PNEUMOCOCCAL PNEUMONIA Meaning and
Definition
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Pneumococcal pneumonia is a medical condition caused by a bacterial infection by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, also known as pneumococcus. This type of pneumonia is characterized by an inflammation of the lungs primarily affecting the alveoli, which are small air sacs in the lungs responsible for gas exchange.
Pneumococcal pneumonia is a significant public health concern as it is one of the most common and severe types of pneumonia. It can affect individuals of all ages, but it is particularly dangerous for young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The bacteria responsible for pneumococcal pneumonia are commonly found in the upper respiratory tract and can be transmitted through respiratory droplets from infected individuals.
Symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia typically include high fever, cough with phlegm production, chest pain, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and sometimes confusion or altered mental state, especially in older individuals. The infection can lead to severe complications such as lung abscesses, septicemia (bloodstream infection), meningitis, and even death if left untreated.
Preventive measures for pneumococcal pneumonia include vaccination with pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, which provide protection against the most common strains of the bacteria. Treatment generally involves antibiotics to fight the infection, rest, and supportive care to alleviate symptoms. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to prevent complications and ensure a full recovery.
Common Misspellings for PNEUMOCOCCAL PNEUMONIA
- oneumococcal pneumonia
- lneumococcal pneumonia
- -neumococcal pneumonia
- 0neumococcal pneumonia
- pbeumococcal pneumonia
- pmeumococcal pneumonia
- pjeumococcal pneumonia
- pheumococcal pneumonia
- pnwumococcal pneumonia
- pnsumococcal pneumonia
- pndumococcal pneumonia
- pnrumococcal pneumonia
- pn4umococcal pneumonia
- pn3umococcal pneumonia
- pneymococcal pneumonia
- pnehmococcal pneumonia
- pnejmococcal pneumonia
- pneimococcal pneumonia
- pne8mococcal pneumonia
Etymology of PNEUMOCOCCAL PNEUMONIA
The word "pneumococcal pneumonia" can be broken down into two parts: "pneumococcal" and "pneumonia".
1. Pneumococcal:
The term "pneumococcal" is derived from the specific bacteria responsible for causing the majority of cases of pneumonia, Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium was discovered and classified by Louis Pasteur in the late 19th century and was named "pneumococcus" because it was frequently associated with pneumonia. The prefix "pneumo-" in Greek means "lung" or "air", referring to the association of the bacteria with the respiratory system.
2. Pneumonia:
The word "pneumonia" originates from the ancient Greek terms "pneumōn" (meaning lung) and "pneumōnía" (meaning lung disease).
Similar spelling words for PNEUMOCOCCAL PNEUMONIA
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