Q. what is Pneumonia?       Top

A. Pneumonia is an infection or inflammation of the lungs where the fluid accumulates in the air-sacs (alveoli) and makes breathing difficult. The difficulty in breathing is due to inability of the oxygen in reaching the lungs. This low oxygen level in the body can cause severe disturbance in the body.

Q. what causes Pneumonia?        Top

A. Pneumonia can be due to
   1. Viral infection
   2. Bacterial infection
   3. Tuberculosis
   4. Allergic
   5. Aspiration of a vomit, or foreign bodies

Q. What are the types of Pneumonia?        Top

A. Pneumonia can affect the lungs in 2 ways
   1. Lobar-Pneumonia : where a section of lungs is affected
   2. Broncho-Pneumonia : Which affects patches throughout both lungs.

Q. How does Pneumonia occur?        Top

A. Pneumonia causing bacteria are sometimes present in a normal healthy throat whenever the immunity of the body is weakened due to illness, old age, malnutrition or general debility, these bacteria multiply and cause serious damage. When the persons resistance is lowered, bacteria work their way into the lungs and inflame the air-sacs filling them with water.

Q. How does Pneumonia spread?       Top

A. Pneumonia causing bacteria are air-borne and droplet infection from infected persons is responsible for the infection.

Q. How do I suspect Pneumonia in a child?        Top

A. Difficulty in breathing or abnormal breathing or rapid fast breathing
   Coughing
   High Fever
   Blueness (Cyanosis) of the hands & feet

Q. What investigations are routinely done in a suspected case of Pneumonia?                                        Top

A. 1. X-Ray of chest : which confirms the presence of Pneumonia and also the severity

2. Blood-count : The white blood count would be increased in bacterial Pneumonia but not in viral.

3. Sputum Examination : The presence of pus cells confirms the infection. The presence of T.B bacilli will confirm to the presence of a T.B. infection.

Q. What are the complications of Pneumonia?       Top

A. Complication can occur in all parts of the body
1. Lungs : Formation of lung abcess, spontaneous pneumothorax, collapse of a lung or delayed resolution (healing)

2. Pleura : Pleurisy which is inflammation in the lining of lung

3. Cardio-vascular system : Pericarditis which is inflammation of the lining of heart.

4. Joints : Arthritis or inflammation of the joints can occur

5. Ear : Otitis media which is inflammation or infection of middle ear.

Q. What is the treatment for Pneumonia?        Top

A.1. Hospitalisation : Pneumonia is considered a severe infection and hospitalisation is very necessary.

2. Antibiotics : Depending on the type of bacterial infection, appropriate antibiotics are given.

3. Cough Syrup : To help[ relieve the coughing spasms. Mucolytics are given to help loosen the secretions.

4. Fever : Medicines like analgenics are given to bring fever under control. Though, once the inflammation subsides the fever will also subside.

5. Intravenous Fluids are given when oral nutrition cannot be given because of the severity of infection.

6. Diet : Lots of warm liquids are given

Q. Can Pneumonia be prevented?        Top