Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia.
Pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening It is most serious for infants and young children, people older than age 65, and people with health problems or weakened immune systems.
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Acute and Chronic Bronchitis is amongst most common presenting illness for Family Physicians considering its prevalence in all ages. Revisiting it with perspective of a family physician helps improve understanding and management at Family PRactice
Dr. Md. Khairul Hassan Jessy
Associate Professor, Respiratory Medicine
National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital (NIDCH), Mohakhali, Dhaka.
Acknowledment:
Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine
Bronchitis is an acute inflammation of the air passages within the lungs. It occurs when the trachea (windpipe) and the large and small bronchi (airways) within the lungs become inflamed because of infection or irritation from certain causes. Homeopathy is the best treatment with no side effects. For further information contact Ph. : +91-265-2250212,
(M) +91 97236 69210
Skype Id : cosmic1021
Email:
drmahavrat@homeopathyhealing.net
Acute and Chronic Bronchitis is amongst most common presenting illness for Family Physicians considering its prevalence in all ages. Revisiting it with perspective of a family physician helps improve understanding and management at Family PRactice
Dr. Md. Khairul Hassan Jessy
Associate Professor, Respiratory Medicine
National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital (NIDCH), Mohakhali, Dhaka.
Acknowledment:
Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine
Bronchitis is an acute inflammation of the air passages within the lungs. It occurs when the trachea (windpipe) and the large and small bronchi (airways) within the lungs become inflamed because of infection or irritation from certain causes. Homeopathy is the best treatment with no side effects. For further information contact Ph. : +91-265-2250212,
(M) +91 97236 69210
Skype Id : cosmic1021
Email:
drmahavrat@homeopathyhealing.net
communicable diseases by radhika kulvi msc nursingRadhika kulvi
A communicable disease is one that is spread from one person to another through a variety of ways that include: contact with blood and bodily fluids; breathing in an airborne virus; or by being bitten by an insect.
Reporting of cases of communicable disease is important in the planning and evaluation of disease prevention and control programs, in the assurance of appropriate medical therapy, and in the detection of common-source outbreaks. California law mandates healthcare providers and laboratories to report over 80 diseases or conditions to their local health department. Some examples of the reportable communicable diseases include Hepatitis A, B & C, influenza, measles, and salmonella and other food borne illnesses.
How do these communicable diseases spread?
How these diseases spread depends on the specific disease or infectious agent. Some ways in which communicable diseases spread are by:
Physical contact with an infected person, such as through touch (staphylococcus), sexual intercourse (gonorrhea, HIV), fecal/oral transmission (hepatitis A), or droplets (influenza, TB)
Contact with a contaminated surface or object (Norwalk virus), food (salmonella, E. coli), blood (HIV, hepatitis B), or water (cholera);
Bites from insects or animals capable of transmitting the disease (mosquito: malaria and yellow fever; flea: plague); and
Travel through the air, such as tuberculosis or measles.
Pneumonia is an infectious disease in one or both lungs. Micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses can cause pneumonia. In adults, bacterial pneumonia is most common.
pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia.
Influenza is a respiratory infection caused by a virus (germ). Influenza occurs most often during the winter and easily spreads from person to person. Most people who get influenza feel sick for a week or two and recover. In some people, influenza leads to more serious lung infections.
The lower respiratory system, or lower respiratory tract, consists of the trachea, the bronchi and bronchioles, and the alveoli, which make up the lungs. These structures pull in air from the upper respiratory system, absorb the oxygen, and release carbon dioxide in exchange.
this is detailed study on lower respiratory diseases
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this is brief study describes the aspects of iv cannulation for students and aspirants , this slide briefly comprises all the major aspects of cannulation .......................
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Wilsons disease- A brief medical study. martinshaji
this brief study describes all the basic aspects of Wilsons disease , including management. as this is a congenital abnormality associated with severe complications on the future proper diagnosis management , and lifestyle modifications , …..surgical options are also needed ,if necessary .
