Pneumonia overview: Difference between revisions
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==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}} | ||
==Viral pneumonia== | |||
'''Viral pneumonia''' is an [[inflammation]] of the [[lung]] caused by a [[virus]]. Viruses are the most common cause of [[pneumonia]] in children. | |||
Viral pneumonia is commonly caused by viruses such as [[influenza]] virus, [[respiratory syncytial virus]] (RSV), [[adenovirus]], and [[metapneumovirus]].[[Herpes simplex virus]] is a rare cause of pneumonia except in newborns. People with immune system problems are also at risk of pneumonia caused by[[cytomegalovirus]] (CMV). | |||
==Aspiration pneumonia== | ==Aspiration pneumonia== | ||
'''Aspiration pneumonia''' (or aspiration pneumonitis) is caused by [[Pulmonary aspiration|aspirating]] foreign objects which are usually oral or gastric contents, either while eating, or after reflux or vomiting which results in [[bronchopneumonia]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.kmle.com/search.php?Search=aspiration+pneumonia | title = ''KMLE Medical Dictionary Definition of aspiration pneumonia'' | author = [http://www.kmle.com The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary]}}</ref> The resulting lung inflammation is not an infection but can contribute to one, since the material aspirated may contain [[Anaerobic organism|anaerobic]] bacteria or other unusual causes of pneumonia. Aspiration is a leading cause of death among hospital and [[nursing home]] patients, since they often cannot adequately protect their airways and may have otherwise impaired defenses. | '''Aspiration pneumonia''' (or aspiration pneumonitis) is caused by [[Pulmonary aspiration|aspirating]] foreign objects which are usually oral or gastric contents, either while eating, or after reflux or vomiting which results in [[bronchopneumonia]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.kmle.com/search.php?Search=aspiration+pneumonia | title = ''KMLE Medical Dictionary Definition of aspiration pneumonia'' | author = [http://www.kmle.com The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary]}}</ref> The resulting lung inflammation is not an infection but can contribute to one, since the material aspirated may contain [[Anaerobic organism|anaerobic]] bacteria or other unusual causes of pneumonia. Aspiration is a leading cause of death among hospital and [[nursing home]] patients, since they often cannot adequately protect their airways and may have otherwise impaired defenses. | ||
Revision as of 20:35, 5 September 2012
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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]
Viral pneumonia
Viral pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung caused by a virus. Viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in children. Viral pneumonia is commonly caused by viruses such as influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, and metapneumovirus.Herpes simplex virus is a rare cause of pneumonia except in newborns. People with immune system problems are also at risk of pneumonia caused bycytomegalovirus (CMV).
Aspiration pneumonia
Aspiration pneumonia (or aspiration pneumonitis) is caused by aspirating foreign objects which are usually oral or gastric contents, either while eating, or after reflux or vomiting which results in bronchopneumonia.[1] The resulting lung inflammation is not an infection but can contribute to one, since the material aspirated may contain anaerobic bacteria or other unusual causes of pneumonia. Aspiration is a leading cause of death among hospital and nursing home patients, since they often cannot adequately protect their airways and may have otherwise impaired defenses.