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What is Pneumonia?

If you have pneumonia, your lungs are inflamed or infected. The air spaces fill with pus and other liquids. Oxygen can't reach your blood. Lack of oxygen makes you breathless because your body cells and organs can't work properly.

Did you know...

• Each year, over 6,000 Canadians die from pneumonia.
• The greatest risk of pneumococcal pneumonia is usually among people who:
  • have chronic illnesses such as lung disease, heart disease, kidney disorders, sickle-cell anemia or diabetes.
  • are recovering from a severe illness
  • are in a nursing home or other chronic care facility
  • are age 50 or older
  • are HIV positive

Causes

There are three main causes of pneumonia:

1. Bacterial pneumonia
   
   Attacks anyone from babies to the very old. Alcoholics, people who are run-down, people who have just had surgery, and people with chronic lung diseases or virus infections are at a higher risk for developing bacterial pneumonia.
   
   
2. Viral pneumonia
   
   One-third to one-half of all pneumonias are believed to be caused by viruses. Most viruses attack the upper respiratory tract and some cause pneumonia, especially in children. Most of these pneumonias are not too severe if treated properly. However, primary influenza viral pneumonia is severe and may be fatal. The virus invades the lungs and grows, but there are almost no signs of the lungs becoming filled with fluid. Most of its victims have heart problems, a lung disease or are pregnant.
   
   
3. Mycoplasma pneumonia
   
   The smallest free-living causes of disease in humans. They are not classified as either bacteria or viruses, but have features of both. They generally cause a mild and widespread pneumonia. It affects all age groups, but happens most often in older children and young adults. People with mycoplasma pneumonia can be quite sick and often take a long time to recover.

Prevention

Those with lung disease or over the age of 65 should ask their doctor about a preventative vaccine for pneumonia.