Understanding Pneumonia: Causes, Risks, and Types
This article explores pneumonia's causes, risk factors, and classifications. It highlights vulnerable groups, symptoms, and diagnostic methods. Though less deadly than before, pneumonia can be serious for immune-compromised patients, emphasizing the importance of early detection and proper treatment.
Prior to antibiotics, pneumonia was a leading cause of death worldwide. Today, antibiotics have reduced its threat, but vulnerable populations still face significant risks. Recognizable symptoms include persistent cough, chest pain when breathing, fatigue, fever, and chills. Key risk groups are infants under 2 years and seniors over 65, especially those with weakened immune systems, HIV/AIDS, or undergoing treatments like chemotherapy. Pneumonia is classified based on its origin and cause: bacterial, viral, or fungal. Types include community-acquired, hospital-acquired, healthcare-associated, and aspiration pneumonia, which occurs when foreign substances enter the lungs. Diagnosis involves chest X-rays, physical exams, and lab tests. Treatment varies by cause, and while less deadly today, it remains risky for immunocompromised individuals and those with heart conditions.
