How is pneumonia

Pneumonia – a kind of acute respiratory infections damaging the lungs. The disease is the main cause of death of children up to 5 years. The disease is caused by various bacterial, viral, fungal pathogens and can be transmitted by airborne droplets.

Instruction

1. Most often, pneumonia is transmitted from an already infected person. For the recipient, it is sufficient to breathe the air particles, which contain pathogenic micro-organisms to get an infection. However, when the transmission of bacteria and viruses with this method, it most likely is the lesion of the upper respiratory (colds or flu), not the lungs. Subsequently, pneumonia can occur as complications resulting disease. The infection is caused by Streptococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae) and HIB (Haemophilus influenzae type b).
2. The disease is often a consequence of viral lesions, for example, measles or chicken pox. The probability of infection depends on the ability of the immune system to resist the pathogenic environment, which is formed in human lung. Smoking, alcohol and polluted air often provoke the development of pneumonia. Diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, HIV (AIDS) also are risk factors.
3. The period during which the disease may be called contagious depends on the cause. In some viruses the ability to spread by airborne droplets appearing 2-3 days before the onset of a person to any symptoms and remains until the complete cure. Theoretically, the pneumonia is contagious for 2-3 weeks, but most likely to get an infection from the carrier is observed in the peak time of the disease, which usually lasts 2-4 days. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 10 days. Its duration depends on age, health status and the aggressiveness of the virus or bacteria.
4. To prevent infection, observing elementary rules of hygiene. For example, you need to wash your hands regularly. Do not touch different objects to the nose, mouth and eyes. You should temporarily limit the number of contacts with ill persons that are carriers of the disease. You should not use crockery, Cutlery and toothbrushes of an infected person. Proper nutrition will improve the body's defenses.
5. Treatment of pneumonia is with antibiotics. In most cases, the allowable use of antibacterial drugs manufactured in tablet form. Hospitalization is acceptable in severe diseases or in all cases of the disease in children who were born less than 2 months ago. In viral infection is perhaps the appointment of specialized antiviral drugs.