https://en.Wikipedia.org/Pneumonia
"An inflammatory condition of the lung affecting primarily the small air sacs knows as alveoli"
It can be fatal.
It is typically caused by infection with viruses or bacteria, and can lead to other lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, COPD, (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) asthma, diabetes, heart failure, stoke or weak immune system.
It is usually treated with anti-biotics.
People with a severe condition are hospitalised, going to the point of requiring oxygen therapy.
"The captain of the men of death." - William Osler, referring to pneumonia.
Pneumonia (mainly) affects:
Developing countries, and still is a leading cause of death, even among developed nations
The very old
The very young
The chronically ill
Caused mainly by Streptococcus Pneumoniae
It is caused by bacterial or viral infection.
Pneumonia is sometimes caused by smoking, immunodeficiency, alcoholism, COPD, asthma, CKD, liver disease and old age.
Bacteria are the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia.
Viruses account for a third in adults and 15% for children.
It starts as an upper respiratory tract infection that moves into the lower respiratory tract. It is a type of lung inflammation. (pneumonitis)
The normal flora of the upper airway gives protection by competing with pathogens for nutrients.
Circa. 28-29/11/2018
Comments