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Communicable diseases and causative agents- a detailed chart martinshaji
A communicable disease is one that is spread from one person to another through a variety of ways that include contact with blood and bodily fluids; breathing in an airborne virus or by being bitten by an insect................................................................this chart provides a clear idea regarding almost all communicable disease and their causative agents
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TDM of drugs used in organ transplantation-detailed studymartinshaji
Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is testing that measures the amount of certain medicines in your blood. It is done to make sure the amount of medicine you are taking is both safe and effective. Most medicines can be dosed correctly without special testing. the slide explain all the tdm aspects of the drug in detail / Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is testing that measures the amount of certain medicines in your blood. It is done to make sure the amount of medicine you are taking is both safe and effective. Most medicines can be dosed correctly without special testing.
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Organophosphate poisoning - a brief toxicological study martinshaji
this is a brief study on organophosphate poisoning , as it being more common problem in the health sector and emergency medicine now a days , this will be much helpful among health professionals .........text me for more topics
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this case study describes about maxillofacial trauma , which details about the treatment, management , diagnosis, surgical options, patient counselling, pharmacist interventions & discussions are followed in this case .
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Sleep disorders - a brief medical study martinshaji
A sleep disorder is any condition that involves difficulty experienced when sleep , such disorders involve daytime fatigue causing severe distress and impairment to work.
SD also have an impact upon social and personal functioning
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A case study on Pangastritis with pancreatitis martinshaji
this case study describes about Pangastritis with pancreatitis , which details about the treatment, management , diagnosis, patient counselling, pharmacist interventions & discussions are followed in this case .
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Blood transfusion-MANAGEMENT FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH SICKLE CELL DISORDER/DISE...martinshaji
Sickle cell disease is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to the production of abnormal hemoglobin known as sickle hemoglobin . Blood transfusion is the transfer of blood from one individual to another ..
Red blood cell transfusions help lessen anemia and reduce the blood’s viscosity, allowing it to flow more freely and ease disease symptoms.
this is a brief study
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Compartment syndrome,- a detailed medical study .martinshaji
Compartment syndrome is a condition that occurs when injury causes generalized painful swelling and increased pressure within a compartment to the point that blood cannot supply the muscles and nerves with oxygen and nutrients. Muscles in the forearm, lower leg and other body areas are surrounded by fibrous bands of tissues. This creates distinct compartments. The fibrous tissue is very inflexible and cannot stretch to accommodate the generalized swelling. If left untreated, muscles and nerves fail and may eventually die.
hence this is a medical emergency needed fast and great medical supervision , his study provides a detailed information regarding compartment syndrome
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Muscles -A LONG CHART ON IMAGES OF DIFFERENT MUSCLES- Myology|, kinesiology- ...martinshaji
this is a long chart on different types of muscles of human body with its images , this will be helpful for medical academics and better understanding , along with its names
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P h value- a long chart on different ph. values martinshaji
pH is a measure of how acidic/basic water is. The range goes from 0 - 14, with 7 being neutral. pHs of less than 7 indicate acidity, whereas a pH of greater than 7 indicates a base. pH is really a measure of the relative amount of free hydrogen and hydroxyl ions in the water .
this is a long chart on ph value of different substances
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12 basic facts about tetracyclines - medical information martinshaji
Tetracyclines are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics used in the management and treatment of a variety of infectious diseases. Naturally occurring drugs in this class are tetracycline, chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline, and demeclocycline. used to treat infections caused by susceptible microorganisms such as gram positive and gram negative bacteria, chlamydiae, mycoplasmata, protozoans, or rickettsiae.
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8 signs and symptoms of breast cancer you - medical information martinshaji
After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. hence it is necessary to know its major symptoms which will help you to avoid a life threatening condition easily .....
