PNEUMONIA

1. What is pneumonia?
It is an infection in one or both of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses or

fungi. When there is an infection in the lungs, several things happen, including;
Your airways swell (become inflamed) or the air sacs in the lungs fill with
mucus and other fluids. It happens when an infection causes the air sacs in
your lungs (your doctor will call them alveoli) to fill with fluid or pus. That can
make it hard for you to breathe in enough oxygen to reach your bloodstream.
Anyone can get this lung infection. But infants younger than age 2 and
people over age 65 are at higher risk. That’s because their immune systems
might not be strong enough to fight it.Lifestyle habits, like smoking cigarettes
and drinking too much alcohol, can also raise your chances of getting
pneumonia.
2. What are the different types of Pneumonia?
 Bacterial pneumonia
This type is caused by various bacteria. The most common

is Streptococcus pneumoniae. It usually occurs when the body is weakened in
some way, such as by illness, poor nutrition, old age, or impaired immunity,
and the bacteria are able to work their way into the lungs. Bacterial
pneumonia can affect all ages, but you are at greater risk if you abuse
alcohol, smoke cigarettes, are debilitated, have recently had surgery, have a
respiratory disease or viral infection, or have a weakened immune system.
 Viral pneumonia
This type is caused by various viruses, including the flu (influenza), and is
responsible for about one-third of all pneumonia cases. You may be more
likely to get bacterial pneumonia if you have viral pneumonia.
 Mycoplasma pneumonia
This type has somewhat different symptoms and physical signs and is
referred to as atypical pneumonia. It is caused by the
bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It generally causes a mild, widespread
pneumonia that affects all age groups.
 Other pneumonias
There are other less common pneumonias that may be caused by other
infections including fungi.
3. Enumerate the signs and symptoms of pneumonia?
 Symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild (cold- or flu-like symptoms)

sometimes called “walking pneumonia” to severe. How serious your case of
pneumonia depends on the particular germ causing pneumonia, your overall
health, and your age.
 Signs and symptoms of bacterial pneumonia
-High fever (up to 105° F)
-Tiredness (fatigue)
-Trouble breathing: rapid breathing or shortness of breath
-Sweating
-Chills
-Cough with mucus (might be greenish in color or contain a small amount

of blood)
-Chest pain and/or abdominal pain, especially with coughing or deep

breathing
-Loss of appetite
-Confused mental state or changes in awareness (especially in older

adults)
 Symptoms of viral pneumonia
-Fever
-Dry cough
-Headache
-Sore throat
-Loss of appetite
-Muscle pain
-Weakness
 Additional symptoms appearing about a day later.
-Higher fever
-Cough with mucus
4. Is pneumonia fatal? Why or why not?
Yes, because shortness of breath causes the air sacs in the lungs to
become inflamed and to fill with pus and fluid then they won't be able
to transfer enough oxygen to your blood or get rid of the carbon dioxide in
your blood. It's a serious condition because your organs need oxygen to work
and as a result you will not be able to breath or you will be suffocated until
you die.
5. Enumerate and explain the treatment for pneumonia.
 Bacterial pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics. The specific

antibiotic choice depends on such factors as your general health, other
health conditions you may have, the type of medications you are currently
taking (if any), your recent (if any) use of antibiotics, any evidence of
antibiotic resistance in the local community and your age. Medicines to
relieve pain and lower fever may also be helpful. Ask your doctor if you should
take a cough suppressant. It’s important to be able to cough to clear your
lungs.
 Viral pneumonia
Antibiotics are not used to fight viruses. (In some cases antibiotics may be
given to fight a bacterial infection that is also present.) There are no
treatments for most viral causes of pneumonia. However, if the flu virus is
thought to be the cause, antiviral drugs might be prescribed, such as
oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), zanamivir (Relenza®), or peramivir (Rapivab®), to
decrease the length and severity of the illness. Over-the-counter medicines to
relieve pain and lower fever are usually recommended. Other medicines and
therapies such as breathing treatments and exercises to loosen mucus may
be prescribed by your doctor.
 Fungal pneumonia
Antifungal medication is prescribed if a fungus is the cause of your

pneumonia.
 Most cases of pneumonia are treated with “comfort care” measures that
ease symptoms. These may include:
-Drinking more fluids.
-Getting more rest.
-Taking over-the-counter medicines for cough and acetaminophen for

fever. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you
have any questions or concerns about giving medicines to your child.
-Using a cool mist humidifier in your child’s room.

PNEUMONIA

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1. What is pneumonia?

It is an infection in one or both of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses or

2. What are the different types of Pneumonia?

This type is caused by various bacteria. The most common

3. Enumerate the signs and symptoms of pneumonia?

 Symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild (cold- or flu-like symptoms)

-High fever (up to 105° F)

-Trouble breathing: rapid breathing or shortness of breath

-Cough with mucus (might be greenish in color or contain a small amount

-Chest pain and/or abdominal pain, especially with coughing or deep

-Confused mental state or changes in awareness (especially in older

 Symptoms of viral pneumonia

 Additional symptoms appearing about a day later.

-Cough with mucus

4. Is pneumonia fatal? Why or why not?

5. Enumerate and explain the treatment for pneumonia.

Bacterial pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics. The specific

Antifungal medication is prescribed if a fungus is the cause of your

-Drinking more fluids.

-Getting more rest.

-Taking over-the-counter medicines for cough and acetaminophen for

-Using a cool mist humidifier in your child’s room.

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