INTRODUCTION

Pneumonia is a common lung infection caused by variety of microorganisms such as bacteria,

virus, fungi or parasites. It is characterized by build-up of pus in the lung air sacs, which can cause
obstruction in the lungs thereby inhibiting the proper passage of oxygen throughout the body. The
collection of pus in the lungs can cause difficulty of breathing – which is one of the symptoms of a
person diagnosed with pneumonia. If an infected individual coughs or sneezes, these organisms will
dispersed into the air and once inhaled by another individual that person may acquire also the disease.
Hence, pneumonia is considered a contagious disease. Older adults, children and people with chronic
disease, including COPD and asthma, are at high risk for pneumonia. The condition varies from mild to
severe depending on the type of organism involved, age and the underlying health of the individual.
Pneumonia can be categorized as: community-acquired, hospital-acquired and pneumonia occurring in
Immunocompromised individuals (individuals with weakened immune system).

The onset of pneumonia can be sudden or slowly progressive. In most cases the symptoms of
pneumonia mimics that of flu or other common lung infections such as bronchitis. The main signs and
symptoms of pneumonia are: cough that produces phlegm (sputum) which is either yellow, blood-
stained or rust colored, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, chills, fever, headache, excessive sweating,
weight loss, loss of appetite, muscle pain, weakness and tiredness. Diagnosis is based on a detailed
history of the individual which involves the signs and symptoms, detailed personal and medical history.
Certain laboratory investigations such as chest X-rays to confirm and determine the extent of infection
as well as to rule out other chest infections. Sputum and blood tests are done to identify the specific
organism responsible for the infection. Pulse oximetry is carried out to ascertain the flow of oxygen
through the blood thus, determining the functionality of the lungs.

Treatment for pneumonia usually depends on the type of pneumonia, bacterial or viral. Viral
pneumonia does not require antibiotics instead antiviral medications are prescribed. The individual
usually takes one to three weeks to recover. Individuals with bacterial pneumonia are usually treated
using antibiotics to cure the infection. Medications are given to relieve pain, fever and cough along with
adequate rest, healthy diet and plenty of fluids to improve the general health. Hospitalization and
oxygen therapy are advised in severe conditions. Treatment of the underlying medical problem is
necessary if present with periodic follow-up visits. Although, giving of flu shots may lessen the chances
of acquiring the disease, as well as frequent handwashing and being cautious to surroundings (eg.
Wearing mask when in contact to sick individuals).

According to World Health Organization, the incidence of pneumonia worldwide equates to an

annual incidence of 150.7 million cases. In the Philippines, 57,809 pneumonia deaths were reported in
2016, nearly 10 percent of 582,183 registered deaths in 2016. This made pneumonia the 3rd top killer
behind ischemic heart disease and cancer. Other infectious diseases making the top 10 causes of death
in the Philippines include tuberculosis #8 with 24,462 cases and chronic lower respiratory infections #9
with 24, 236 cases.