Pneumonia can be said to be an acute respiratory infection which primarily affects the lungs. The lungs are made up of tiny sacs called alveoli, which is filled with air during breathing. When Pnemonia occurs,the individual’s alveoli are filled with pus and fluid which is caused by the infection process, thus, making breathing painful and limiting oxygen intake.

CLASSIFICATION/TYPES

• Community-acquired pneumonia is a classification of pnemonia occurring in the community or less than 48 hours after hospital admission.Healthcare-associated pneumonia occurring in a non hospitalized patient with extensive Healthcare contact.
• Hospital-acquired pneumonia pneumonia is a type occurring more than 48 hours after hospital admission that did not appear to be incubating at the time of admission.
• Ventilator-associated pneumonia: a type of hospital-acquired pneumonia that develops more than 48 hours after endotracheal tube intubation.
• Aspiration pneumonia refers to the pulmonary consequences resulting from entry of endogenous and exogenous substances into the lower airway.
• Walking Pnemonia describes a mild case of pneumonia with cold-like symptoms. People with this type of pneumonia usually do not require bed rest and can continue their usual daily activities,but enough rest is indicated for quick recovery

RISK FACTORS

• Age more than 65 years
•  Alcoholism 
• Diabetes
• AIDS
• Beta-lactam therapy in past 3 months 
• Multiple medical comorbidities 
• Recent antibiotic therapy
• Malnutrition 
• Structural lung disease 
• Corticosteroid therapy 
• Broad-spectrum antibiotic therap

CLINICAL MANIFESTATION

• Nasal congestion 
• Sore throat 
• Sudden onset of chills 
• Rapidly rising fever 38.5°C to 40.5°C 
• Orthopnea 
• Headache 
• Pleuritic pain 
• Pharyngitis 
• Poor appetite 

DIAGNOSTIC FINDINGS

• History taking 
• Physical examination 
• Chest x-ray 
• Blood culture 
• Sputum examination

PREVENTION – Pneumococcal vaccination

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

Pharmacologic therapy 

Other therapeutic regimens 

Improving airway patency 

Maintaining nutrition 

Promoting rest and conserving energy 

Promoting fluid intake 

Promoting patients knowledge 

Monitoring and managing potential complications 

Promoting home community-based and transitional care