June 16, 2013 Pneumonia - Adults (Community Acquired) Pneumonia
is an inflammation of the lung that is most often caused by
infection with bacteria, viruses, or other organisms.
Occasionally, inhaled chemicals that irritate the lungs can
cause pneumonia. Healthy people can usually fight off pneumonia
infections. However, people who are sick, including those who
are recovering from the flu (influenza) or an upper respiratory
illness, have weakened immune systems that make it easier for
bacteria to grow in their lungs. Defining Pneumonia by Location
in the Lung Pneumonia may be defined according to its location
in the lung: - Lobar pneumonia occurs in one part, or lobe, of
the lung. - Bronchopneumonia tends to be scattered throughout
the lung. Defining Pneumonia by Origin of Infection Doctors
often classify pneumonia based on where the disease is
contracted. This helps predict which organisms are most likely
responsible for the illness and, therefore, which treatment is
most likely to be effective. Community-Ac