Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of lungs.
Double Pneumonia
If this infection affects both lungs, it is called double pneumonia.
Causes
The most common cause of pneumonia is a bacterium, Streptococcus pneumoniae. Some viral (influenza virus) and fungal infections may also lead to pneumonia
Mode of Action of the Disease
When the causative organisms enter the alveoli, they settle there and grow in number. They break the lung tissues and the area becomes filled with fluid and pus.
Symptoms of Pneumonia .
The symptoms of pneumonia include a cold that is followed by a high fever, shivering, and a cough with sputum production. Patient may become short of breath. The patient's skin colour may change and become dusky or purplish. It is due to poor oxygenation of blood. Figure 10.8.
Preventive Measure
Vaccines are available to prevent pneumonia caused by S. pneumoniae.
Treatment
Antibiotics are used in the treatment of this type of pneumonia. Prior to the discovery of antibiotics, one-third of pneumonia patients died from the infection.
Asthma
Asthma is a form of allergy, in which there is inflammation of the bronchi, more mucous production and narrowing of the airways. In asthma patients, the bronchi and bronchioles become sensitive to different allergens (allergy causing factors) e.g. dust, smoke, perfumes, pollens etc. When exposed to any of such allergens, the sensitive airways show immediate and excessive response of constriction. In this condition, the patient feels difficulty in breathing. Figure 10.9
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of asthma vary from person to person. The major symptoms include:
1) shortness of breath (especially with exertion or at night),
2) wheezing (whistling sound when breathing out)
3)cough, and
4) chest tightness
Treatment and Cure
The chemicals with ability to dilate the bronchi and bronchioles are used in the treatment of asthma. Such medicine is given in the form of inhalers