Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection causing inflammation and excess fluid deposition in air sacs and the smaller airways of the lungs. Special white blood cells then travel to the lungs to fight off the infection. This makes it difficult for the lungs to receive oxygen from the air and pump into the bloodstream and then throughout the whole body.

Anyone can contract pneumonia. Even the young and fit! However, it is more common and usually more serious in the very young, the very old, smokers and anyone weakened by long term illness - especially if the illness interferes with the body’s normal defenses against infection.

At Sunshine, treatment for pneumonia varies depending on the cause and severity. For instance, while antibiotics are suggested for bacterial pneumonia, the same are ineffective against viral pneumonia.

Treating Infective Pneumonia

Although the treatment for infective pneumonia depends on the cause of the condition, some simple steps can help speed recovery from pneumonia:

• Medications -Usually antibiotics
• Bed rest (until body core temperature returns to normal)

Recovery: The extent of recovery from pneumonia depends on the type of pneumonia and the person's general health. Most people with pneumonia recover completely,