The lung inflammation and infection that makes breathing difficult is called pneumonia. Generally, pneumonia is easily treated at home and doesn't produce permanent lung damage. However, there are cases, in patients that are older than 65, in young children or in persons that suffer from other conditions, especially COPD – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – that require hospitalization and careful medical monitoring. Walking pneumonia is a term attributed to the mild forms of pneumonia.
Pneumonia can be acquired anywhere: at school or at work – community based pneumonia – or in hospitals or nursing homes – nosocomial pneumonia. We will now talk about the community based pneumonia.
The treatment for pneumonia is in most cases successful, especially if it is discovered and treated early.
The diagnosis of pneumonia is usually set based on the medical history of the patient and on a physical examination. The physical exam usually includes an X-ray test which can provide various information about the condition, such as: changes that can determine pneumonia or other causes of the symptoms or complications of the pneumonia like pleural effusion (fluid in the space between the lungs and chest wall).
Diagnosis can be set based on the medical history, physical exam and X-ray test and the treatment may begin right away. Other tests are not necessary usually, but there are cases, however, when additional tests are taken depending on factors like the age of the patient, the overall health or the severity of the symptoms. A general rule is that the number of tests required increases together with the severity of the condition.
The mucus from the lungs may also be examined to determine what organism caused the condition. Based on this information, the doctor will be able to choose the best treatment for the infection.
Treatment
Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics. People with strong immune system and young people have the best response to the treatment and usually don't require hospitalization.
People who have a weak immune system, old people, people who suffer from other serious conditions, people who require intravenous treatment or need oxygen will have to be hospitalized.
The cases of pneumonia caused by bacteria usually require only rest at home and taking care of the cough. There are however some exceptions that require a medical treatment: varicella – the pneumonia caused by chickenpox.