Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection affecting one or both lungs, usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Some cases occur from the inhalation of airborne organisms from the coughing or sneezing of another. In other cases, bacteria or viruses normally present in the throat or mouth enter the lung(s). This can occur commonly during sleep; the body's normal reaction is to cough, returning these secretions to the mouth. When a person is in a weakened condition, especially in the immune system, severe pneumonia can develop. High risk individuals include those who have recently suffered a viral infection, those with lung disease, swallowing problems, alcoholics, drug users, and those who have suffered stroke or seizure. High fever, chills, shortness of breath, cough, and cold symptoms are common symptoms of pneumonia. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the infection within the lung. Currently, over 3 million Americans develop pneumonia annually. Presently, approximately 5% of those hospitalized for this infection in a year will die, while prior to the discovery of antibiotics, 1/3 of all cases ended in death. Pneumonia is the 6th leading cause of death in the US. Vaccines and antibiotics are common methods of treatment for pneumonia.