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How to have a Clear Skin....HEALTH INFORMATION martinshaji
Clear skin is possible for everyone if you follow a basic good skincare routine for your unique skin type. these are some common methods for having good clear skin on considering medical aspects ,
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Liver failure is a life-threatening condition that demands urgent medical care.
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and acute and chronic liver failure and as such causes significant morbidity and mortality.
this is a brief study on liver failure and associated liver conditions and stages of conditions ,
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Natural ways to build healthy bones - health information martinshaji
Bone health is important throughout life. While you can never regain the bone density you had in your youth, you can help prevent rapidly thinning bones, even after your diagnosis. Calcium is a crucial building block of bone tissue. Vitamin D helps the body absorb and process calcium. Together, these two nutrients are the cornerstone of healthy bones.
this is a brief study for healthy bones .................................................
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Sleep According To your Age-health information | images martinshaji
Sleep plays an important role in your physical health. For example, sleep is involved in healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels.
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Doctors once thought bony growths called heel spurs brought on the pain. Now they believe that heel spurs are the result -- not the cause -- of plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick band of tissue (also called a fascia) at the bottom of your foot that runs from your heel to your toes.
this is a brief study on plantar fasciitis
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New Drug Discovery and Development .....NEHA GUPTA
The "New Drug Discovery and Development" process involves the identification, design, testing, and manufacturing of novel pharmaceutical compounds with the aim of introducing new and improved treatments for various medical conditions. This comprehensive endeavor encompasses various stages, including target identification, preclinical studies, clinical trials, regulatory approval, and post-market surveillance. It involves multidisciplinary collaboration among scientists, researchers, clinicians, regulatory experts, and pharmaceutical companies to bring innovative therapies to market and address unmet medical needs.
Ethanol (CH3CH2OH), or beverage alcohol, is a two-carbon alcohol
that is rapidly distributed in the body and brain. Ethanol alters many
neurochemical systems and has rewarding and addictive properties. It
is the oldest recreational drug and likely contributes to more morbidity,
mortality, and public health costs than all illicit drugs combined. The
5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM-5) integrates alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence into a single
disorder called alcohol use disorder (AUD), with mild, moderate,
and severe subclassifications (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
In the DSM-5, all types of substance abuse and dependence have been
combined into a single substance use disorder (SUD) on a continuum
from mild to severe. A diagnosis of AUD requires that at least two of
the 11 DSM-5 behaviors be present within a 12-month period (mild
AUD: 2–3 criteria; moderate AUD: 4–5 criteria; severe AUD: 6–11 criteria).
The four main behavioral effects of AUD are impaired control over
drinking, negative social consequences, risky use, and altered physiological
effects (tolerance, withdrawal). This chapter presents an overview
of the prevalence and harmful consequences of AUD in the U.S.,
the systemic nature of the disease, neurocircuitry and stages of AUD,
comorbidities, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, genetic risk factors, and
pharmacotherapies for AUD.
Report Back from SGO 2024: What’s the Latest in Cervical Cancer?bkling
Are you curious about what’s new in cervical cancer research or unsure what the findings mean? Join Dr. Emily Ko, a gynecologic oncologist at Penn Medicine, to learn about the latest updates from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) 2024 Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer. Dr. Ko will discuss what the research presented at the conference means for you and answer your questions about the new developments.
263778731218 Abortion Clinic /Pills In Harare ,sisternakatoto
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MANAGEMENT OF ATRIOVENTRICULAR CONDUCTION BLOCK.pdfJim Jacob Roy
Cardiac conduction defects can occur due to various causes.
Atrioventricular conduction blocks ( AV blocks ) are classified into 3 types.
This document describes the acute management of AV block.
