PNEUMONIA

Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung affecting primarily the small air sacs known as alveoli. The alveoli fill with fluid or pus, making it difficult to breathe.  Risk factors include other lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis, COPD, and asthma, diabetes, heart failure, a history of smoking, a poor ability to cough such as following a stroke, or a weak immune system.

Pneumonia may be caused by viral infections, bacterial infections, or fungi; less frequently by other causes. The most common bacterial type that causes pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION
As described above, pneumonia is caused by infectious agents that can spread to others depending upon the type of organism causing the pneumonia. Usually, the organisms spread from person to person by contact with an infected person's mouth or when small droplets that become airborne from coughing or sneezing.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The most common symptoms of pneumonia are;
1. Cough ( with some pneumonias you may cough up greenish or yellow mucus)
2. Chills that make you shake.
3. Difficulty breathing.
4. Loss of appetite.
5. Fever, which may be mild or high (up to 40.6C or 105F)

TREATMENT
Antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal drugs are used to treat pneumonia, depending on the specific cause of the condition. Most cases of bacterial pneumonia can be treated at home with oral antibiotics, and most people respond to the antibiotics in one to three days. Examples of antibiotics that can treat pneumonia include;
⦁    Azithromycin
⦁    Ceftriaxone
⦁    Doxycycline
⦁    Amoxiclav
⦁    Ciprofloxacin


PREVENTION
There are several ways one can prevent himself from getting infected with pneumonia. They include;
1.    Wash your hands regularly, especially after you go to the bathroom and before you eat.
2.    Eat right, with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
3.    Exercise.
4.    Get enough sleep.
5.    Avoid exposure to people who are ill whenever possible.

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