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Pneumonia: the Silent Killer

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Pneumonia: the Silent Killer
Running Head: PNEUMONIA: THE SILENT KILLER

Exploring Pneumonia: A Silent Killer

Abstract

This paper explores Pneumonia and the respiratory disease process associated with bacterial and viral pathogens most commonly located in the lung. The paper examines the process, symptoms and treatments most commonly viewed in patient cases of Pneumonia. My goal is to educate the reader and to warn of the

Exploring Pneumonia: A Silent Killer

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Many different organisms can cause it, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Pneumonia can range from mild to severe, and can even be deadly. The severity depends on the type of organism causing pneumonia, as well as your age and underlying health. Pneumonia is a common illness that affects millions of people each year in the United States.
Bacterial pneumonias tend to be the most serious and, in adults, the most common cause of pneumonia. The most common pneumonia-causing bacterium in adults is Streptococcus Pneumoniae. Respiratory viruses are the most common causes of pneumonia in young children, peaking between the ages of 2 and 3. By school age, the bacterium Mycoplasma Pneumoniae becomes more common.
In some people, particularly the elderly and those who are debilitated, bacterial pneumonia may follow influenza or even a common cold. People who have trouble swallowing are at risk of aspiration pneumonia. In this condition, food, liquid, or saliva accidentally goes into the airways. It is more common in people who have had a stroke, Parkinson 's disease, or previous throat surgery.
It is more difficult to treat pneumonia in people who are in a hospital, or a nursing facility. In the early stage, a person with bacterial pneumonia may have these classic symptoms - coughing, sputum production, chest pain, shaking, chills, and fever. A doctor may hear an abnormal breath sound called crackles and discover signs of pleural effusion, abnormal fluid buildup in the



References: Lutfiyya MN, Henley E, Chang LF, Reyburn SW. Diagnosis and treatment of community- acquired pneumonia. Am Fam Physician. 2006;73:442-450. Li JZ, Winston LG, Moore DH, Bent S. Efficacy of short-course antibiotic regimens for community-acquired pneumonia: a meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2007;120:783-790. Limper AH. Overview of Pneumonia. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2007:chap 97. Spaude KA, Abrutyn E, Kirchner C, Kim A, Daley J, Fisman DN. Influenza vaccination and risk of mortality among adults hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia. Arch Intern Med 2007;167(1):53-59. Brown K.?Pneumonia.?In: Pediatric Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide.?2nd ed.?2002:219-25.

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