PNEUMONIA Meaning and
Definition
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Pneumonia is a medical condition characterized by inflammation and infection of the lungs, specifically within the air sacs known as alveoli. It is typically caused by an infection, most commonly by bacteria or viruses, although fungi and parasites can also be responsible. Pneumonia can range in severity from mild to life-threatening, and its symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the causative agent, the age and overall health of the affected individual, and the extent of lung involvement.
Common symptoms of pneumonia include persistent coughing, production of colored or bloody mucus, shortness of breath, chest pain when breathing or coughing, fatigue, fever, and chills. As the infection progresses, individuals may also experience headaches, muscle aches, confusion, and a bluish tinge to the lips or nails due to lack of oxygen in the bloodstream. Pneumonia can be diagnosed through various methods, such as physical examination, chest X-ray, blood tests, and analysis of respiratory secretions.
Treatment for pneumonia usually involves antibiotic or antiviral medications, depending on the causative agent. Additional measures such as rest, increasing fluid intake, using a humidifier, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce fever and discomfort may also be recommended. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for intensive treatment, including intravenous antibiotics and respiratory support. Vaccines are available for some common types of pneumonia, such as those caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Preventive measures like proper hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and immunization are important in reducing the risk of contracting pneumonia.
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1. Inflammation of the lungs, pneumonitis. 2. Specifically an acute infectious disease, croupous p.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Inflammation of the lungs.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for PNEUMONIA *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for PNEUMONIA
Etymology of PNEUMONIA
The word "pneumonia" comes from the Greek word "pneumon", which means "lung". The root "pneu-" is derived from "pneuma", meaning "air" or "breath". The suffix "-ia" in medical terminology is used to denote a condition or disease. By combining these elements, "pneumonia" describes a condition characterized by inflammation of the lungs, typically caused by infection.
Idioms with the word PNEUMONIA
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if (something) catches a cold, (something else) gets pneumonia
The idiom "if (something) catches a cold, (something else) gets pneumonia" is used to describe a situation where a minor problem or setback leads to a much more serious or severe consequence. The phrase implies that something small or insignificant can have larger, more adverse effects.
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when (something) catches a cold, (something else) gets pneumonia
The idiom "when (something) catches a cold, (something else) gets pneumonia" is used to describe a situation where a minor problem or setback has a cascading effect, resulting in a much larger or more serious issue. It suggests that if a small inconvenience or difficulty occurs, it will inevitably lead to a significantly worse outcome or consequences. It highlights the concept of a chain reaction, where an initial problem causes a domino effect of increasingly severe problems.
Similar spelling words for PNEUMONIA
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