Pneumonia Immune System and Tiny Air Sacs - 1899 Words

Introduction Every year, more than 60,000 Americans die of pneumonia, an inflammation of the lungs thats usually caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi or other organisms. Pneumonia is a particular concern for older adults and people with chronic illnesses or impaired immune systems, but it can also strike young, healthy people. Worldwide, its a leading cause of death in children. There are many kinds of pneumonia ranging in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. Although signs and symptoms vary, many cases of pneumonia develop suddenly, with chest pain, fever, chills, cough and shortness of breath. Infection often follows a cold or the flu, but it can also be associated with other illnesses or occur on its own. Although†¦show more content†¦For example, the nasal cilia screen out a lot of organisms but cant stop all from getting into the airways. Sometimes, these microorganisms get past the bodys defenses, finding their way into the alveoli. There, white blood cells (leukocytes) begin to attack the invading organisms. The accumulating pathogens, white cells and immune proteins cause the air sacs to become inflamed and filled with fluid, leading to the difficult breathing that characterizes many types of pneumonia. If both lungs are involved, its called double pneumonia. Classifications of pneumonia Pneumonia is sometimes classified according to the cause of pneumonia: Community-acquired pneumonia - This refers to pneumonia acquired from the external environment. Hospital-acquired (nosocomial) pneumonia Ââ€" Hospitals are a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, placing patients at a higher risk of pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia - This type of pneumonia occurs when foreign matter is inhaled (aspirated) into the lungs, often from the digestive tract. Pneumonia caused by opportunistic organisms - This type of pneumonia strikes people with compromised immune systems. Organisms that arent harmful for healthy people can be extremely dangerous for people with AIDS, organ transplantation and other conditions that impair the immune system. Emerging pathogens - Outbreaks of the H5N1 influenza (bird flu) virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) have caused serious,Show MoreRelatedSymptoms And Symptoms Of Pneumonia1516 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be a mild to severe illness for all ages. It is caused by bacteria, virus, or fungi. Pneumonia was the leading cause of death in the U.S. About 2 million people in the U.S get pneumonia each year, only causing about 60,000 deaths. Pneumonia is the leading cause of child death worldwide. It is accountable for 15% of children’s’ deaths under five years old, killing around 922,000 children in 2015 (WHO 2015). Pneumonia affects everyone worldwide butRead MoreThe Heart Of The Lungs857 Words   |  4 Pagesof human lungs can hold about 5 liters of air. 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This condition affects people of all ages, however it is most dangerous in immunocompromised individuals such as children, infants, and older adults.1 Other populations that are vulnerable are those who are bedridden, inactive, or immobile; those with altered consciousness; thoseRead MoreKeeping Marijuana Illegal2777 Words   |  12 Pageslevels in marijuana range from 0.3 to 4%. Specially grown plants can contain higher levels up to 15%. When smoking this drug, the THC goes directly to the lungs in which it is absorbed by alveoli. Alveoli is where gas exchange happens by tiny air sacs. THC enters the blood stream in just a matter of seconds of using this drug. When eating or drinking marijuana, it enters the stomach and is carried to the liver in which it is then sent to the rest of the body. 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