Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by many different things--bacteria, virus, fungus, even parasites and chemical ingestion. Its an irritation of the alveoli--the little branched things in the lung that allow you to take oxygen into your bloodstream. They get swollen, the lung produces fluid, you could have trouble breathing, night sweats, coughing, coughing up blood or discolored sputum, chest pain, high fever and many other symptoms.
There are 50 kinds of pneumonia depending on what causes it. It is commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, legionella, pneumocystis, tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Neisseria meningitidis, or Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Doctors use antibiotics to treat pneumonia caused by bacteria, the most common cause of the condition. You usually will continue to take antibiotics for 5 to 14 days, although you may take them longer if you have an impaired immune system.
It is curable, and usually doesn't last but a few weeks--that said, there are complications, some bacteria are becoming resistent to the antibotics used to treat it and it can be serious enough to put you in the hospital.
2006-11-02 01:16:54
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answer #1
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answered by William E 5
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It's an illness of the lungs and respiratory system when the tiny air filled sacs in the lungs become filled with fluid and are inflamed. Bacteria, viruses and fungi can all cause this, among other things. Most common type is bacterial pneumonia, which can usually be cured easily in healthy adults with antibiotics. However ill, young or old persons may be susceptible to complications from this disease. It can even cause death for some individuals. It is often accompanied by a fever, chest pains and difficulty breathing. It can occur in males and females.
2006-11-02 01:08:12
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answer #2
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answered by Elle 2
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Pneumonia is an illness of the lungs and respiratory system in which the alveoli (microscopic air-filled sacs of the lung responsible for absorbing oxygen from the atmosphere) become inflamed and flooded with fluid. Pneumonia can result from a variety of causes, including infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Pneumonia may also occur from chemical or physical injury to the lungs, or indirectly due to another medical illness, such as lung cancer or alcohol abuse.
Typical symptoms associated with pneumonia include cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. Diagnostic tools include x-rays and examination of the sputum. Treatment depends on the cause of pneumonia; bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics. Vaccines to prevent certain types of pneumonia are available. For viral pneumonia it is typically just supportive care: rest, fluids, antipyretics for the fever, etc.
Pneumonia is a common illness, occurs in both men and women, all age groups, and is a leading cause of death among the elderly and people who are chronically ill. The prognosis for an individual depends on the type of pneumonia, the appropriate treatment, any complications, and the person's underlying health.
2006-11-02 01:11:20
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answer #3
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answered by jmp_omaha 3
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Pneumonia is an illness of the lungs and respiratory system in which the alveoli (microscopic air-filled sacs of the lung responsible for absorbing oxygen from the atmosphere) become inflamed and flooded with fluid. Pneumonia can result from a variety of causes, including infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Pneumonia may also occur from chemical or physical injury to the lungs, or indirectly due to another medical illness, such as lung cancer or alcohol abuse.
Typical symptoms associated with pneumonia include cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. Diagnostic tools include x-rays and examination of the sputum. Treatment depends on the cause of pneumonia; bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics.
Please see the webpages for more details on Pneumonia, CMV Pneumonia, Viral pneumonia and Pneumonia in immunocompromised host.
2006-11-02 01:17:50
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answer #4
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answered by gangadharan nair 7
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Pneumonia is an inflammation or infection of the lungs most commonly caused by a bacteria or virus. Pneumonia can also be caused by inhaling foreign substances.Yes it can be treated with antibiotics.
In all cases, the lungs' air sacs fill with pus , mucous, and other liquids and cannot function properly. This means oxygen cannot reach the blood and the cells of the body
Most pneumonias are caused by bacterial infections.
The most common infectious cause of pneumonia in the United States is the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Other bacteria, as well as certain viruses, may also cause pneumonia. Since these infections may not cause all of the classic pneumonia symptoms, they are often called "atypical pneumonias."
2006-11-02 01:06:46
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answer #5
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answered by Laea 3
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Pneumonia is an upper respiratory infection and needs to be treated with anti-biotics. Yes, you will probably have a fever from this. You should be seen by a doctor because both pneumonia and high fever can kill you.
2006-11-02 01:06:30
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answer #6
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answered by margarita 7
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Penumonia is a very serious lung infection. It is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. People over 65 or those have weak immune systems should take the vaccine for it.
2006-11-02 01:09:41
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answer #7
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answered by A 3
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It is the inflammation of the lungs,normally treated with antibiotics.Males and females both get pneumonia.
2006-11-02 01:05:05
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answer #8
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answered by MaryBeth 7
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pneumonia is a respiratory infection. males and females can get it and it can be cured with medications.
2006-11-02 01:05:58
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answer #9
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answered by bunny 5
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2016-10-16 07:19:47
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answer #10
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answered by irish 4
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