Pneumonia

Pleurisy Root Extract 1 OuncesPneumonia

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Pneumonia is an inflammatory of the lungs. It is caused by a wide variety of viruses, (Rickettsia), bacteria, (Mycoplasma), and fungi. Lung inflammation may also occur with the inhalation of various dusts or gases.

In pneumonia, the lung tissue is irritated by microorganisms or by dusts or gases inhaled. The walls or air sacs or alveoli swell or are destroyed. Then the plasma, red blood cells, and white blood cells from ling capillaries fill the alveolar spaces.

The portion of the lungs involved becomes relatively solid, so it can no longer expand and contract. This makes breathing difficult. Typical symptoms include fever, chills, cough, chest pain (pleurisy), increased production of sputum, sweating, aching, expectoration of blood, and difficulty in breathing.

The Treatment

                Pneumonia can be treated successfully with antibiotics. A vaccine against pneumococcal pneumonia was introduces in 1977. A more effective vaccine was licensed in 1983. Vaccines are used primarily for persons who are in the high-risk groups for the disease. A special type of pneumonia that occurs frequently in children and young adults is caused by microorganism.

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