Pneumonia

This is a viral, bacterial or fungal infection that affects the lungs. The most common type of pneumonia is the bacterial type which is caused by the Streptococcus. Pneumonia usually occurs due to a breakdown or weak immune system.

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People with a smoking history are prone to having pneumonia. It can also be caused by aspiration, lung disease, cerebral palsy. It can be caused by other germs and factors. It can affect one of the lungs or both of them. Infants and old people are prone to Pneumonia. This is because, in infants, their immune system is not yet strong enough and in old people, their immune system is weak. It is a contagious disease which means that unaffected people can have pneumonia if they come in contact with affected people.

Pneumonia causes inflammation of the alveoli (air sac). The alveoli/ air sacs are filled with fluid making the patient unable to breathe. Gaseous exchange occurs in the alveoli. In patients with pneumonia, the alveoli are filled with fluid. This fluid contains neutrophils which are a component of the white blood cells. This fluid also contains plasma protein. When the plasma protein accumulates in the alveoli, resulting in edema. This edema makes it difficult for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange to occur and difficulty in breathing.

The deadly effect of pneumonia

1. Pneumonia caused by bacterial infection can also lead to urinary tract infection. The bacteria that caused pneumonia can flow to the bloodstream affecting other parts of the body including the urinary tract
2. Due to the inability of oxygen exchange to occur in the alveoli, it can lead to hypoxia (low oxygen) resulting in the bluish coloration of the skin
3. Mental retardation can occur due to the small amount of oxygen that is getting to the brain.
4. The type of pneumonia caused by bacteria can also affect the heart. This bacteria might destroy the muscular walls of the heart
5. Patients with pneumonia usually find it difficult to take deep breathes. This is as a result of the pain arising from the affected areas of the lungs. Thus patients with pneumonia usually have chest pains
6. People with pneumonia typically experience fatigue.
7. Other effects of pneumonia include loss of appetite, increase in body temperature, vomiting, organ failure due to inadequate oxygen reaching them, constant headache.

People diagnosed with pneumonia should undergo treatments adequately as it is a contagious disease, thus preventing others from contacting it.

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