is spread by contact with fluid from the mouth and nose of an infected person. Frequent hand-washing can reduce the risk of spreading infection from one person to another. When soap and water aren't available, you may want to use an alcohol hand gel sanitizer that is more effective than soap and water in destroying the bacteria and viruses.

Stop smoking. Smoking causes damages to the lungs which can increase the risk of contracting lung infections. What might be bronchitis in a non-smoker can end up in pneumonia in a smoker.

Include rest, exercise and a diet, rich in vitamins from fresh fruits and vegetables, in your daily routine.

Prevent spread of infection. If you have pneumonia, or think you may have it, stay away from others at risk of serious illness should they contract an infection. Wash your hands, dispose of tissues properly, wear a mask if necessary to avoid exposing others.

If you have pneumonia, get plenty of rest, and avoid the tendency to overdo it, as you begin to recover. Drink extra fluids, especially water to help loosen mucus in the lungs and prevent dehydration. Take prescribed medications as instructed. Stopping antibiotics before you have taken the entire course can cause the infection to return and even become resistant to the medication.

Go easy on yourself. Think of pneumonia as more than a super-bad chest cold. It is an infection that can take as much as 4-6 months of recovery. One of the primary symptoms is fatigue, and this is one of the last symptoms to fade. Prepare for a long recovery period with the possibility of relapse when you overdo it.

Learn more about this author, Joyce Good Henderson.
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