Every year, more than 60,000 Americans die of pneumonia — an inflammation and infection of the lungs. Although pneumonia is a special concern for older adults and those with chronic illnesses, it can also strike young, healthy people as well.
There are more than 50 kinds of pneumonia that range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. In infectious pneumonia, bacteria, viruses, fungi or other organisms attack your lungs, leading to inflammation that makes it hard to breathe. Pneumonia can affect one or both lungs. Infection of both lungs is sometimes popularly referred to as double pneumonia.
In many cases pneumonia follows a common cold or the flu, but it also can be associated with other illnesses or occur on its own. It's best to do everything you can to prevent pneumonia, but if you do get sick, recognizing and treating the disease early offers the best chance for a full recovery.
Pneumonia is a common illness,affecting 1 in 100 people.It is caused by many different types of bacteria,
viruses,and other infectious organisms. Most cases of pneumonia are mild and easily treated, while some cases are more serious and may result in severe illness and even death.
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Alternative
Names of Pneumonia are Pneumonitis; Bronchopneumonia;
Community-acquired pneumonia. Different organisms can
Cause pneumonia, including bacteria, viruses, and
Fungi. Bacterial pneumonias tend to be the most
serious.
The lung defense mechanism in the non immune lung
include removal of microbial organisms which depends on:
- Entrapment in the mucous blanket and removal via the
mucociliary function
- Phagocytosis by Alveolar Macrophages that can kill and remove organisms from the air spaces
- Phagocytosis and killing by neutrophils
- Organisms may reach lymph nodes to initiate immune response
In the immune lung secreted anti body can block..................
