Pneumonia

In the following several weeks, we are going to introduce and share the information aboutPneumonia and the link for Pneumonia &COPD.As we know, the people with COPD are known to be at a higher risk of pneumonia, it is necessary for us to know more about them. And this week, let’s introduce what is Pneumonia.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can make you very sick. You may cough, run a fever, and have a hard time breathing. For most people, pneumonia can be treated at home. It often clears up in 2 to 3 weeks. But older adults, babies, and people with other diseases can become very ill. They may need to be in the hospital.

Germs called bacteria or viruses usually cause pneumonia.Pneumonia usually starts when you breathe the germs into your lungs. You may be more likely to get the disease after having a cold or the flu. These illnesses make it hard for your lungs to fight infection, so it is easier to get pneumonia. Having a long-term, or chronic, disease like asthma, heart disease, cancer, or diabetes also makes you more likely to get pneumonia.

Symptoms of pneumonia caused by bacteria usually come on quickly. They may include:

Cough. You will likely cough up mucus (sputum) from your lungs. Mucus may be rusty or green or tinged with blood.

Fever.

Fast breathing and feeling short of breath.

Shaking and "teeth-chattering"chills.

Chest pain that often feels worse when you cough or breathe in.

Fast heartbeat.

Feeling very tired or very weak.

Nausea and vomiting.

Diarrhea.

Symptoms caused by viruses are the same as those caused by bacteria. But they may come on slowly and often are not as obvious or as bad

Mainly, the pneumonia is devided into two kinds, community-associated pneumonia and healthcare-associated pneumonia.The former is the pneumonia you get in your daily life, such as at school or work. The later is the pneumonia getted when you are in a hospital or nursing home. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection, rather than a virus.