Pneumonia

The upper respiratory tract is colonized by several bacterial species that make up the normal flora. Although these commensal organisms can cause disease in certain situations (e.g., in immunocompromised persons), they generally serve a protective function by limiting the growth of other pathogenic bacteria in the respiratory tract. In the lower respiratory tract (LRT), macrophages that can clear foreign particles reside within the alveoli and serve as the final defense against infection.

Many bacteria have been shown to cause community-acquired pneumonia, but researchers and clinicians identify several bacterial species as the most common causes of the disease. However, epidemiological studies investigating the etiology of the disease show that in the majority of cases, pathogen identification is not readily attainable. Pathogens are classified as typical or atypical based on the spectrum of symptoms associated with them (described in the preceding section). In most studies, five pathogens (discussed in the following sections) have been found to account for approximately 90% of all community-acquired pneumonia.

Pneumonia is usually triggered when a person’s immune system is weakened. Bacteria that invade your lungs are the most common cause of pneumonia, but the condition can also be the result of a viral or fungal infection.

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Traditional antibiotic treatment for community-acquired pneumonia usually lasts from 10-14 days. Today, shorter courses of antibiotic therapy can be prescribed.

The elderly, infants and young children, and individuals with underlying health problems, such as chronic bronchitis, diabetes and congestive heart failure, are considered at high risk for pneumonia. People who have diseases that impair the immune system, such as AIDS, are especially susceptible to pneumonia.

Pneumonia is an inflammation of one or both of the lungs caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. The word “community” means that the infection was not contracted while the patient was in the hospital.