Pneumonia is a disease in which there are breathing complications. Pneumonia causes Lung infection. It is the infection of the lungs that may be caused by the bacteria, virus, fungi etc. When pneumonia is at its extreme it may cause severe sickness and may also cause death of the patient.

This disease can occur in young and healthy people. It is most dangerous for old aged people and also for new born babies. It may prove fatal.

CAUSES OF PNEUMONIA

Pneumonia is a common disease that affects millions of people throughout the world.

Germs like bacteria, viruses, and fungi may cause pneumonia.

Ways you can catch pneumonia include:

• Bacteria and viruses that live in your nose, sinuses, or mouth may spread to your lungs.
• You may breathe in some of these germs directly into your lungs.
• You breathe in (intake) food, liquids, vomit, or fluids from the mouth into your lungs.
• Many other bacteria may also cause pneumonia.
• Viruses are also a common cause of pneumonia, especially in infants or new born and young children.

SYMPTOMS OF PEUMONIA

The most common symptoms of pneumonia that one might feel are:

• Cough, in some pneumonias you may cough up greenish or yellow mucus, or even bloody mucous
• fever, which may be mild or high
• Shaking chills
• Shortness of breath(it may only occur when you climb stairs)

Other symptoms include:

• confusion, especially in older people
• Excess sweating and clammy skin
• Mild or severe headache
• Appetite loss, low energy, and fatigue
• Sharp chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough out

HOW TO TREAT PNEUMONIA

It is very important that you start taking antibiotics as soon as you are diagnosed with pneumonia. You may also reside to oxygen therapy and breathing treatments.

However, most of the people can be treated at home. If bacteria are causing the pneumonia, the doctor will try to cure the infection with antibiotics. Your doctor may tell you to take antibiotics. Antibiotics help most people with pneumonia get better.

• Don't miss any doses. Take the medicine until it is prescribed, even if you start feeling better.
• Do NOT take cough medicine or cold medicine unless your doctor prescribes it. Coughing helps your body get rid of mucus from your lungs that is the cause of blockage.

Breathing warm, moist air helps loosen the sticky mucus that makes you feel like you are choking. These things may help you:

• Place a warm, wet washcloth loosely over your nose and mouth.
• Fill a humidifier with warm water and breathe in the warm air. It will help greatly.
• Coughing helps clear your airways. Take a couple of deep breaths two or three times every hour. Deep breaths will help you open up your lungs.

Tap your chest gently a few times a day and lie with your head lower than your chest. This can help bring up mucus from the lungs.

If you smoke any tobacco products, STOP IMMEDIATELY. Do not allow smoking in your home or premises.

Drink plenty of liquids .

Drink water, juice, or tea.

Drink at least 6 to 10 cups a day.

Do NOT drink alcohol.

Get plenty amount of rest when you go home. If you have trouble in sleeping at night, take naps during the day.