Pneumonia

• Pneumonia is an acute infectious disease primarily caused by pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumonae) and is associated with general toxemia and a consolidation of one or more lobes of either one or both lungs.
• Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused by an infectious agent in which the air sacs (alveoli) are filled with phlegm or exudates so that air is excluded and the lungs become solid.
• Bacteria are the most common cause of pneumonia, often caused by the Klebsiella group and Haemophilus influenzae.
• Viruses, fungi, and noxious substances can also cause pneumonia.
• The incubation period for pneumonia ranges from 1 to 3 days with sudden onset of symptoms including shaking chills, rapid rise in temperature, and stabbing chest pains aggravated by coughing and respiration, also known as pleuritic pain.
• Pneumonia can be transmitted through droplet infection, which occurs when bacteria or viruses travel on relatively large respiratory droplets when people sneeze, cough, or laugh, or through indirect contact, which occurs through exposure to contaminated objects or through inhalation of caustic or toxic chemicals.
• Primary pneumonia is a type of pneumonia that is a direct result of inhalation or aspiration of pathogens.
• Secondary pneumonia is a type of pneumonia that develops a complication to a particular disease.
• Bacterial pneumonia, viral pneumonia, fungal pneumonia, and Mycoplasma pneumonia are different types of pneumonia.
• Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is a type of pneumonia where the patient develops pneumonia in less than 36 hours.
• Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (HAP) is a type of pneumonia, also known as nosocomial pneumonia, primarily due to Healthcare Professional (HCP) transfers.
• Aspiration pneumonia occurs when gastric content enters the lungs after vomiting.
• Ventilator pneumonia occurs due to retention of fluid, and accumulation of oxygen, necessitating administration of oxygen and resulting in pleuritis which causes pleuritic pain and/or inflammation triggering the occurrence of pleural effusion.
• Pleuritis is a condition that causes pleuritic pain and/or inflammation triggering the occurrence of pleural effusion.
• Pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid in the small space between the two layers of tissue known as the pleural space.
• Sudden onset of chills with rising fever is a clinical manifestation of pneumonia.
• Stabbing chest pain (pleuritic pain) aggravated by respiration and coughing is a clinical manifestation of pneumonia.
• Paroxysmal or choking cough is a clinical manifestation of pneumonia.
• Sputum is rusty or prune juice-like in color, considered pathognomonic of pneumonia.
• Pain in the abdomen is a clinical manifestation of pneumonia.
• Herpes may appear on the lips or around the mouth, commonly known as cold sores, is a clinical manifestation of pneumonia.
• Body malaise is a clinical manifestation of pneumonia.
• Respiratory grunting with marked tachypnea and flaring of the nares is a clinical manifestation of pneumonia.
• Labored respiration associated with diaphoresis is a clinical manifestation of pneumonia.
• Pulse is rapid and bounding is a clinical manifestation of pneumonia.
• Convulsion and vomiting may occur as complications of pneumonia.
• Confusion is a common manifestation of pneumonia.
• Chest X-ray shows presence or extent of pulmonary disease typically consolidation, a diagnostic procedure for pneumonia.
• Gram stain and culture and sensitivity test of sputum may indicate offending organism, a diagnostic procedure for pneumonia.
• Blood culture detects bacteremia (bloodstream invasion) occurring with bacterial pneumonia, a diagnostic procedure for pneumonia.
• Pneumonia vaccines include Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV 13 or Prevnar 13) which is protected against 13 kinds of bacteria and recommended for children and adults, and Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV 23/Pneumovax 23) which is protected against 23 kinds of bacteria and recommended for older adults 65 years old and above.
• Pneumonia vaccine contraindications include pregnant women, people who are allergic to vaccines, individuals with severe reaction to Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine 7, and those with severe cold and/or flu.
• Bronchodilators such as Aminophylline may be of some benefits in managing pneumonia.
• Expectorants are also used in managing pneumonia.
• Pain relievers for pleuritic pain are used in managing pneumonia.
• Administration of the appropriate antibiotic as determined by the results of a Gram stain is a crucial aspect of managing pneumonia.
• Pneumonia can lead to complications such as bacteremia, lung abscess, pleural effusion, empyema, and pleuritis.
• Nursing interventions for pneumonia include encouraging coughing and deep breathing after chest physiotherapy, maintaining semi-fowler’s position, promoting hydration, teaching effective coughing techniques, and instructing the patient to continue the entire course of antimicrobial therapy.
• The most common cause of pneumonia is bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae), but viruses can also be responsible.
• Pneumonia is an acute infectious disease primarily caused by pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumonae) and is associated with general toxemia and consolidation of one or more lobes of either one or both lungs.