PNEUMONIA

Pneumonia is a lung infection that inflames air sac in one or both the lungs . In this the air sac may fill with pus or fluid which cause cough , chills , fever and dysponea . There are various organisms that can cause pneumonia are bacteria , fungi or viruses . 

Pneumonia can be mild to life threatening , it is more dangerous in children and old age people or people with weak immunity .

Ayurvedic View Of Pneumonia :-

Pneumonia is called shwasanaka jawar in ayurveda . Fever associated with pneumonia is known to be kapha pradhan ( kapha dominant ) along with ama (toxins) , blocks various naadis in the body . this result in spread of Agni through the body pushing heat towards skin and raising body temperature . 

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS :-

1 Chest during breathing or cough 

2 Cough may produce phlegm 

3 Fatique 

4 Confusion or change in mental awareness 

5 Lower than normal body temperature 

6 Fever , chills and sweating 

7 Shortness of breath 

8 Nausea , vomiting and diarrhea 

9 Restlessness and tired 

CAUSES :–

The viruses and bacteria present in air we breathe can cause Pneumonia . It is classified according to the type of germs which cause infection :- 

1Community acquired pneumonia :- It is the most common type and can occurs outside of hospitals or health care facilities. It may be caused by :- 

Fungi :- This type is most common in people with chronic health problems or weakened immune system . Fungi that cause Pneumonia is found in soil , bird droppings etc 

Bacteria :- Most common is Streptococcus Pneumonia . It may affect the one part of lung which is known as lobar pneumonia . It may occur after cold or flu.   

Viruses :- Some viruses which causes cold and flu can cause pneumonia . It is the most common cause of Pneumonia in children less than 5 years of age   . It is mild but in some cases can be dangerous like COVID – 19 (CORONAVIRUS) .

Other Organisms:- Other organisms causing Pneumonia are Mycoplasma pneumonia .  

2 Hospital Acquired Pneumonia :- Patient admitted in hospital for another illness can catch pneumonia during there hospital stay  . It can be serious because the bacteria causing it may be more resistant to antibiotics and people who get it are already sick . People on ventilatory support or using breathing machine are at more risk for this type of pneumonia 

3 Aspiration Pneumonia :- It occur when people inhale saliva , drink , food or vomit into your lungs . Aspiration is more likely if something disturbs your gag reflux such as swallowing problem , brain injury or excessive use of alcohol or drugs . 

4 Health Care Acquired Pneumonia :- It is a bacterial infection that occurs in people who live in long term care facilities or receive care in outpatient clinic , including kidney dialysis centers . This type of Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria that are more resistant to antibiotics . 

Risk Factors :-

1 Old age people (above 60 years )

2 Children below age group of 2 year 

3 Being Hospitalized :- Patient admitted in intense care unit specially on breathing machine that is Ventilator

4 Chronic disease :- People having Asthma , Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart disease 

5 Smoking :- It damage the natural defenses of body against bacteria and viruses that causes pneumonia .

6 Weakened or Suppressed immune system :- People who have had an organ transplant , HIV/AIDS , who receive chemotherapy or long term steroids use .

COMPLICATIONS :-

1 Breathing Difficulty :- If you have chronic underlying lung disease , you may have trouble in breathing enough oxygen which may lead to use of ventilator while lung healing .

2 Bacteria in bloodstream (bacteremia) :- Bacteria that enter the bloodstream from your lung s can spread infection to other organs , therefore causing organ failure .

3 Lung Abscess :- An abscess occur if pus forms in a cavity of a lung . An abscess usually treated with antibiotics . Sometime surgery or drainage with a long needle or tube placed into abscess is needed to remove the pus .  

4 Fluid Accumulation Around The Lungs ( pleural effusion ) :- Pneumonia may cause fluid to build up in thin space between layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity . If the fluid become infected you may need to have it drained through chest tube or through surgery .

PREVENTIONS :-

1Vaccination :- Vaccines are available to prevent some types of pneumonia and the flu. 

2 Practice Good Hygiene :- To protect yourself against respiratory infections that sometimes lead to pneumonia, wash hands regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

3 Don`t Smoke :- Smoking damages lungs  natural defenses against respiratory infections.

4 Keep Your Immune System Strong :- Exercise regularly ,eat a healthy diet and take a proper sleep .

TREATMENT :-

Treatment depends on the type of infection :-  

1 Bacterial pneumonia are usually treated with Antibiotics . 

2 Viral pneumonia are usually treated with plenty of fluids and rest . Antiviral medications can be used in influenza. 

3 Fungal pneumonia are usually treated with antifungal treatment.

4 Treatment for reducing fever, reducing aches and pains, and suppressing coughs.

5 Patients  in hospital are generally treated with intravenous antibiotics and fluids and may need supplemental oxygen supply.

6 In chronic cases ventilator support is also given to the patients.

7 During abscess formation or fluid collection in the lungs take place then needle aspiration or chest tube placement is done to drain the fluid or pus out .