Pneumonia

The book introduces pneumonia as a lung infection that inflames the alveoli, sometimes filling them with fluid, bacteria, or pus. It explains the difference between community-acquired pneumonia and hospital-acquired pneumonia, and why hospital-acquired cases are often more resistant to treatment.

Different types of pneumonia are described, including lobar pneumonia, bronchial pneumonia, bacterial pneumonia, and viral pneumonia. The four stages of pneumonia are also explained: consolidation, red hepatization, grey hepatization, and resolution.

Symptoms such as cough, chest pain, fever, shortness of breath, and fatigue are covered. Complications are discussed, including pleural effusion, empyema, sepsis, bacteremia, meningitis, lung abscess, and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

The book highlights diagnostic approaches such as chest X-ray, sputum culture, CT scan, bronchoscopy, and pulse oximetry. Treatments include antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia, antivirals for viral pneumonia, supportive measures such as cough medicine, antipyretics, rest, and adequate hydration.

An informative source for students, healthcare workers, and general audiences interested in pneumonia, its risks, and the options available for diagnosis and treatment.