Types

• Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. The infected particles can be airborne. A person becomes infected when he inhales the particles into his lungs. Pneumonia can also be caused by aspiration (inhalation) of dust, chemicals or allergens. Aspirating vomit or stomach acids into the lungs can also cause pneumonia. This can occur when a person has a seizure or stroke. Pneumonia can occur in one lung or both. When the infection occurs in both lungs it is called double pneumonia. A person who has mild symptoms may not realize that he has the condition. This is often referred to as walking pneumonia.
  
  

Features

• Although pneumonia may have different causes the symptoms are much the same. Symptoms may vary according to the individual or in intensity. The most common symptoms of pneumonia are fever, fatigue, chills, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, productive cough, wheezing, chest pain which worsens on inhalation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
  
  

Significance

• Certain people are at an increased risk of developing pneumonia. People who suffer from long-term chronic illness, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer or asthma, are more susceptible to pneumonia. Those who with AIDS or HIV are a higher risk also. People who are in hospitals or other health care facilities may acquire pneumonia more easily than others. The reason is that hospitals and health facilities often contain more germs and the people there are already sick which makes them prone to further infection.
  
  

Considerations

• There are some differences between bacterial and viral pneumonia. For instance, bacterial pneumonia comes on more rapidly than the viral form. The symptoms may also be more severe. For example, fever is often higher with bacterial pneumonia. Certain symptoms are more characteristic of the different types of pneumonia. For example, wheezing is more commonly seen in viral pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumoniae and mycoplasma pneumoniae are bacteria most responsible for causing pneumonia. Viruses include influenza, adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus and parainfluenza virus.
  
  

Time Frame

• Pneumonia usually resolves within one to two weeks although it may take longer. Medication, bed rest and drinking plenty of fluids are the normally prescribed course of action for recovery. A person may be hospitalized for the conditon depending on the severity, complications and any underlying health problems. When pneumonia is caused by aspiration the airways must be cleaned out to remove any remaining substance. An antibiotic may be prescribed if a secondary lung infection develops.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Many of the viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia are contagious therefore precautions should be taken to avoid the spread of the infection. Frequent handwashing to eliminate germs and the avoidance of sharing personal items, such as eating utensils, can lessen the chances of developing pnemonia. It is also important to eat healthy, avoid smoking and use chemicals in well ventilated areas.
  
  

Expert Insight

• It is important to take pneumonia seriously since it is a serious condition that could even result in death if not treated. According to information at Medicine Net more than three million people develop pneumonia each year in the United States. Pneumonia is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.