Nursing Care Plan for Pneumonia

Today we learn about Nursing Care Plan for Pneumonia also Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be very serious. The infection is usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi and can be transmitted from person to person through sneezing, coughing, and even laughing. People who have weakened immune systems or chronic health problems are at the highest risk of developing pneumonia. Signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, cough with phlegm production, and fever. Learn more about what pneumonia is and how it’s treated here!

What is Pneumonia?

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are 12 million cases of pneumonia diagnosed in people older than five years old each year in the United States. The CDC also noted that pneumonia affects all races, ages, and ethnicities equally.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) defines pneumonia as an infection of one or both lungs. Lung infections can have different causes but pneumonia occurs when bacteria, a virus, or fungus infects your lungs.

The Basics

Pneumonia is an infection of your lungs that causes inflammation and makes it hard to breathe. There are different types of pneumonia, which can be caused by viruses, bacteria or a combination of both. When you have pneumonia, your tiny air sacs (alveoli) fill with fluid or pus and make it difficult for oxygen to reach your bloodstream.

Types of Pneumonia

There are three main types of pneumonia: community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and aspiration pneumonia. Hospitalized patients are at greater risk for all forms of pneumonia because they’re exposed to a higher volume of contagions than people who aren’t confined to a medical facility.

Community-acquired pneumonia can strike anyone, but those with compromised immune systems (as can be seen in those with HIV/AIDS or cancer) or those with chronic respiratory illnesses are especially vulnerable.

VARIETIES OF PNEUMONIA

When people hear about pneumonia, they think of bacterial pneumonia. However, there are many kinds of pneumonia that are caused by different kinds of germs. It’s important to know what kind you have so you can get the treatment that will help you get better and avoid any serious complications. Bacterial pneumonia: This type of pneumonia is caused by bacteria from a source outside your body, such as from an infection in your lungs or respiratory tract.

BACTERIAL PNEUMONIA

In bacterial pneumonia, bacteria are present in abundance in your lungs. Although most cases of pneumonia are bacterial, only 10 to 20 percent of all pneumonia cases are caused by bacteria. Bacterial pneumonia tends to occur among those who have an impaired immune system or chronic lung disease. This condition can be life-threatening if it’s not treated promptly with antibiotics. Most infections that lead to bacterial pneumonia come from strep throat and tonsillitis, colds, bronchitis, and ear infections.

Fungal pneumonia (Coccidioidomycosis, Histoplasmosis, Paracoccidioidomycosis, Blastomycosis)

These types of pneumonia are caused by a fungus that is found in soil or air. It causes inflammation in the lungs, which can lead to problems breathing. These types of pneumonia tend to be less common than bacterial or viral pneumonia. People with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing fungal pneumonia.

Parasitic pneumonia (Amebiasis, Balantidiasis, Cryptosporidiosis, Giardiasis, Microsporidiosis, Plasmodium species)

Parasitic pneumonia occurs due to infection with a parasitic organism. Parasites are tiny organisms that live in and on people. They use our bodies for food and shelter.

Helminthic pneumonia (Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Ascaris lumbricoides, Clonorchis sinensis, Diphyllobothrium latum, Enterobius vermicularis [nematode], Fasciola hepatica [trematode], Filaria species [helminth], Schistosoma species [trematode])

Helminthic (worm) infections are among the most prevalent parasitic diseases worldwide. The variety of organisms that cause helminthic pneumonia include lungworms and certain trematodes. The most common helminthic infection in humans is caused by roundworms, such as Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis, or hookworms.

Airway tumors causing pneumonia

Airway tumors like lung cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma can lead to pneumonitis and pneumonia. They block airways causing breathlessness and infection-causing pneumonia. Treatment of these cases is specific for individual conditions.

Viral pneumonia

These are caused by a variety of viruses, including rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and adenoviruses. While it doesn’t cause severe illness in otherwise healthy individuals, it can be very serious for those with underlying conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Viral pneumonia can also trigger asthma attacks in people who have asthma.