Community Acquired Pneumonia
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Pneumonia is one of the most common infectious diseases prevalent nowadays and affects all ages. It is an acute or chronic infection of one or both lungs caused by microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria or chemical irritants. (Schmitt, 2011) It has different types, and one of them is Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP). CAP is a disease in which individuals who have not recently been hospitalized develop an infection of the lungs. It occurs because the areas of the lung which absorbs oxygen (alveoli) from the atmosphere become filled with fluid and cannot work effectively. (Makati Medical Center, 2012) There are many causes of pneumonia, including bacteria, viruses, mycoplasmas, fungal agents, and protozoa. (Black, 2009) Streptococcus pneumoniae remains the most commonly identified pathogen in community-acquired pneumonia. Other pathogens that may cause pneumonia are Haemophilus influenza and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. (Schmitt, 2011)
Many clients with pneumonia may have flushed cheeks, bright eyes, chest or pleuritic pain or discomfort, myalgia, headache, chills, fever, cough, tachycardia, tachypnea, and sputum production. Severe chest muscle weakness may also be present. Crackles or wheezes are heard upon auscultation. (Ignatavicius, 2006)
Some people have an underlying problem which increases their risk of getting an infection. Chronic lung disease, compromised immune system, corticosteroids or other medications that suppress the immune system, swallowing disorders, smoke and environmental pollutants, and drug and alcohol abuse are all risk factors for having CAP. (Schmitt, 2011)
Several tests can be performed to identify the cause of an individual 's CAP. X-rays of the chest, examination of the blood and sputum for infectious microorganisms, and blood tests are commonly used to diagnose individuals with suspected CAP based upon symptoms and physical examination. (Smeltzer, 2004)
Most cases of pneumonia generally run an uncomplicated
INTRODUCTION
Pneumonia is one of the most common infectious diseases prevalent nowadays and affects all ages. It is an acute or chronic infection of one or both lungs caused by microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria or chemical irritants. (Schmitt, 2011) It has different types, and one of them is Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP). CAP is a disease in which individuals who have not recently been hospitalized develop an infection of the lungs. It occurs because the areas of the lung which absorbs oxygen (alveoli) from the atmosphere become filled with fluid and cannot work effectively. (Makati Medical Center, 2012) There are many causes of pneumonia, including bacteria, viruses, mycoplasmas, fungal agents, and protozoa. (Black, 2009) Streptococcus pneumoniae remains the most commonly identified pathogen in community-acquired pneumonia. Other pathogens that may cause pneumonia are Haemophilus influenza and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. (Schmitt, 2011)
Many clients with pneumonia may have flushed cheeks, bright eyes, chest or pleuritic pain or discomfort, myalgia, headache, chills, fever, cough, tachycardia, tachypnea, and sputum production. Severe chest muscle weakness may also be present. Crackles or wheezes are heard upon auscultation. (Ignatavicius, 2006)
Some people have an underlying problem which increases their risk of getting an infection. Chronic lung disease, compromised immune system, corticosteroids or other medications that suppress the immune system, swallowing disorders, smoke and environmental pollutants, and drug and alcohol abuse are all risk factors for having CAP. (Schmitt, 2011)
Several tests can be performed to identify the cause of an individual 's CAP. X-rays of the chest, examination of the blood and sputum for infectious microorganisms, and blood tests are commonly used to diagnose individuals with suspected CAP based upon symptoms and physical examination. (Smeltzer, 2004)
Most cases of pneumonia generally run an uncomplicated