Description: Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which can cause them to fill with fluid or pus. This condition can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Typical symptoms of pneumonia include cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. The severity of the illness can range from mild to potentially life-threatening, especially in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Pneumonia can be acquired in the community or in a hospital setting, and its diagnosis is made through clinical evaluation and imaging tests, such as chest X-rays. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals, as well as supportive measures like oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids. Prevention of pneumonia includes vaccination, especially against influenza and pneumococcus, as well as proper hygiene practices.
History: The term ‘pneumonia’ comes from the Greek ‘pneumon’, meaning lung. Throughout history, pneumonia has been recognized as a serious illness. In ancient times, it was attributed to imbalances in the body’s humors. With the advancement of medicine in the 19th century, bacterial causes of pneumonia began to be identified, with the discovery of the pneumonia bacillus by German physician Carl Friedländer in 1882 being a significant milestone. Since then, the development of antibiotics in the 20th century revolutionized the treatment of this disease, significantly reducing the associated mortality.
Uses: Pneumonia is used as a medical term to describe a range of lung infections that require medical attention. Its diagnosis and treatment are fundamental in clinical practice, especially in internal medicine and pulmonology. Additionally, pneumonia is a subject of study in epidemiology, as its prevalence, risk factors, and prevention methods, such as vaccination, are researched.
Examples: An example of pneumonia is community-acquired pneumonia, which can be caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. Another example is viral pneumonia, which can be triggered by viruses like influenza or SARS-CoV-2. In a hospital context, ventilator-associated pneumonia is a critical case that occurs in intubated patients.
