Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs characterized by inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs. When the air sacs fill with fluid or pus, coughing with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and shortness of breath can occur (purulent material). Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi, among other organisms. Let us know how what effect does pneumonia has on the brain?
Both viral and bacterial pneumonia are contagious. This means they can be transmitted through the inhalation of droplets in the air from a sneeze or cough. This type of pneumonia can also be acquired through contact with surfaces or objects contaminated with the pneumonia-causing bacteria or virus. It is possible to contract fungal pneumonia from the environment. It cannot be passed from one individual to another. Pneumonia is further classified according to how or where it was acquired.
Pneumonia is further classified according to how or where it was acquired:
This type of bacterial pneumonia is acquired in a hospital setting. Because the contained bacteria may be more drug-resistant than other types, it can be more dangerous.
- Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) – pneumonia acquired outside of a hospital or other institution.
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) – VAP is a type of pneumonia affecting ventilator-dependent patients.
Aspiration pneumonia is caused by inhaling microorganisms from food, liquid, or saliva into the lungs. This is more likely to occur if you have difficulties swallowing or are overly sedated due to the use of alcohol, narcotics, or other substances.
Walking pneumonia
The condition known as “walking pneumonia” is a milder form of pneumonia. It is possible for patients with walking pneumonia to be ignorant of their illness. It is probable that their symptoms more closely resemble those of a small respiratory disease than pneumonia. Walking pneumonia, on the other hand, may need a longer period of recovery.
The symptoms of walking pneumonia are as follows:
- A mild temperature
- Cough lasting longer than one week
- Chills
- lack of breath
- chest pains
- Appetite reduction
Pneumonia is often caused by viruses and bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumonia and Homophiles influenza. The Mycoplasma pneumonia bacteria are often the cause of walking pneumonia.
Gradations of pneumonia
Pneumonia may be categorized based on the portion of the lung that it affects:
Bronchopneumonia – Bronchopneumonia may cause damage to both lobes of the lungs. Typically seen in or around the bronchi. The tubes that link the trachea to the lungs are referred to as bronchioles.
Lobar pneumonia – In lobar pneumonia, one or more lobes of the lungs are afflicted. The lungs are separated into lobes, which are different areas. Depending on the disease’s progression, lobar pneumonia may be divided into four distinct phases.
Congestion – The lungs are visibly thick and clogged. Infectious organisms have collected in the air sacs’ fluid accumulation.
Red hepatization – The fluid has accumulated red blood cells and immune cells. This causes the lungs to seem red and solid.
Gray hepatization – is a phrase used to describe the process in which a person’s red blood cells begin to degrade, while immune cells remain. As they decompose, red blood cells go from crimson to brown.
Owing to pneumonia
Pneumonia is caused by germs that infect the lungs and cause sickness. Inflammation of the lung air sacs is caused by the immune system’s reaction to infection (alveoli). As a consequence of the inflammation, the air sacs may ultimately get filled with pus and fluid, causing pneumonia symptoms. Pneumonia may be caused by several infectious organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungus.
Owing to pneumonia
Pneumonia is caused by bacteria that infect the lungs and cause disease. Inflammation of the lung air sacs is caused by the immune system’s reaction to infection (alveoli). As a consequence of the inflammation, the air sacs may ultimately get filled with pus and fluid, causing pneumonia symptoms. Pneumonia may be caused by several infectious organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungus.
- Fatigue
- Confusion
In certain cases, pneumonia may advance to a life-threatening stage. As a result, prompt medical assistance should be administered.
Risk
- Anyone may get pneumonia, but the following individuals are at the most risk.
- Youngsters younger than two
- Seniors aged 65 and above
Patients hospitalized Hospitalization increases the danger of exposure to microorganisms, particularly for patients who use a ventilator.
- Those afflicted with a neurological abnormality that affects the capacity to swallow or cough include:
- Stroke head injury
- Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
Chronic disease prevalence: Chronic diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart disease can increase susceptibility to pneumonia.
Tobacco use typically weakens the body’s natural defenses against bacteria and viruses, making individuals more susceptible to infections such as pneumonia.
People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, organ transplants, chemotherapy, or long-term steroid use, are more likely to contract pneumonia.