Lung Cancer: Artificial Intelligence, Synergetics, Complex System Analysis, S...Oleg Kshivets
RESULTS: Overall life span (LS) was 2252.1±1742.5 days and cumulative 5-year survival (5YS) reached 73.2%, 10 years – 64.8%, 20 years – 42.5%. 513 LCP lived more than 5 years (LS=3124.6±1525.6 days), 148 LCP – more than 10 years (LS=5054.4±1504.1 days).199 LCP died because of LC (LS=562.7±374.5 days). 5YS of LCP after bi/lobectomies was significantly superior in comparison with LCP after pneumonectomies (78.1% vs.63.7%, P=0.00001 by log-rank test). AT significantly improved 5YS (66.3% vs. 34.8%) (P=0.00000 by log-rank test) only for LCP with N1-2. Cox modeling displayed that 5YS of LCP significantly depended on: phase transition (PT) early-invasive LC in terms of synergetics, PT N0—N12, cell ratio factors (ratio between cancer cells- CC and blood cells subpopulations), G1-3, histology, glucose, AT, blood cell circuit, prothrombin index, heparin tolerance, recalcification time (P=0.000-0.038). Neural networks, genetic algorithm selection and bootstrap simulation revealed relationships between 5YS and PT early-invasive LC (rank=1), PT N0—N12 (rank=2), thrombocytes/CC (3), erythrocytes/CC (4), eosinophils/CC (5), healthy cells/CC (6), lymphocytes/CC (7), segmented neutrophils/CC (8), stick neutrophils/CC (9), monocytes/CC (10); leucocytes/CC (11). Correct prediction of 5YS was 100% by neural networks computing (area under ROC curve=1.0; error=0.0).
CONCLUSIONS: 5YS of LCP after radical procedures significantly depended on: 1) PT early-invasive cancer; 2) PT N0--N12; 3) cell ratio factors; 4) blood cell circuit; 5) biochemical factors; 6) hemostasis system; 7) AT; 8) LC characteristics; 9) LC cell dynamics; 10) surgery type: lobectomy/pneumonectomy; 11) anthropometric data. Optimal diagnosis and treatment strategies for LC are: 1) screening and early detection of LC; 2) availability of experienced thoracic surgeons because of complexity of radical procedures; 3) aggressive en block surgery and adequate lymph node dissection for completeness; 4) precise prediction; 5) adjuvant chemoimmunoradiotherapy for LCP with unfavorable prognosis.
Basavarajeeyam is an important text for ayurvedic physician belonging to andhra pradehs. It is a popular compendium in various parts of our country as well as in andhra pradesh. The content of the text was presented in sanskrit and telugu language (Bilingual). One of the most famous book in ayurvedic pharmaceutics and therapeutics. This book contains 25 chapters called as prakaranas. Many rasaoushadis were explained, pioneer of dhatu druti, nadi pareeksha, mutra pareeksha etc. Belongs to the period of 15-16 century. New diseases like upadamsha, phiranga rogas are explained.
New Directions in Targeted Therapeutic Approaches for Older Adults With Mantl...i3 Health
i3 Health is pleased to make the speaker slides from this activity available for use as a non-accredited self-study or teaching resource.
This slide deck presented by Dr. Kami Maddocks, Professor-Clinical in the Division of Hematology and
Associate Division Director for Ambulatory Operations
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, will provide insight into new directions in targeted therapeutic approaches for older adults with mantle cell lymphoma.
STATEMENT OF NEED
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare, aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) accounting for 5% to 7% of all lymphomas. Its prognosis ranges from indolent disease that does not require treatment for years to very aggressive disease, which is associated with poor survival (Silkenstedt et al, 2021). Typically, MCL is diagnosed at advanced stage and in older patients who cannot tolerate intensive therapy (NCCN, 2022). Although recent advances have slightly increased remission rates, recurrence and relapse remain very common, leading to a median overall survival between 3 and 6 years (LLS, 2021). Though there are several effective options, progress is still needed towards establishing an accepted frontline approach for MCL (Castellino et al, 2022). Treatment selection and management of MCL are complicated by the heterogeneity of prognosis, advanced age and comorbidities of patients, and lack of an established standard approach for treatment, making it vital that clinicians be familiar with the latest research and advances in this area. In this activity chaired by Michael Wang, MD, Professor in the Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma at MD Anderson Cancer Center, expert faculty will discuss prognostic factors informing treatment, the promising results of recent trials in new therapeutic approaches, and the implications of treatment resistance in therapeutic selection for MCL.
