3. What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an infection or inflammation of the lung, and can be caused by nearly any class of organism known to cause human infections, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
4. Different organisms are more frequently encountered by different age groups. Viruses cause the majority of pneumonias in young children (especially respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza and influenza viruses, and adenovirus). Adults are more frequently infected with bacteria (such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus). Pneumonia in older children and young adults is often caused by the bacteria-like Mycoplasma pneumoniae .
5. Bacterial Pneumonia Bacterial pneumonia is an infection that causes irritation, swelling, and congestion in the lungs. It is also called bacterial pneumonitis.
6. Viral Pneumonia is an infection or inflammation of the lungs. It can be in just one part of the lungs, or it can involve many parts.
7. Mycoplasmal pneumonia It is a type of atypical pneumonia. It is caused by the bacteria M. pneumoniae. This type of pneumonia usually affects people younger than 40.
8. Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP) A fungal infection of the lungs that is particularly common and life-threatening in premature or malnourished infants and in immunosuppressed persons. Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is the most common opportunistic infection in people infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).
37. Diagnosis Chest radiographs - chest x-rays or CT scans Sputum analysis - Culture Blood test – A complete blood count may show a high white blood cell count, indicating the presence of an infection or inflammation. Bronchoscopy Lung Biopsy
38. Complications pleural effusion - is excess fluid that accumulates in the pleural cavity, the fluid-filled space that surrounds the lungs. Endocarditis - is an inflammation of the inner layer of the heart, the endocardium or pericarditis - is an inflammation (-itis) of the pericardium (the fibrous sac surrounding the heart). Otitis media in children Empyema Abscess in the lungs Bacteria in the bloodstream (bacteremia)
39. Epidemiology Pneumonia is a common illness in all parts of the world. It is a major cause of death among all age groups. In children, the majority of deaths occur in the newborn period, with over two million deaths a year worldwide More cases of pneumonia occur during the winter months than during other times of the year. Pneumonia occurs more commonly in males than females, and more often in Blacks than Caucasians due to differences in synthesizing Vitamin D from sunlight. Individuals with underlying illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, tobacco smoking, alcoholism, or immune system problems are at increased risk for pneumonia. These individuals are also more likely to have repeated episodes of pneumonia. People who are hospitalized for any reason are also at high risk for pneumonia.
40. Treatment Bacterial pneumonia is often treated with penicillin, ampicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) and erythromycin. cefuroxime (Ceftin), ofloxacin (Floxin), and trimethoprim-sulfanethoxazole (Bactrim and Septra). seven to ten days Viral pneumonia does not respond to antibiotic treatment, Antibiotics work only on illnesses caused by bacteria. This type of pneumonia usually resolves over time. If the lungs become infected with a secondary bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe an appropriate antibiotic to eliminate the bacterial infection. caused by influenza A may be treated with rimantadine or amantadine, while viral pneumonia caused by influenza A or B may be treated with oseltamivir or zanamivir. These treatments are beneficial only if they are started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
41. Mycoplasma pneumonia is often treated with antibiotics, such as erythromycin, clarithromycin (Biaxin), tetracycline or azithromycin (Zithromax). Pneumocystis pneumonia most commonly used medication is a combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. and Pentamidine, trimetrexate, dapsone, atovaquone , primaquine, pafuramidinemeleate, and clindamycin. AIDS patients are typically treated for 21 days, whereas non-AIDS patients are treated for 14 days.