Pneumonia is an inflammatory lung infection that mainly affects the alveoli (microscopic air sacs in the lungs), inflaming them with liquids and consequently making it difficult to breathe. You can contract pneumonia in everyday life, at work, at school or even in hospital. It often begins with inhaling germs into the lungs which often occurs after a cold or flu which leaves the lungs vulnerable to infection. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay Causes of Pneumonia Pneumonia is mainly caused by a pneumococcal infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae which has the ability to occur on its own after having a cold or flu, the type of pneumonia caused by this bacterium usually affects one part of the lobe, a condition known as lobar pneumonia. Other bacteria-like organisms such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae can also cause pneumonia, but with mild symptoms. The viruses that cause flu and colds can also cause pneumonia, especially in children under five, but can also be caused by inhaling large quantities of fungi found in soil or bird droppings. Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia Signs and symptoms of pneumonia range from mild to severe depending on the type of germ causing the disease, an individual's age and health. Below are the signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms of severe pneumonia Difficulty breathing High fever Shivering chills Cough that produces phlegm (bloody sputum) Chest pain when coughing or breathing Nausea and vomiting Fast heartbeat Bluish tints on lips and nails Fatigue or tiredness Loss of appetite Symptoms rare walking pneumonia (mild pneumonia)Sore throatDiarrheaSkin rashNewborns most likely do not show any signs of infection, they may only appear restless, fatigue and fever while people over 65 with a weak immune system may have a lower than normal body temperature . However, when you develop the above signs and symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Types of PneumoniaThe following are the main types of pneumonia: bacterial pneumonia, fungal pneumonia, aspiration pneumonia, mycoplasma pneumonia, hospital-acquired pneumonia, eosinophilic pneumonia, and viral pneumonia. Bacterial pneumoniaIt is caused by the Streptococcus bacterium which occurs mainly in people with existing lung infections, in people who have nutritional problems, who have a weakened immune system and in the elderly. Once infected with this type of pneumonia, the lungs remain vulnerable to other bacteria as they weaken their immunity. Anyone can be infected with this type of pneumonia, but those with weak immune systems, who drink excessively, or who are undergoing medical operations are the most vulnerable groups. This condition is often accompanied by severe chest pain, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, blue lips, chattering teeth, mental confusion, and in some cases delirium. Treatment and Control of Bacterial Pneumonia Bacterial pneumonia can be contained by the following methods. Pneumovax and Pnu -Immune vaccinesFever medications such as ibuprofenFluid hydration (drinking plenty of soft drinks)Use of antibioticsAvoid smokingAdmission to hospital if necessaryViral pneumoniaIt is caused by respiratory viruses. It occurs mainly in the elderly and young children. The main virus that causes this infection is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or sometimes influenza virus type A or B. It has the same symptoms as pneumoniabacterial, including cough that may present with mucus, muscle pain, headache, wheezing and chills. If left untreated, it can be very fatal especially for people with heart and lung infections and pregnant women. In some cases, it can lead to bacterial pneumonia. Treatment and control of viral pneumonia Hydration Use of anti-flu drugs such as amantadine, rimantadine, zanamivir (Relenza), and oseltamivir Treatment with acyclovir or a similar antibiotic Follow-up when treatment is done at home Preventive vaccines for chickenpox Use of steroids. Intended to open air passages to facilitate breathing. Lots of rest as the recovery process begins. Cleaning frequently touched surfaces such as door handles and countertops. Mycoplasma pneumonia It is caused by a mycoplasma characterized as both a virus and a bacterium although it is neither. It generally occurs outside the lungs and is more often during cold seasons. It is transmissible and can affect people of all age groups. It is mainly symbolized by severe and persistent cough. Treatment and control of mycoplasma pneumonia Antibiotic treatment Cover mouth and nose when sneezing Place used tissues in waste bins Frequent washing of hands and nose with soap for at least 20 seconds Use