Legionella pneumonia, or Legionnaire's disease, is an atypical form of pneumonia caused by the bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila. Legionella can be life-threatening, and has a higher death rate than other atypical pneumonias. It was...
The term "walking pneumonia" or "atypical pneumonia" is used in cases where there are symptoms of pneumonia which are not severe enough to require bed rest or hospitalization. The symptoms can be so mild that treatment or diagnosis is not sought....
Pneumonia, an infection of the lungs, can be caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria. Bacterial pneumonia tends to be the most dangerous type and also the most common in adults. In healthy individuals, bacterial pneumonia can usually be treated...
The lungs are prone to infections because lung tissue is designed to interact with the outside world (via breathing) but is fragile enough that it can be damaged easily. Lung infections, also known as infectious pneumonia, can range from fairly...
Indoor air pollutants come in the form of gases and air particles and are mainly due to poor ventilation. When ventilation in the home is inadequate, pollutants build up to high levels and tend to linger for long periods of time. High...
Coughing is a normal reflex that helps keep the lungs clean by forcefully propelling accumulated mucus and debris from the airways. Inhalation of dusty air, secondhand smoke or air pollutants typically triggers a coughing episode. Repetitive or...
Bacteria are microscopic organisms that live in the air, soil and water, on surfaces, and in and on the human body. They are the smallest free-living organisms, meaning they support their own growth and reproduction. These organisms are only about...
Atypical pneumonia is pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila bacterial pathogens. Basically, the lung area that absorbs needed oxygen, the alveoli, get infected so pulmonary function...
Pathogenic bacteria are those that invade the human body and cause disease. Once in the body, the bacteria multiply potentially causing cellular damage. Many pathogenic bacteria produce toxins and other proteins that accelerate tissue invasion and...
Bacteria and other pathogens are nearly omnipresent in our world. While our immune system has the ability to protect the body from their harmful effects, it is when these invaders reach toxic levels that infection can occur. Bacterial and other...
