What It Is:

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other organisms. There are many different types of pneumonia, which can range from mild to life-threatening. Hospital-acquired pneumonia tends to be more serious than other types of pneumonia.

Pneumonia is often difficult to spot at first because its symptoms resemble a cold or flu and include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

While antibiotics can usually effectively treat the common forms of pneumonia caused by bacteria, strains that are resistant to antibiotics are an increasing problem. Pneumonia makes up about 15 percent of hospital infection cases.

Who is At Risk:

One of the greatest risk factors for pneumonia in health care settings is the use of sedation, which can lead to a type of pneumonia called aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia is caused when foreign objects (such as the contents of the stomach or mouth) are inhaled into the lungs. Usually these types of objects are cleared out by your cough reflexes and your body’s other natural defense systems. However, when you are sedated or unconscious, foreign materials may enter the lungs and cause an infection.

Other factors that will increase your risk of getting pneumonia include:

• Having certain diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, and chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease, emphysema, and diabetes.
• If you smoke or abuse alcohol.
• Experiencing gastroesophageal reflux (when some of the contents of your stomach back up into the upper esophagus causing heartburn).
• Having recently had surgery or a serious injury.
• If you are regularly exposed to certain chemicals or pollutants (through your job, for example) that will make it more difficult for your lungs to clear themselves.
• Prolonged inactivity.

What You Can Do

The best way to fight pneumonia is to not get it in the first place. Here are a few tips to help prevent pneumonia:

• Wash your hands often with warm water and soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Your hands are constantly in contact with germs that can cause pneumonia–keeping them clean is your first, and most important, line of defense.
• Don't smoke, because smoking damages your lungs' natural defenses against respiratory infections.
• Keep your immune system strong by eating healthy, exercising, and getting plenty of rest.
• Ask your healthcare professional about getting a flu vaccination or a pneumococcal vaccination, both of which can reduce the likelihood of pneumonia.
• In choosing a hospital, Review Hospital Care to find information about infection rates at different hospitals in Pennsylvania.

Treatment:

If you develop pneumonia, your doctor or nurse will use a treatment that is specific to the type of pneumonia you have. Treatments may include antibiotics or anti-fungal medications, along with plenty of fluids and bed rest.