Pneumonia is a medical term used to refer to the infection of the lungs. One or both of the lungs may be affected by pneumonia.
When we take in air, it flows through our airways and into the alveoli of the lungs, and from there, oxygen enters the blood as carbon dioxide gets expelled from the blood. When a person has pneumonia, their alveoli become swollen or inflamed. This type of inflammation is caused by an infection which occurs when harmful bacteria or pathogens are inhaled. This inflammation that occurs leads to a buildup of fluids – impairing regular functions of the lungs.
The severity of pneumonia can vary from mild to severe, and it has the potential to become life-threatening. Individuals aged 65 and over, infants, and those with an existing chronic condition are especially prone to pneumonia.
Different Pneumonia Types
Community-acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
This type of pneumonia is the most prevalent and is typically caught in public spaces like offices, schools, or gyms. The primary cause of community-acquired pneumonia is usually either bacterial, viral, or fungal. In some cases, the common cold or the flu may develop into this form of pneumonia.
Nosocomial Pneumonia
Also known as hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), people catch HAP during a stay at the hospital, particularly if their stay involved the intensive-care unit or the use of a ventilator. Hospital-acquired pneumonia may also develop following a major operation. This is a very precarious type of pneumonia, particular for the elderly, infants, and those with compromised immune systems.
Aspiration Pneumonia
This type of pneumonia occurs upon exposure and inhalation of harmful particles. The most common way aspiration pneumonia develops is when microscopic particles find their way into the lungs after retching. Opportunistic pneumonia is another type of the infection that targets those with compromised immune systems. Some organisms that would normally be harmless to people with healthy immune systems affect people with conditions such as HIV/AIDS, COPD, or those who have recently undergone organ transplantation.
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