![]() There is also a well-known group of bacteria that causes pneumonia in about 3 out of 10 cases. There are three or four different bacteria that are the most common causes of different types of pneumonia. The germ is usually a bacterium or a virus (viral pneumonia). Pneumonia is an infection commonly caused by a germ. You can get both conditions at the same time. It's often more serious than bronchitis, which is inflammation or infection of the large airways - the bronchi (see diagram). ![]() Smoking and alcohol consumption may also raise your risk of catching pneumonia. This is sometimes called walking pneumonia.Īnybody can catch pneumonia but is mostly affects people younger than 2 or over the age of 65 due to their weakened immune systems. Pneumonia can affect either one or both lungs and you can even have it without knowing. This means patients have trouble breathing. This infection leads to the air sacs in your lungs (alveoli) being filled with fluid, which makes it hard for oxygen to reach your blood stream. Pneumonia is inflammation of the lung tissue usually caused by a bacterial infection (such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Streptococcus pneumoniae), but it can also be caused by viral infections such as COVID-19. Confusing, isn't it? Well, this leaflet is designed to help you tell the difference between pneumonia and a run of the mill chest infection, when to see a doctor, and the treatment you may need. Have you seen posters in your GP's waiting room warning about the unnecessary use of antibiotics for coughs and colds? You may also have seen adverts on the TV about the dangers of pneumonia and how important it is for some people to get vaccinated.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |