Pneumonia the Silent Killer free essay sample

A Silent Killer Abstract This paper explores Pneumonia and the respiratory disease process associated with bacterial and viral pathogens most commonly located in the lung. The paper examines the process, symptoms and treatments most commonly viewed in patient cases of Pneumonia. My goal is to educate the reader and to warn of the Exploring Pneumonia: A Silent Killer Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Many different organisms can cause it, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Pneumonia can range from mild to severe, and can even be deadly. The severity depends on the type of organism causing pneumonia, as well as your age and underlying health. Pneumonia is a common illness that affects millions of people each year in the United States. Bacterial pneumonias tend to be the most serious and, in adults, the most common cause of pneumonia. The most common pneumonia-causing bacterium in adults is Streptococcus Pneumoniae. Respiratory viruses are the most common causes of pneumonia in young children, peaking between the ages of 2 and 3. We will write a custom essay sample on Pneumonia: the Silent Killer or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page By school age, the bacterium Mycoplasma Pneumoniae becomes more common. In some people, particularly the elderly and those who are debilitated, bacterial pneumonia may follow influenza or even a common cold. People who have trouble swallowing are at risk of aspiration pneumonia. In this condition, food, liquid, or saliva accidentally goes into the airways. It is more common in people who have had a stroke, Parkinsons disease, or previous throat surgery. It is more difficult to treat pneumonia in people who are in a hospital, or a nursing facility. In the early stage, a person with bacterial pneumonia may have these classic symptoms coughing, sputum production, chest pain, shaking, chills, and fever. A doctor may hear an abnormal breath sound called crackles and discover signs of pleural effusion, abnormal fluid buildup in the lungs. Effusion is responsible for fever chest pain, shortness of breath, and cough. Complications of pneumonia include respiratory failure, pus accumulation in the lungs, and lung abscess. Some people develop a bacterial infection in the blood; if the infection spreads to other parts of the body, it can lead to inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes, inflammation of the hearts interior lining, and inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart. If the cause is bacterial, the doctor will try to cure the infection with antibiotics. If the cause is viral, typical antibiotics will not be effective. Sometimes, however, your doctor may use antiviral medication. It is often difficult to distinguish between viral and bacterial pneumonia, so you may receive antibiotics at first. Patients with mild pneumonia who are otherwise healthy are usually treated with oral macrolide antibiotics (azithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin). Patients with other serious illnesses, such as heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or emphysema, kidney disease, or diabetes sometimes receive one of the following; Fluoroquinolone (levofloxacin (Levaquin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), or gemifloxacin (Factive), moxifloxacin (Avelox). High-dose amoxicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate. Many people can be treated at home with antibiotics. If you have an underlying chronic disease, severe symptoms, or low oxygen levels, you will likely require hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics and oxygen therapy. Infants and the elderly are more commonly admitted for treatment of pneumonia. You can take these steps at home; drink plenty of fluids to help loosen secretions and bring up phlegm. Get lots of rest. Control your fever with aspirin or acetaminophen. When in the hospital, respiratory treatments to remove secretions may be necessary. Occasionally, steroid medications may be used to reduce wheezing if there is an underlying lung disease.