Pneumonia

pneumonia - www.healthnote25.com

Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lungs-primarily affecting microscopic air sacs known as alveolus. This condition is usually caused by viral or bacterial infections and less often other microorganisms, certain medications, and other conditions such as autoimmune diseases.

Typical symptoms include cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. Diagnostic tools include X-rays and culture removal from sputum. Vaccines to prevent certain types of pneumonia are now available. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Alleged bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics. If the pneumonia is severe, the patient is usually referred to the hospital.

Every year, pneumonia affects about 450 million people, seven percent of the world's total population, and causes about 4 million deaths. Although pneumonia was nicknamed by William Osler in the 19th century as "the captain of the death of death, the discovery of antibiotic and vaccine therapy in the 20th century has increased survival.

 However, in developing countries, and among very young, very young, and chronically ill people, pneumonia remains the leading cause of death