What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is one of the most common health conditions we hear of. But what does pneumonia mean? In simple words, it is an infection that affects one or both lungs. Pneumonia fever can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. It is contagious and can spread from one person to another.

What are the Early Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia?

Pneumonia can be spotted if one knows the symptoms. Some common pneumonia symptoms include:

• Coughing and mucus
• Fever and headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Shortness of breath and chest pain

What are the 4 Stages of Pneumonia?

There are four stages of Pneumonia fever. They are:consolidation, red hepatization, grey hepatization, and resolution.

• Consolidation Stage:

The first 24 hours since contracting the disease marks the first stage. The infection spreads to the parts known as helium and pleura, and the capillaries in the alveolar walls are congested. This causes coughing and difficulty in breathing.

• Red Hepatization Stage:

After 2-3 days of consolidation, the lungs become hyperaemic as the capillaries are engorged with blood. Fibrin, and neutrophils fill up the alveoli.

• Grey Hepatization Stage:

After 2-3 days of Red Hepatization, the lung turns grey-brown to yellow. The amount of exudates in the alveoli results in compression of capillaries.

• Resolution

In the final stage, the lung is restored after macrophages enter the alveoli.

What are the Causes of Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is caused by a variety of microbial agents. Here are some of the causes:

• Viral Pneumonia is caused by respiratory viruses such as rhinoviruses (which causes the common cold), influenza (which causes flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
• Bacterial Pneumonia is caused by Streptococcus Pneumonia, Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma Pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae, etc.
• Fungal Pneumonia affects people with compromised or weakened immune systems. The fungi are found in soil or bird droppings. The fungi causing pneumonia include Cryptococcus species, Histoplasmosis species, and Pneumocystis jirovecii.

What is the Best Cure or Treatment for Pneumonia?

There are many different types of Pneumonia treatment. Prescribed medications are the most popular form of Pneumonia treatment. Oral antibiotics are another common treatment for bacterial pneumonia. For viral pneumonia, antiviral medicines are prescribed. Fungal pneumonia requires antifungal medication.

Doctors recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medication like Ibuprofen, cough syrups, Aspirin, and Acetaminophen to help deal with headaches, fever, and cough. More information regarding pneumonia and other diseases as well as their treatment can be found on www.srlworld.com.

During the treatment, it is recommended to stay at home and not go out. Wear a mask, so you don’t spread it to anyone else. Drinking large amounts of fluids is also important. Coughing helps in removing the fluids from the lungs, and therefore coughs should not be suppressed. With a good amount of rest and medication, most people overcome pneumonia.

However, in some serious cases, hospitalization is necessary. This is mostly for people who experience severe symptoms. At the hospital, doctors and nurses constantly monitor heart rate, body temperature, and breathing: intravenous antibiotics, ventilators, and respiratory therapy help in reducing risk.