Pneumonia Disease Research Paper

Pneumonia is a common disease, which occurs in all age groups. However, pneumonia is the leading cause of death in elderly, people who are chronically and terminally ill, and children under five years old worldwide. It can result from a variety of causes, including infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, and chemical or physical injury to the lungs. Pneumonia is an irregular inflammatory condition of the lung. It is often described as inflammation and abnormal fluid filling of the alveoli of the lung, which are microscopic air filled sacs in the lungs responsible for gas exchange. [2]
Typical symptoms associated with pneumonia include cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty in breathing. Diagnostic tools include x-rays and examination of the phlegm. Bacterial pneumonia is typically treated with antibiotics or antiviral drugs; therefore, treatment depends on the cause of pneumonia. There are vaccines available to prevent certain types of pneumonia. However, the prognosis depends on the type of pneumonia, the appropriate treatment, any complications, and the person's underlying health. [5]
Microorganisms, irritants and unknown causes, can cause pneumonia. When pneumonias are grouped this way, infectious causes are the most common type. The symptoms of infectious pneumonia are caused by the infiltration of the lungs by microorganisms and by the immune system's response to the infection. Only a few strains of microorganisms are responsible for most cases of pneumonia however, more than one hundred strains of microorganism can cause pneumonia. Viruses and bacteria are the most common causes of pneumonia. Fungi and parasites are less common causes of infectious pneumonia. [4][1]
Viruses invade cells in order to reproduce. Usually, a virus reaches the lungs when viruses carried by the wind are inhaled through the mouth and nose. Once in the lungs, the virus invades the cells lining the airways and alveoli. This invasion often leads to cell death, either