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Pneumonia is not a single disease.
Infections:
- Bacteria (B.P.) or wet p. - when the body's resistance is lowered due to certain conditions (i.e., age, disease, alcohol, Malnutrition) the normal bacteria of the mouth and the throat multiply and invade one or all of the 5 sections (lobes) of the lungs. The infected lobe (or lobes) then fills with fluid and pus (Consolidation), in turn interfering with the lung's normal oxygen exchange.
- The infection can spill into the blood stream and invade the whole body. Bacteria can also enter the lungs from the air or from other sites in the body. Infections can either be acquired from the community at large or while in the hospital.
- Streptococcus Pneumonia is the most common cause of bacterial (Lobar) Pneumonia.
- Other bacteria include H. Influenza (winter and early spring), Staphylococcus aureus (Intravenous drug abusers - IVDA), Chlamydia, Moraxella catarrhalis (smokers), Legionella (summer and fall in water delivery systems, air conditioning units), and gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella, and anaerobes.
- Aspiration p. occurs when stomach contents get into the lungs. Aspiration takes place when the normal swallowing mechanism is impaired while unconscious (e.g., seizure, Stroke, overdose), and from acid Reflux or vomiting (alcoholics). Multiple types of bacteria can infect the lungs in these ways.
- Empyema - refers to the pus in between the layers of the pleura (the covering over the lungs)
- Viruses - are usually acquired by inhaling air borne infected virus droplets from someone sneezing or coughing. Viruses are responsible for 50% of all Pneumonias, usually causing upper respiratory illness (air ways near the throat and mouth), but can work their way down to the lower lungs and produce a patchy type of Pneumonia that usually resolves on its own. Some of the viruses include Influenza (A, B, C - most common in adults), RSV (most common in infants), paraInfluenza (1,2,3,4), adenovirus, CMV, Chicken Pox, EBV, measles.
- Mycoplasma Pneumoniae (i.e., walking Pneumonia) - classified as a small organism between a virus and a bacteria, it causes Pneumonia with a nagging dry cough that comes in violent attacks.
- Pneumocystis carinii (PCP) - believed to be a fungus, it often causes Pneumonia in patients with AIDS or decreased body defenses.
- Tuberculosis (TB) - caused by the organism known as Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (i.e., M. bovis and M. africanum). It is contagious, and can infect the lungs and other organs (brain, spine, kidney, etc.).
- Rickettsiae - small organisms that cause diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever. It may also have a mild to severe effect on the lungs.
- Parasites - ascariasis (round worm) in children
- Others - substances can get into the lungs and cause a blockage of the air passages, promoting bacterial overgrowth or directly inflaming the lung tissue.
- Food - vomiting or swallowing a small object, like a pea
- Gases - furniture polish
- Dust - usually dust, fungus, or mold inhalation in farmers, mushroom pickers, or miners (nickel dust).
- Liquids - gasoline, kerosene
- Foreign body (e.g., swallowing a coin or tooth)
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