Types of Pneumonia

The medical condition of pneumonia is mainly characterized by inflammation of lungs. In this condition, alveoli of lungs get filled with fluid. The alveoli are microscopic air-filled sacs and the smallest part of lungs. Infection, resulting from viruses, bacteria or fungi, is the main cause of pneumonia. Difficulty in breathing, fever, cough and chest pain are the symptoms of this disease.

Different Types of Pneumonia

The types along with signs and symptoms of pneumonia are discussed in the following paragraphs.

Aspiration Pneumonia
This type of pneumonia results from inhalation of foreign materials in the lungs. Foreign material can be anything from food, drinks, secretions from the mouth, etc. In this condition, the patient experiences inflammation of bronchial tubes. The problem of inflammation can worsen into a condition where pus gets collected in the lungs. Following problems are the cause of foreign material aspiration by lungs: esophagus disorders (gastroesophageal reflux and esophageal stricture), swallowing problems, decrease in, or absence of, gag reflex. The problems in gag reflex are mainly observed in semi-conscious or unconscious individuals.

Mycoplasma Pneumonia
As the name suggests, causal organism in this type of pneumonia is mycoplasma. This kind of pneumonia affects people from all age groups. Severe cough which leads to mucus production is the main symptom in this health problem. Although, mycoplasma pneumonia affects individual from all age groups, children are more prone to it. Apart from the production of sever cough, other pneumonia symptoms include rashes, anemia, myelitis, meningitis and encephalitis.

Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia
This type of pneumonia is named after the causal organism, Pneumocystis carinii. The Pneumocystis carinii is basically a fungus commonly found in our surroundings. This fungus attacks the body of those with a weakened immune system. People suffering from HIV/AIDS and cancer can contract the infection. Those individuals who have undergone transplantation of bone marrow/solid organ too, are susceptible to this infection. Immune system of patients under the treatment of chronic corticosteroids gets weakened and fungus can also attack these individuals.

Types of Pneumonia in Infants
Infants and children are especially susceptible as they have a weak immune system.

Bacterial Pneumonia
In most cases of bacterial pneumonia, streptococcus pneumonia is the causal organism. Main symptoms in this form of pneumonia are as follows: rapid heartbeat, fever, irritability, restlessness and fatigue. Labored breathing and coughing are the other bacterial pneumonia symptomsthat are generally observed. Since, the infant faces difficulty in breathing, symptoms like sinking chest and flared nostrils too, are observed. In some cases, pneumonia symptoms also include diarrhea and vomiting.

Viral Pneumonia
The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) or adenovirus is the causal organism for this medical condition in most cases. Symptoms that are mainly observed in viral pneumonia include, fever (moderate to high), labored breathing and production of cough that contains white mucus in small bits. Loss of appetite, irritability and lethargy are other symptoms of viral pneumonia.

Pneumonia, if not controlled in a timely manner, can turn into a fatal disease. One should therefore, consult a doctor, in order to take the necessary treatment.