Pneumonia English Lesson93

Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the air sacs of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Pneumonia is a leading cause of hospitalization and death worldwide, especially among young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of pneumonia can include:
Cough (with or without mucus)
Fever and chills
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting

Diagnosis of pneumonia is typically based on a physical exam, chest X-ray, and blood tests. Treatment for pneumonia depends on the type of infection and its severity. Antibiotics are typically used to treat bacterial pneumonia, while antiviral medications are used to treat viral pneumonia. Other treatments may include oxygen therapy, fluids, and pain relievers.

Prevention of pneumonia is important, especially for people at high risk. Pneumonia vaccines are available to protect against some types of pneumonia, including the pneumococcal vaccine and the flu vaccine. Other preventive measures include:
Washing your hands frequently
Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
Avoiding contact with people who are sick
Getting enough rest
Eating a healthy diet
Exercising regularly
Quit smoking

Pneumonia is a serious infection, but it can be treated and prevented. If you think you or someone you know may have pneumonia, see a doctor right away.

Pneumonia Vocabulary* Alveoli: The tiny air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.
* Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs.
* Chest X-ray: A picture of the chest that can show pneumonia and other lung problems.
* Cough: A sudden expulsion of air from the lungs.
* Fever: A body temperature that is higher than normal.
* Influenza: A viral infection that can cause pneumonia.
* Oxygen therapy: Treatment that involves giving extra oxygen to a patient.
* Pleurisy: Inflammation of the pleura, the membrane that lines the lungs and chest cavity.
* Pneumonia: A lung infection that causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the air sacs.
* Streptococcus pneumoniae: A type of bacteria that commonly causes pneumonia.

Pneumonia ConversationDoctor: Hi, I'm Dr. Smith. I understand you're here because you're having some trouble breathing.
Patient: Yes, that's right. I've been coughing a lot lately, and I've been having some chest pain.
Doctor: I see. Well, I'm going to listen to your lungs and take a chest X-ray.
Patient: Okay.
Doctor: (Listens to the patient's lungs and takes a chest X-ray.) Well, it looks like you have pneumonia.
Patient: Pneumonia? What's that?
Doctor: It's a lung infection. It's caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Patient: How do I get it?
Doctor: You can get it from inhaling bacteria or viruses from someone who is sick. You can also get it from breathing in dust or other particles that contain bacteria or viruses.
Patient: What are the symptoms?
Doctor: Symptoms can include coughing, fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
Patient: How is it treated?
Doctor: Treatment depends on the type of pneumonia you have. Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics. Viral pneumonia is treated with antiviral medications. Other treatments may include oxygen therapy, fluids, and pain relievers.
Patient: How can I prevent it?
Doctor: There are a few things you can do to prevent pneumonia. You can get vaccinated against pneumonia. You can also wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and avoid contact with people who are sick.
Patient: Thank you for the information.
Doctor: You're welcome.