Although pneumonia is usually described as any infection or inflammation of the lungs, its use is restricted to an acute and rapidly developing lung disease.  At times, it may also be a complication of acid reflux.  This is because pneumonia is often triggered by coughing due to refluxed acid.

Pneumonia

One or both lungs may be involved, which may be due to a primary or secondary infection.  The type of pneumonia which is caused by pneumococcus bacteria is considered a rare case but it is still a very serious illness, especially if the person is very old or still very young.  The more prevalent type of lung inflammation is known as viral pneumonia.

Pneumonia which occurs among young adults is caused by various viruses and other microorganisms that are smaller and less dangerous than bacteria.  The onset of these infections is gradual and the symptoms are less acute and less debilitating than those of bacterial pneumonia.  There is a general feeling of fatigue accompanied by headache, pains in the joints, and dry cough which eventually becomes loose enough to expel some of the congestive mucus.   A chest x-ray may be necessary for diagnosis.

Symptoms and complications of pneumonia

The typical symptoms of pneumonia may include dry and itchy throat, dry cough, loss of appetite, mild fever, pain beneath the breastbone, and chills.  The main danger is that the person is more likely to be stricken by bacterial infection of the lungs ad bronchial tubes.  These kinds of infections sometimes need hospitalization.

Diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia

The doctor usually examines the patient by detecting if there is a presence of rough breathing or cracking sound.  This can help him determine that something is wrong in his patient’s respiratory organ.  In order to help him assess the condition of the patient, chest x-ray may be recommended.  He may also request for some other laboratory tests to be done like:

• Sputum Test.  This is a test wherein samples of sputum will be examined under the microscope to determine the real cause of pneumonia.  It can tell whether pneumonia is due to fungi, bacteria or virus.  It is very important that as soon as the sputum sample is obtained, it must be immediately brought to the laboratory to avoid contamination from other non-infectious bacteria.
• Blood Test.  This is usually recommended to determine the total count of white blood cells.  This can determine how severe the pneumonia is and if it is caused by bacteria.
• Bronchoscopy.  This is a process which involves putting a small, elastic and lightweight tube in the mouth or nose of the patient.  The patient is usually given local anesthesia for this kind of procedure.  Through this process, the breathing passageway of the patient can be precisely scrutinized and samples from the contaminated area can be acquired.

Although antibiotics do not attack the organisms that cause viral pneumonia, they are usually prescribed to ward off bacterial infection during lowered resistance.  Bed rest may be recommended especially if there is fever.  All symptoms usually disappear in about a week if there are no complications.  The only safeguard against viral pneumonia is the maintenance of good health habits and avoidance of exposure to contagion.  Treating possible causes such as acid reflux may be necessary.

Related posts:

1. Chronic Cough: A Cough Linked to GERD or Acid Reflux
2. Sore Throat: A Look into an Acid Reflux Complication
3. Otitis Media: One of Acid Reflux Complications