Pronounced: Noo-MO-NEE-yah
En Espaol (Spanish Version)More InDepth Information on This ConditionDefinition
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. There are several different organisms that may cause it.
Development of Pneumonia in the air sacs of the Lungs
The normal exchange of gases is interrupted by accumulated fluids.
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
Causes
Pneumonia affects the lower respiratory tract (small bronchi and air sacs in the lungs). There are three main causes:
- Bacterial pneumoniacaused by bacteria, most commonly Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Viral pneumoniacaused by a virus
- Viruses cause half of all pneumonias.
- Atypical bacterial pneumoniacaused by mycoplasmas, chlamydias, or other tiny infectious agents that have traits of both bacteria and viruses
- This type of pneumonia, often called "walking pneumonia," is thought of as a milder pneumonia. However, each of these infectious agents has the potential to cause a more serious or potentially fatal pneumonia.
Other causes of pneumonia include:
- Fungal infections, such as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP)a fungal infection common in people with AIDS
Pneumonias are sometimes described by where it was acquired and how you were exposed to it:
Community-acquired pneumoniaacquired in the community (eg, at school, work, gym etc.)Nosocomial pneumoniaacquired during a hospitalizationIt can be very dangerous, especially for patients on a ventilator.Aspiration pneumoniahappens when a foreign matter (often stomach content) is inhaled Aspiration 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc. Risk FactorsA risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors include: Age: 65 or olderFlu or other respiratory illness Chronic illness, such as heart or lung diseaseStroke (aspiration pneumonia due to difficult swallowing) Weakened immune system caused by AIDS or chemotherapy treatment Chronic bronchitisMalnutritionPregnancyInfants and very young childrenAlcohol or drug abuseSmokingChronic exposure to certain chemicals (eg, work in construction or agriculture) SymptomsSymptoms of pneumonia may include some or all of the following:Bacterial PneumoniaViral PneumoniaAtypical PneumoniaFeverFeverFever, often low-gradeShaking chillsChillsChillsCough that produces green, yellow, or rust-colored mucusDry coughCoughing; may be violent at times; produces white mucusChest painHeadachePossible nausea or vomitingProfuse sweatingMuscle painWeaknessBluish color of the nails or lips due to diminished oxygen in the bloodBluish color of the nails or lips due to diminished oxygen in the bloodConfused mental stateWeakness Diagnosis The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and listening to your chest with a stethoscope. Tests may include:
Chest x-raya test that uses radiation to take pictures of structures inside the body, in this case the chest CT scana type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the chest Blood testsBronchoscopydirect examination of airways Sputum culturetesting mucus coughed up from deep in the lungsPulse oximetrymeasures the amount of oxygen in the bloodArterial blood gasmeasures oxygen, carbon dioxide, and acid in the blood Treatment Treatment of pneumonia depends on: Type of pneumoniaSeverity of symptomsOther factorsCommon methods of treatment include: Bacterial PneumoniaAntibiotics Viral PneumoniaRest and fluidsAntiviral medicinesmay be prescribed for young children and patients with weakened immune systems (Note: Antibiotics are ineffective for treating viral pneumonia.) Atypical PneumoniaAntibiotics GeneralOver-the-counter medicines to reduce fever and aches, and soothe coughHospitalization, for people with very severe symptomsIt is very important to take medicine exactly as prescribed. Stopping medicine midway may cause a relapse, or create a strain of bacteria resistant to drug treatment. PreventionCertain vaccines may prevent pneumonia:Flu shotfor people at high risk, particularly the elderly, because pneumonia may be a complication of the flu
Pneumococcal vaccinerecommended for people over aged 65, or those who have a chronic illness, such as diabetes or sickle-cell disease, and children under two years old Other preventive measures include: Avoid smoking. Smoking weakens the lungs' resistance to infection.Avoid close contact with people who have respiratory infections.Wash hands often when coming in contact with infected people.Protect yourself from exposures on the job that affect the lungs.Eat a healthy diet.Get adequate rest.Exercise regularly. RESOURCES: American Academy of Family Physicianshttp://www.familydoctor.org/ American Lung Associationhttp://www.lungusa.org/ CANADIAN RESOURCES: The Canadian Lung Associationhttp://www.lung.ca/ Health Canadahttp://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ References: Blasi F, Aliberti S, Pappalettera M, Tarsia P. 100 years of respiratory medicine: pneumonia. Respir Med. 2007 Mar 21; [Epub ahead of print]. Braunwald E, Harrison TR, Fauci AS, Kasper DL, Hauser SL, Jameson JL, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 15 th ed. Columbus, OH: McGraw-Hill; 2001. Carpenter CC, Andreoli TE, Griggs RC. Cecil Essentials of Medicine. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Science; 2003.
Fleming CA, Balaguera HU, Craven DE. Risk factors for nosocomial pneumonia. Focus on prophylaxis. Med Clin North Am. 2001 Nov;85(6):1545-63. Review. Niederman MS. Review of treatment guidelines for community-acquired pneumonia. Am J Med. 2004 Aug 2;117 Suppl 3A:51S-57S. Review. Last reviewed March 2008 by Marcin Chwistek, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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