Target Audience
Hematology/oncology fellows, attending faculty, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
Learning Objectives
1.) Identify clinical and biological prognostic factors that can guide treatment decision making for older adults with MCL
2.) Evaluate emerging data on targeted therapeutic approaches for treatment-naive and relapsed/refractory MCL and their applicability to older adults
3.) Assess mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies for MCL and their implications for treatment selection
Title: Sense of Taste
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the structure and function of taste buds.
Describe the relationship between the taste threshold and taste index of common substances.
Explain the chemical basis and signal transduction of taste perception for each type of primary taste sensation.
Recognize different abnormalities of taste perception and their causes.
Key Topics:
Significance of Taste Sensation:
Differentiation between pleasant and harmful food
Influence on behavior
Selection of food based on metabolic needs
Receptors of Taste:
Taste buds on the tongue
Influence of sense of smell, texture of food, and pain stimulation (e.g., by pepper)
Primary and Secondary Taste Sensations:
Primary taste sensations: Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Umami
Chemical basis and signal transduction mechanisms for each taste
Taste Threshold and Index:
Taste threshold values for Sweet (sucrose), Salty (NaCl), Sour (HCl), and Bitter (Quinine)
Taste index relationship: Inversely proportional to taste threshold
Taste Blindness:
Inability to taste certain substances, particularly thiourea compounds
Example: Phenylthiocarbamide
Structure and Function of Taste Buds:
Composition: Epithelial cells, Sustentacular/Supporting cells, Taste cells, Basal cells
Features: Taste pores, Taste hairs/microvilli, and Taste nerve fibers
Location of Taste Buds:
Found in papillae of the tongue (Fungiform, Circumvallate, Foliate)
Also present on the palate, tonsillar pillars, epiglottis, and proximal esophagus
Mechanism of Taste Stimulation:
Interaction of taste substances with receptors on microvilli
Signal transduction pathways for Umami, Sweet, Bitter, Sour, and Salty tastes
Taste Sensitivity and Adaptation:
Decrease in sensitivity with age
Rapid adaptation of taste sensation
Role of Saliva in Taste:
Dissolution of tastants to reach receptors
Washing away the stimulus
Taste Preferences and Aversions:
Mechanisms behind taste preference and aversion
Influence of receptors and neural pathways
Impact of Sensory Nerve Damage:
Degeneration of taste buds if the sensory nerve fiber is cut
Abnormalities of Taste Detection:
Conditions: Ageusia, Hypogeusia, Dysgeusia (parageusia)
Causes: Nerve damage, neurological disorders, infections, poor oral hygiene, adverse drug effects, deficiencies, aging, tobacco use, altered neurotransmitter levels
Neurotransmitters and Taste Threshold:
Effects of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) on taste sensitivity
Supertasters:
25% of the population with heightened sensitivity to taste, especially bitterness
Increased number of fungiform papillae
micro teaching on communication m.sc nursing.pdfAnurag Sharma
Microteaching is a unique model of practice teaching. It is a viable instrument for the. desired change in the teaching behavior or the behavior potential which, in specified types of real. classroom situations, tends to facilitate the achievement of specified types of objectives.
2. Summary
◦ Definition | introduction
◦ signs & symptoms
◦ When to see a doctor
◦ Causes | aetiology
◦ Test and diagnosis
◦ Types
◦ Treatment
◦ Risk factors
◦ Complications
◦ Prevention
◦ Life style modifications
3. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.
The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough
with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of
organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia.
Pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening It is
most serious for infants and young children, people older than age 65,
and people with health problems or weakened immune systems.
Introduction | definition
4. The signs and symptoms of pneumonia vary from mild to severe, depending
on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, and your age and
overall health. Mild signs and symptoms often are similar to those of a cold
or flu, but they last longer.
Signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include:
Fever, sweating and shaking chills
Cough, which may produce phlegm
Chest pain when you breathe or cough
Shortness of breath
Signs & symptoms
5. Newborns and infants may not show any sign of the infection. Or they
may vomit, have a fever and cough, appear restless or tired and without
energy, or have difficulty breathing and eating.
People older than age 65 and people in poor health or with a weakened
immune system may have a lower than normal body temperature. Older
people who have pneumonia sometimes have sudden changes in mental
awareness.
Fatigue
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
6. When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent fever of
102 F (39 C) or higher, or persistent cough, especially if you're coughing up
pus.
It's especially important that people in these high-risk groups see a doctor:
Children younger than age 2 with signs and symptoms
Adults older than age 65
7. People with an underlying health condition or weakened immune system
People receiving chemotherapy or taking medication that suppresses the
immune system
For some older adults and people with heart failure or chronic lung
problems, pneumonia can quickly become a life-threatening condition.
8. CAUSES
Many germs can cause pneumonia. The most common are bacteria and
viruses in the air we breathe. Your body usually prevents these germs from
infecting your lungs. But sometimes these germs can overpower your immune
system, even if your health is generally good.
Pneumonia is classified according to the types of germs that cause it and where
you got the infection.
Community-acquired pneumonia
Community-acquired pneumonia is the most common type of pneumonia. It
occurs outside of hospitals or other health care facilities. It may be caused by:
9. Bacteria. The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in the U.S. is
Streptococcus pneumoniae. This type of pneumonia can occur on its own
or after you've had a cold or the flu. It may affect one part (lobe) of the
lung, a condition called lobar pneumonia.
Bacteria-like organisms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae also can cause
pneumonia. It typically produces milder symptoms than do other types of
pneumonia. Walking pneumonia, a term used to describe pneumonia that
isn't severe enough to require bed rest, may be caused by M. pneumoniae.
10. Viruses. Some of the viruses that cause colds and the flu can cause
pneumonia. Viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in
children younger than 5 years. Viral pneumonia is usually mild. But in
some cases it can become very serious.
Fungi. This type of pneumonia is most common in people with chronic
health problems or weakened immune systems, and in people who have
inhaled large doses of the organisms. The fungi that cause it can be
found in soil or bird droppings.
11. Hospital-acquired pneumonia
Some people catch pneumonia during a hospital stay for another illness. This
type of pneumonia can be serious because the bacteria causing it may be
more resistant to antibiotics. People who are on breathing machines
(ventilators), often used in intensive care units, are at higher risk of this type
of pneumonia.
12. Health care-acquired pneumonia
Health care-acquired pneumonia is a bacterial infection that occurs in
people who are living in long-term care facilities or have been treated in
outpatient clinics, including kidney dialysis centers. Like hospital-acquired
pneumonia, health care-acquired pneumonia can be caused by bacteria
that are more resistant to antibiotics.
13. Aspiration pneumonia
Aspiration pneumonia occurs when you inhale food, drink, vomit or
saliva into your lungs. Aspiration is more likely if something disturbs your
normal gag reflex, such as a brain injury or swallowing problem, or
excessive use of alcohol or drugs.
14. RISK FACTORS
Pneumonia can affect anyone. But the two age groups at highest risk are:
Children who are 2 years old or younger developing
People who are age 65 or older
Other risk factors include:
Chronic disease. You're more likely to get pneumonia if you have asthma,
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart disease.
15. Weakened or suppressed immune system. People who have HIV/AIDS,
who've had an organ transplant, or who receive chemotherapy or long-term
steroids are at risk.
Smoking. Smoking damages your body's natural defenses against the
bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia.
Being hospitalized. You're at greater risk of pneumonia if you're in a
hospital intensive care unit, especially if you're on a machine that helps you
breathe (a ventilator).
