The first thing to understand about bronchial pneumonia is that it's not caused by any single disease. Pneumonia could be considered more a symptom than an actual illness itself. Asthma sufferers, already having compromised respiratory systems may be more susceptible to this illness.
For just a minute think how great it would be without the
Risk or Worry of :
Increased shortness of breath
Wheezing
Disturbed sleep caused coughing
Chest tightness or pain
Increased need to use bronchodilators
A fall in peak flow rates
At this point it's necessary to say that if you suspect bronchial pneumonia, a visit to your local physician is in order. There are actually two types of pneumonia with bronchial pneumonia affecting the lungs in patches around the bronchi or bronchioles tubes. The other is called lobar pneumonia and affects a section or lobe of the lung. And to make matters a little more complicated, pneumonia can be caused by either a bacterial or viral infection in the lungs. Bronchial tubes are especially prone to problems in people with asthma or asthmatic conditions like allergies.
This means that pneumonia is actually an infection in the lungs which by the way claims between 40000 and 60,000 people annually.
As many as 10% of babies will experience Bronchiolitis, which is very similar to bronchial pnuemonia with more of a dry cough. Most times, the symptoms of bronchiolitis will disappear within about 7-10 days. The key thing to watch out for however is cyanosis at the fingernail bed and lips. If you see this, it's a trip to the doctor immediately!
Bronchial pneumonia can spread to several patches in one or both lungs. It's a very serious illness that seems to impact children, babies and senior adults. It can be caused by a number of bacteria including streptococcus pneumoniae.
The Symptoms of Bronchial Pneumonia
This infection then causes the compromised area to fill with fluid which in turn interferes with the lungs normal oxygen capacity.
The most common symptoms of pneumonia are
1. Shortness of Breath
2. Chest Pains and Difficulty Breathing (Dyspnea)
3. Shallow Are Rapid Breathing
4. Coughing up Mucus
5. Fingernails... They Have a Blue Tent (cyanosis)
6. Yellow-Green Phlegm (Mucous)
In some cases there may also be general pain in a fever, that would naturally bring on additional symptoms of sweats and headaches. Be aware that symptoms and severity may vary with age, physical condition and general health of the person. This is no more true that in people with asthmatic conditions. Any bronchial infection should be taken much more seriously in those with astma.
Viral pneumonias are much more subtle, but can still exhibit similar symptoms.
Bronchial Pneumonia Causes:
As we've discussed above, pneumonia can be caused by either a bacterial or viral infection. While many cases are identified as being streptococcus pneumoniae specific, influenza, Legionella and even Chlamydia are also potential causes. Smokers are especially susceptible to having compromised lung capacity which is then worsened by contracting pneumonia.
One of the best ways to fight off pneumonia is not to get it in the first place. There's now a Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus vaccine that's recommended for the majority of senior citizens in good general health.
Influenza, bacteria and viral infections have been around for as long as we can remember. Bronchial pneumonia is a serious illness and needs to be treated as quickly as possible by a qualified physician.
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Bronchial Pneumonia
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Asthma and Respiratory Definitions & Terms:
Nebulizer -- Device (small air compressor, typically) for transforming a liquid (medicine) into a vapor. The vapor is inhaled, usually by means of a face mask or mouthpiece, into the lungs. The nebulization of the medicine into extremely fine particles increases the absorption rate by the lungs, making this one of the most effective delivery techniques available for home use. Less expensive nebulizers use an air compressor; ultrasonic models are very portable, nearly silent and faster but quite a bit more expensive. Need more information on nebulizers? Read this great fact sheet and our tips page.
Pneumococcal vaccine -- A killed or weakened form of the pneumococcus bacteria that is given in order to increase a person's immunity to the pneumonia-causing bacteria.
Integra -- MDI with compact spacer device. Available in UK.
Cut Your Asthma Meds by 1/2 Wouldn't it be great to have better control of your asthma condition? Find out how to have fewer attacks by using these simply breathing techniques. Kick Asthma Naturally
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Cleaner air = FEWER ATTACKS! Personal Air Purifiers are the best way to keep control of the asthma triggers in your home