of alcohol-based hand rub, if necessary, soap and water not available Fungal pneumoniaIt is an infection of the lungs caused by fungi that invade the lungs through inhalation of their spores or reactivation of a latent infection. The fungi that cause this infection can be endemic or opportunistic or even a combination of both. It is often characterized by chills, fatigue, and fever, just as in bacterial pneumonia. Treatment and control of fungal pneumonia Use of antifungal drugs Surgical debridement Use of azoles, for example variconazole Cardiothoracic surgery Avoid activities that increase exposure to fungal spores for patients who may have prolonged neutropenia Eosinophilic pneumonia It is caused by the accumulation of eosinophils (a type 0 red blood cell) in the lungs leading to rupture of the alveoli. The main cause of this accumulation of eosinophils in the lungs is not known, but others are known such as cigarette smoking, the use of certain drugs such as aminosalicylic acid, exposure to chemical fumes and parasites. The most common symptoms include: difficulty breathing, cough, fever, general feeling of malaise and night sweats. Treatment and Prevention of Eosinophilic Pneumonia In mild cases, patients often recover without treatment Administering prednisone for chronic eosinophilic pneumonia Using anti-inflammatory medications medications to widen the airways. Aspiration pneumonia It is caused by aspiration of foreign objects into the lungs such as food and drinks leading to pus formation and inflammation of the lungs. The organisms responsible for this inflammation, as studies have revealed, are: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus. It often causes difficulty breathing, swallowing, and a decreased gag reflex. Those most affected by aspiration pneumonia are the elderly, people who use alcohol and drugs, people undergoing sedation and patients undergoing anesthesia. However, in some cases, inhaling foreign materials may not cause aspiration pneumonia but may worsen the condition by increasing the acidity of the material. Prevention and treatment of aspiration pneumonia. Avoid the use of alcohol and drugs Hospital-acquired pneumonia (nosocomial pneumonia) This type of pneumonia is contracted during a hospital stay and is the deadliest and most serious form due to the organisms associated with it.its contraction and the weakened immune system at the time of contraction. Although it can affect people of all ages, it is often common among alcoholics, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. It is characterized by loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, decreased blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, fever, chills, general malaise, discomfort, malaise, cough with blood in the sputum, and shortness of breath. Prevention and TreatmentUsing ventilator (breathing machine to support breathing) Injecting antibiotics through veins to treat lung infection. The antibiotic fights the germs present in the patient's sputum culture. Hand washing by relatives visiting patients in hospitals. Keeping vaccinations up to date Using kinetic beds in hospitals Using red blood cell transfusions Ensuring cleanliness of the environment Using prophylactic antifungal agents during construction work Controlling legionella Using anesthesia machines and breathing apparatus Complications caused by pneumonia Complications of pneumonia are predominantly common in young children, the elderly and in people with pre-existing health conditions. The following are the complications associated with it.Pleurisy. It is inflammation of the pleura (the lining between the lungs and the rib cage). Fluid builds up in the space between the lungs and chest, putting increased pressure on the lungs. Lung abscess. This is a cat cavity that develops within the tissue of the lungs causing coughing and the production of unpleasant-smelling phlegm. It is rare but predominant in people with a history of existing diseases and alcohol abuse. Blood poisoning (septicemia). It is rare but very serious when it occurs in patients with pneumonia. Often characterized by loss of consciousness, change in mental behavior, reduced urine flow, and high fever greater than 1000°F. As a result, other organs of the body such as the brain (outer layers of meningitis), the joints (septic arthritis) and the lining of the abdomen (peritonitis). Death. Although most people recover completely from pneumonia, for some, in special cases, it is fatal. Cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, that occur during the recovery period and persist for several years even after full recovery. Skin rash and diarrhea. They often occur as a side effect of medications. Reasons why pneumonia