Inflammation of the air sacs is typically caused by any number of organisms such as viruses, fungi, and bacteria. When any of these invading organisms enter the air sacs the resulting inflammation can cause fluid or pus to build up in the lungs causing pneumonia.
Pneumonia may vary in its level of seriousness and certain people are more at risk for pneumonia to be life threatening than are others. The type of pneumonia you have is also a factor that can determine whether the infection is mild or a more serious threat to your health.
Who is Most at Risk for Pneumonia?
People who are more at risk for pneumonia include the following:- People 65 years of age and older
- Infants under one year of age
- Have an impaired immune system
- Are taking certain medications such as; Prilosec or Protonix
- Have COPD, asthma, or diabetes
- Are an active (drinking) alcoholic
Different Types of Pneumonia
Walking Pneumonia – Is one of the more common usually less serious types of pneumonia, in fact it is so mild that you are not even sick enough to have to miss school or work. It is caused by a certain type of bacterium that causes less significant symptoms than that of other types of pneumonia, symptoms of walking pneumonia are much like that of the common cold. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics to eradicate the bacterium. Double Pneumonia – Simply means that pneumonia is present in both lungs, nothing more is indicated by the term. Aspiration Pneumonia – This type of pneumonia is caused when a person inhales vomit, saliva, food or liquids into your lungs. This can occur in people who have suffered an injury to the brain and using drugs or alcohol to excess. The seriousness of this type of pneumonia depends on the health condition of the person with aspiration pneumonia. Viral Pneumonia – Approximately one-third of the reported, diagnosed cases of pneumonia in the United States is caused by a virus. There are numerous types of virus that cause pneumonia, the flu virus is the most common, but others include the SARS virus, rhinovirus, herpes simplex virus just to name a few. People with viral pneumonia are more prone to getting bacterial pneumonia as well. Bacterial Pneumonia – There are numerous bacterium that can cause bacterial pneumonia, the most common being streptococcus. Bacterial pneumonia generally responds well to antibiotic treatment and typically is a less severe form of pneumonia. Community-Acquired Pneumonia – Is also a typically milder form of pneumonia, it is used to categorize pneumonia that is acquired outside of a hospital or nursing home setting and is usually bacterial in origin, but it can be caused by bacteria-like organisms, viruses and fungi. Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia – This is a much more serious type of pneumonia, primarily because it is caused by a bacterium that is more resistant to antibiotic therapies. Also because it is acquired by patients who are already hospitalized for another illness, disease, or recovering from a surgery. This is a life threatening type of pneumonia. Nursing Home Acquired Pneumonia – Much the same as hospital-acquired pneumonia it is a serious type of pneumonia because residents are typically not in good health and the bacterium is resistant to antibiotic treatments. This too is a life threatening form of pneumonia.What is the Treatment for Pneumonia?
There is no cookie cutter answer to this question pneumonia comes in different forms and the severity depends on numerous factors such as; your age, general health, health history, the type of pneumonia you have acquired.If You’re in Relatively Good Health
In general if you were in good health prior, and are not in a high risk category, treatment typically involves curing the infection at home under a doctor’s supervision provided your pneumonia is not considered severe. This can include prescription antibiotics to eradicate the bacterium causing the pneumonia, in some instances your doctor may have to change the antibiotic if test results indicate a different antibiotic will be more effective. Antibiotic therapy combined with home health care remedies such as drinking ample amounts of fluids, proper nutrition, plenty of rest, and over the counter remedies to reduce fever, night time coughing, and sleep aids all leading to the goal of curing your infection with no further complications. If you or your child are on home health care and develop any of the symptoms below you should contact your physician immediately and/or go to your local hospital:- You cannot keep down oral antibiotics.
- Experience or notice confusion (typically seen in adults 65 or older).
- Breathing becomes rapid and labored.
- Temperature is below normal.
- Feel dizzy or light headed (blood pressure drops).
- Have a slowed (below 50) heart rate or a sense of speeding heart (above 100).
- Child under two months appears dehydrated, excessively sleepy, is having difficulty breathing or any of the symptoms above.
If You or Your Child is in a High Risk Category
If you or your child is in a high risk category or your doctor has diagnosed your pneumonia as severe hospitalization may be required. Those at high risk include:- Children under two months of age
- People 65 or older
- People in poor health due to other diseases they already have
- People with HIV or AIDS
- Pregnant women
