Posted on 03/16/2003 8:25:54 AM PST by pttttt
American Lung Association® Fact Sheet: Pneumonia
October 2002
"Pneumonia" encompasses many different diseases that involve infection or inflammation of the lungs. Pneumonia is caused by a variety of agents such as bacteria, viruses, and mycoplasmas, among others. Pneumonia remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States; in 1996 there were an estimated 4.8 million cases of pneumonia.
* In 1996 (latest data available), there were an estimated 4.8 million cases of pneumonia resulting in 54.6 million restricted-activity days and 31.5 million bed days.
* In 2000, there were approximately 1.3 million hospitalizations, 1.3 million emergency room visits, and 63,548 deaths recorded in the United States.
* Pneumonia affects the lungs in two ways. Lobar pneumonia affects a lobe of the lungs, and bronchial pneumonia can affect patches throughout both lungs.
* The major types of pneumonia are bacterial pneumonia, viral pneumonia, and mycoplasma pneumonia. Others include pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), which is caused by a fungus, primarily in AIDS patients. Pneumonia also may be caused by the inhalation of food, liquid, gases or dust, and by fungi. Certain diseases, such as tuberculosis, can cause pneumonia.
* People considered at high risk for pneumonia include the elderly, the very young, and those with underlying health problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure and sickle cell anemia. Patients with diseases that impair the immune system, such as AIDS, or patients with other chronic illnesses, such as asthma, or those undergoing cancer therapy or organ transplantation, are particularly vulnerable.
* Approximately 50 percent of pneumonia cases are believed to be caused by viruses and tend to result in less severe illness than bacterial-caused pneumonia. The symptoms of viral pneumonia are similar to influenza symptoms, including fever, dry cough, headache, muscle pain, weakness, high fever, and increasing breathlessness.
* Viral pneumonia is less common in normal adults with a fully functioning immune system; however, most pneumonia in the very young is caused by viral infection, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
* Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia. The bacteria can multiply and cause serious damage in healthy individuals, especially when the body's defenses are weakened. Pneumococcus can cause serious infections of the lungs (pneumonia), the bloodstream (bacteremia), the covering of the brain (meningitis), and other parts of the body. Pneumococcal pneumonia accounts for 25 to 35 percent of all community-acquired pneumonia and an estimated 40,000 deaths yearly.
* The onset of bacterial pneumonia can vary from gradual to sudden. In most severe cases, the patient may experience shaking/chills, chattering teeth, severe chest pains, sweats, cough that produces rust colored or greenish mucus, increased breathing and pulse rate, and bluish colored lips or nails due to lack of oxygen.
* Mycoplasmas are the smallest free-living agents of disease in man, with characteristics of both bacteria and viruses. The agents generally cause a mild and widespread pneumonia. The most prominent symptom of mycoplasma pneumonia is a cough that tends to come in violent attacks, but produces only sparse whitish mucus. Mycoplasma are responsible for approximately 20 percent of all cases of pneumonia.
* Early treatment with antibiotics can cure bacterial pneumonia and speed recovery from mycoplasma pneumonia. There are generally no effective treatments for most types of viral pneumonia, which usually heal on their own.
* Pneumococcal vaccination is effective in preventing invasion of pneumococcal infections. People over age 65 and those in high-risk groups are advised to receive the pneumonia vaccine. The vaccine is effective in approximately 80 percent of healthy young adults; however, it may be less effective in people in high risk groups.
* In addition, influenza vaccination is recommended since pneumonia often occurs as a complication of the flu.
* Pneumonia and influenza vaccines are covered by Medicare, as well as some state and private health insurance.
* The pneumonia vaccine is generally given once, although revaccination after 3-5 years should be considered for children with nephrotic syndrome, asplenia, or sickle cell anemia who would be less than 11 years old at revaccination. Revaccination should also be considered for high-risk adults who received their first shot six years ago or more, and for those who are shown to have rapid decline in pneumococcal antibody levels.
For more information call the American Lung Association at 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872), or visit our web site at http://www.lungusa.org.
*Racial and ethnic minority terminology reflects those terms used by the Centers For Disease Control.
The mission of the American Lung Association is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.
The information contained in this American Lung Association® website is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and the ALA recommends consultation with your doctor or health care professional.
© 2002 American Lung Association®. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
There doesn't seem to be much known yet about what is causing this illness - bacteria, virus, mycoplasma, or whatever.
The pneumonia vaccine apparently only works against bacterial pneumonia.
Reports on effectiveness length of the vaccine vary. Some sources say it's a lifetime shot. Other sources say it isn't (one sees numbers like 5-10 years).
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.