patients need treatment. Pneumonia causes fatigue and loss of consciousness in affected patients. Most of these patients are often weakened by the disease and need a lot of rest and therapies most of the time, therefore each patient needs a personal team to accompany them during the recovery process. Members of a healthcare team In addition to basic healthcare providers in the hospital, pneumonia patients will need the following additional members: dietician who will evaluate the best food for the patient considering nutritional needs and swallowing problems, volunteers to provide companionship to the patient, therapists, a nurse, doctor who will monitor the patient's progress and prescribe medications, a nursing assistant who will be responsible for providing personal care to the patient and family members who will offer mental support to the patient and inform the medical team of changes in the patient's symptoms. Assistance to patients suffering from pneumonia Oxygen therapy. Applicable mainly when the doctor in charge of the patient believes that the cells in the patient's body are not receiving enough oxygen. Taking fluids through the veins when patients do notthey may drink due to shortness of breath. Respiratory therapy which includes breathing exercises and postural drainage to remove mucus from the lungs. Chest physiotherapy which involves percussion of the chest with a vibrating device to help loosen mucus in the lungs. Adult smoking cessation advice to patients with a long-term prognosis after quitting smoking to help them reduce the risk of contracting pneumonia again.Administering antibiotics within six hours of the arrival of patients suffering from bacterial pneumonia. Daily personal care for pneumonia patients at home. Take enough time to rest, get enough sleep at night and take naps during the day. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, no amount is recommended but thirst is an indicator of increased fluid need. Water helps loosen mucus on the walls of the lungs. Try not to stop the cough unless it complicates breathing. Take acetaminophen like aspirin to reduce fever. Take prescribed medicines according to your doctor's guidelines. Do not stop taking your prescribed pneumonia medications without telling your doctor. Even if you feel better, it is necessary to stop the entire course of antibiotics to prevent a possible recurrence of the disease. Strictly follow your healthy diet plan Be careful with your medications, read and follow label instructions carefully. Maintain communication and follow-up with your doctor for evaluations to monitor your improvements and determine whether additional medications are needed and also to check for chances of complications arising. During pregnancy, if you are planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding, do not take any medicines as they may harm your baby. Tell your doctor about your situation and he will advise you what to do. Medicines used to treat pneumonia The choice of medicines used to treat pneumonia depends on the type it is or rather on the organism causing the infection. For bacterial pneumonia Levaquin oral Moxifloxacin in sodium acetate, sulfate in water intravenouslyBenoxylDoxy 30BenoxylDoxy 30Morgidox 1x100Avidoxy oralDoxy-100 intravenousClaforan intravenousPCE oralMorgidox intravenousTimentin intravenousE.ES 400oralPiperacilin tazobactam.These are just some of the drugs used in the treatment of bacterial pneumonia, however, the list is very long.For viral pneumoniaAman tadinaRimantadineZanamivirZoviraxCidofovirFoscarnetOseltamivirRibavirinFor mycoplasma pneumoniaAzithromycin Dose PackZithromaxDoxycyclineErythrocin lactobionateE .ES granulesDoxy 100Biaxin XLEryPedEry-TabVibra-TabsFor fungal pneumoniaDiflucanVariconazoleFor pneumonia from aspirationPiperacili/systemic tazobactamSystemic metronizadoleSystemic lansoprazoleCilaststin/systemic imipenemAmpicillin/systemic sulbactamSystemic penicillin g potassiumSystemic metronizadoleSystemic cefoxitinClavulanateCila statinSystemic dexamethasoneFor pneumonia eosinophilicNitrofurantoinTrimethoprimNaproxenIsoniazidChlorpropamidePhenintoinPrednisone (RAYOS)For hospital-acquired pneumonia (nosocomial pneumonia)Intravenous meropenemIntravenous ciprofloxacinTobramycin in 5% dextrose intravenouslyCipro in D5W intravenouslyPiperacilin-tazob actam-dextrose (iso) intravenouslyZosyn intravenouslyAmikacin intravenouslyTobramycin in 0.9% sodium chloride intravenouslyMerrem intravenouslyCiprofloxacin in 5% dextrose intravenouslyTobramycin intravenouslyPiperacilin-tazobactum intravenouslyOther drugs that may be used to treat pneumoniaAntibiotics such as fluoroquinolones, cephalosprin, macrolides, penacilins, and vancomycin. Depending on the type of.