Lungs are responsible for the oxygenation of blood. Air enters the lungs via the nose, trachea and the bronchioles, which end into blind end pouches called alveoli. The alveoli are surrounded by tiny blood vessels, which pick up oxygen from the air in the alveoli and throw out carbon dioxide from the blood into the alveoli. Pneumoniais an inflammatory disease affecting the air sacs, known as alveoli, is either or both of the lungs. Annually 544,000 individuals visit the ER because of pneumonia.
Pneumonia is generally caused by the bacteria, virus or rarely fungi present in the inhaled air. These germs may get lodged in the alveoli and result in an infection leading pneumonia; most of the times your body is well equipped to fight against the invading germs, but sometimes the immune system gets overwhelmed and results in a disease. Pneumonia can be classified into three main types depending upon where you acquired the infection from:
Individuals affected by pneumonia may experience:
Older individuals (more than 65 years) may experience lower than normal body temperature. New borns and infants may not show any signs of infection in some cases. Smoking increases the risk of pneumonia.
Your doctor will first like to record a history or your symptoms followed by a physical examination. The doctor will listen to your breath sounds with the help of a stethoscope placed on your chest, to loos for abnormal crackles or crepitation. After this a few tests will be requested to confirm the diagnosis of pneumonia. The tests are:
Untreated pneumonia may progress to result in:
Your doctor will review and discuss the results of your test with you before finalising the treatment plan. Pneumonia is generally treated with the help of:
Uncomplicated pneumonia is cured by taking prescribed medications and adequate rest. Complications like pleural effusion or lung abscess may require admission to the hospital.
This post was last modified on July 14, 2023 7:54 am
A lot of people need prescription meds almost every day, and a good portion of them are even life-saving enough… Read More
Hair loss can be a stressful experience for most individuals, impacting self-esteem and confidence. While there are various treatment options… Read More
Visiting the dentist is essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems. Dentistry encompasses a wide range of… Read More
Introduction Did you know that almost 3,56,000 people face an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest every year, and most of them are… Read More
The introduction of automation into biotechnology represents a dramatic change toward more accurate and productive production techniques. There are over… Read More
Blood screenings are essential diagnostic tools that analyse different components of your blood. They play a crucial role in assessing… Read More
The pouty, full-lipped look has become an enduring symbol of allure, beauty, and confidence. Celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Scarlett… Read More
In today's fitness landscape, there's a growing recognition that true health and wellness extend beyond just physical strength and muscle… Read More
In an era where self-care and wellness are paramount, red light therapy emerges as a revolutionary solution, promising a myriad… Read More
Achieving smooth, healthy, radiant skin relies on more than hope alone. A practical understanding of science-backed care principles combined with… Read More