16. COMPLICATIONS
Pneumonia can be treated successfully with medication. However, some
people, especially those in high-risk groups, may experience complications,
including:
Bacteria in the bloodstream (bacteremia). Bacteria that enter the
bloodstream from your lungs can spread the infection to other organs,
potentially causing organ failure.
Lung abscess. An abscess occurs if pus forms in a cavity in the lung. An
abscess is usually treated with antibiotics. Sometimes, surgery or drainage with
a long needle or tube placed into the abscess is needed to remove the pus.
17. Fluid accumulation around your lungs (pleural effusion). Pneumonia may
cause fluid to build up in the thin space between layers of tissue that line
the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). If the fluid becomes infected, you may
need to have it drained through a chest tube or removed with surgery.
Difficulty breathing. If your pneumonia is severe or you have chronic
underlying lung diseases, you may have trouble breathing in enough oxygen.
You may need to be hospitalized and use a breathing machine (ventilator)
while your lung heals.
18. TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS
Your doctor will start by asking about your medical history and doing a
physical exam, including listening to your lungs with a stethoscope to
check for abnormal bubbling or crackling sounds that indicate the presence
of secretions.
If pneumonia is suspected, your doctor may recommend the following
tests:
Chest X-ray. This helps your doctor diagnose pneumonia and determine
the extent and location of the infection. However, it can't tell your doctor
what kind of germ is causing the pneumonia.
19. Blood tests. Blood tests are used to confirm infection and to try to identify
the type of organism causing the infection. However, precise identification
isn't always possible.
Pulse oximetry. This measures the oxygen level in your blood. Pneumonia
can prevent your lungs from moving enough oxygen into your bloodstream.
Sputum test. A sample of fluid from yourlungs (sputum) is taken after a
deep cough and analyzed to help pinpoint the cause of the infection.
20. Your doctor might order additional tests if you're older than age 65, are in
the hospital, or have serious symptoms or health conditions. These may
include:
Pleural fluid culture. A fluid sample is taken by putting a needle between
your ribs from the pleural area and analyzed to help determine the type of
infection.
CT scan. If your pneumonia isn't clearing as quickly as expected, your doctor
may recommend a chest CT scan to obtain a more detailed image of your
lungs.
21. TREATMENTS AND DRUGS
Treatment for pneumonia involves curing the infection and preventing
complications. People who have community-acquired pneumonia usually can
be treated at home with medication. Although most symptoms ease in a few
days or weeks, the feeling of tiredness can persist for a month or more.
Specific treatments depend on the type and severity of your pneumonia, your
age and your overall health. The options include:
22. Antibiotics. These medicines are used to treat bacterial pneumonia. It may
take time to identify the type of bacteria causing your pneumonia and to
choose the best antibiotic to treat it. If your symptoms don't improve, your
doctor may recommend a different antibiotic.
Fever reducers. These include drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil,
Motrin IB, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
Cough medicine. This medicine may be used to calm your cough so that
you can rest. Because coughing helps loosen and move fluid from your
lungs, it's a good idea not to eliminate your cough completely.
23. LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES
To help prevent pneumonia:
Get vaccinated. Vaccines are available to prevent some types of pneumonia
and the #flu. Talk with your doctor about getting these shots.
Make sure children get vaccinated. Doctors recommend a different
pneumonia vaccine for children younger than age 2 and for children ages 2
to 5 years who are at particular #risk of #pneumococcal disease. Children
who attend a group child #care #center should also get the #vaccine.
#Doctors also recommend flu shots for #children older than 6 months.
24. Practice good #hygiene. To protect yourself against respiratory infections that
sometimes lead to #pneumonia, wash your hands regularly or use an
#alcohol-based hand #sanitizer.
Don't #smoke. #Smoking damages your #lungs' natural #defenses against
#respiratory #infections.
Keep your #immune system #strong. Get enough #sleep, #exercise regularly
and eat a #healthy #diet.