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Pneumonia is a constant threat. According to the American Lung Association, more than 60,000 Americans died from pneumonia in 2003, making it the seventh leading cause of death.

Pneumonia is lung inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses or other organisms, causing the lungs to fill with fluid. There are two main types of pneumonia: community-acquired and hospital-acquired.

John Tully, M.D. Director, Division of Infectious Diseases at 60,000 Americans died from pneumonia in 2003, making it the seventh leading cause of death.

Pneumonia is lung inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses or other organisms, causing the lungs to fill with fluid. There are two main types of pneumonia: community-acquired and hospital-acquired.

Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, says community-acquired pneumonia is generally caused by organisms such as viruses, Mycoplasma and Chlamydia. These organisms may cause mild, flu-like symptoms, are easily spread and often affect school-aged children. Mycoplasma is a tiny microorganism that causes what is sometimes referred to as walking pneumonia. “People with walking pneumonia can carry on daily activities even when they feel under the weather,” says Dr. Tully. Although Mycoplasma and Chlamydia organisms are generally easy to treat, older patients may develop more serious illness. Legionella is a bacterium that often causes a more severe pneumonia.

Several different viruses can also cause community-acquired pneumonia. Viral pneumonia can cause a dry cough, headache, fever, muscle pain and fatigue. In time, breathlessness and a cough that produces white-colored phlegm can develop. According to Dr. Tully, “Influenza is a forerunner to pneumonia in the winter months,” and an annual flu vaccination is highly recommended for people over age 50, anyone with a pre-existing medical condition and pregnant women.

The flu virus can also make people susceptible to bacterial pneumonia. Bacteria can enter the lungs through inhalation or through the bloodstream. Typical symptoms include: chills, high fever, sweating, chest pain and a cough that produces green or yellow-colored phlegm. Hospital and nursing home patients, smokers and other patients with underlying health problems are the most susceptible to bacterial pneumonia.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia can be especially dangerous for older adults and patients with suppressed immune systems. According to Dr. Tully, geriatric patients and people with compromised immune systems may have more nonspecific symptoms, making diagnosis less straightforward.

Dr. Tully says people with bacterial pneumonia are always treated with antibiotics. “Antibiotics can prevent possible fatal cases, serious illnesses and certain complications such as respiratory and circulatory failure,” he says. To prevent bacterial pneumonia, he suggests pneumococcal vaccine (the pneumonia vaccine) for adults over the age of 65, anyone with underlying medical problems such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, as well as for people with a suppressed immune system. On the other hand, patients diagnosed with mild cases of pneumonia may get better even without antibiotics.

At Mount Auburn Hospital, doctors are taking steps to help prevent all types of pneumonia, including urging patients to quit smoking. Smoking damages the protective barriers of the lungs and interferes with the body’s natural defenses against pneumonia. Dr. Tully says “Patients who smoke are more likely to carry certain types of bacteria in their respiratory tract that invade their lungs and cause pneumonia.”

Mount Auburn Hospital physicians are also identifying candidates who would benefit from the influenza and pneumonia vaccinations. Physicians’ plans also include educating people about the importance of the vaccines. “Pneumonia continues to present significant risks. Vaccination helps protect patients against illness and even death,” says Dr. Tully.

Prompt diagnosis is crucial for treating pneumonia. Bubbling and crackling in the lungs alert doctors to potential pneumonia. Dr. Tully says smoking, alcohol abuse, medical history and age all offer clues. An X-ray may be needed to determine if there is an abnormality, where it is located and the extent of the infection. Blood and sputum tests may help determine the type of infection that exists. Dr. Tully says once treatment begins, patients are closely monitored for possible complications.

People can do a lot to prevent pneumonia. Dr. Tully and the physicians at Mount Auburn Hospital recommend reducing the risk of pneumonia by not smoking, getting vaccinated and maintaining good general health.

For a free Mount Auburn Hospital physician directory, please call us at 617-499-5094.