Pneumonia overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
'''Pneumonia''' is an illness of the [[lung]]s and [[respiratory system]] in which the [[Pulmonary alveolus|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]], [[virus]]es, [[fungus|fungi]], or [[parasite]]s, and chemical or physical injury to the lungs. | '''Pneumonia''' is an illness of the [[lung]]s and [[respiratory system]] in which the [[Pulmonary alveolus|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]], [[virus]]es, [[fungus|fungi]], or [[parasite]]s, and chemical or physical injury to the lungs. Typical symptoms associated with pneumonia include [[cough]], [[chest pain]], [[fever]], and [[shortness of breath|difficulty in breathing]].[[Diagnosis|Diagnostic]] tools include [[x-ray]]s and examination of the [[sputum]]. Treatment depends on the cause of pneumonia; bacterial pneumonia is treated with [[antibiotic]]s. Pneumonia is a common illness which occurs in all age groups, and is a leading cause of [[death]] among the elderly and people who are chronically and terminally ill. [[Vaccine]]s to prevent certain types of pneumonia are available. The [[prognosis]] depends on the type of pneumonia, the appropriate treatment, any complications, and the person's underlying [[health]]. | ||
==Community-acquired pneumonia== | ==Community-acquired pneumonia== | ||
'''Community-acquired pneumonia''' ('''CAP'''), also known as walking pneumonia, is a [[disease]] in which individuals who have not recently been [[hospital]]ized develop an [[infection]] of the [[lung]]s. CAP is a common illness and can affect people of all ages. It often causes problems like [[breath]]ing, [[fever]], chest [[Pain and nociception|pains]], and a [[cough]]. CAP occurs when ([[alveoli]]) become filled with fluid and cannot work effectively. It occurs throughout the world and is a leading cause of illness and death. Causes of CAP include [[bacteria]], [[viruses]], [[fungi]], and [[parasites]]. CAP can be [[diagnosis|diagnosed]] by [[symptom]]s and [[physical examination]] alone, though [[x-ray]]s, examination of the [[sputum]], and other tests are often used. CAP is primarily treated with [[antibiotic]] [[medication]]. Some forms of CAP can be [[Preventive medicine|prevented]] by [[vaccination]].{{ref|Sharma}} | '''Community-acquired pneumonia''' ('''CAP'''), also known as walking pneumonia, is a [[disease]] in which individuals who have not recently been [[hospital]]ized develop an [[infection]] of the [[lung]]s. CAP is a common illness and can affect people of all ages. It often causes problems like [[breath]]ing, [[fever]], chest [[Pain and nociception|pains]], and a [[cough]]. CAP occurs when ([[alveoli]]) become filled with fluid and cannot work effectively. It occurs throughout the world and is a leading cause of illness and death. Causes of CAP include [[bacteria]], [[viruses]], [[fungi]], and [[parasites]]. CAP can be [[diagnosis|diagnosed]] by [[symptom]]s and [[physical examination]] alone, though [[x-ray]]s, examination of the [[sputum]], and other tests are often used. CAP is primarily treated with [[antibiotic]] [[medication]]. Some forms of CAP can be [[Preventive medicine|prevented]] by [[vaccination]].{{ref|Sharma}} | ||
Revision as of 15:27, 5 September 2012
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Pneumonia Microchapters |
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Treatment |
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Pneumonia overview On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Pneumonia overview |
Editor(s)-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Philip Marcus, M.D., M.P.H.[2]
Overview
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, and chemical or physical injury to the lungs. Typical symptoms associated with pneumonia include cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty in breathing.Diagnostic tools include x-rays and examination of the sputum. Treatment depends on the cause of pneumonia; bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics. Pneumonia is a common illness which occurs in all age groups, and is a leading cause of death among the elderly and people who are chronically and terminally ill. Vaccines to prevent certain types of pneumonia are available. The prognosis depends on the type of pneumonia, the appropriate treatment, any complications, and the person's underlying health.
Community-acquired pneumonia
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), also known as walking pneumonia, is a disease in which individuals who have not recently been hospitalized develop an infection of the lungs. CAP is a common illness and can affect people of all ages. It often causes problems like breathing, fever, chest pains, and a cough. CAP occurs when (alveoli) become filled with fluid and cannot work effectively. It occurs throughout the world and is a leading cause of illness and death. Causes of CAP include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. CAP can be diagnosed by symptoms and physical examination alone, though x-rays, examination of the sputum, and other tests are often used. CAP is primarily treated with antibiotic medication. Some forms of CAP can be prevented by vaccination.[3]