Pneumococcal pneumonia

Pneumococcal pneumonia (pronounced: noo-muh-KOK-ul noo-MOH-nee-uh) is a type of pneumonia that is caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium, also known as pneumococcus.

Etymology

The term "pneumococcal" is derived from the Greek words "pneumon" (lung) and "kokkos" (berry), referring to the bacterium's spherical shape. "Pneumonia" is also derived from "pneumon", reflecting the disease's impact on the lungs.

Definition

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body such as the brain and bloodstream. It is characterized by inflammation and fluid build-up in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia include:

Causes

Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can be spread through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread through direct contact with an infected person.

Treatment

Treatment for pneumococcal pneumonia typically involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria, as well as supportive care to manage symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

Prevention

Prevention of pneumococcal pneumonia includes vaccination with the pneumococcal vaccine, as well as good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the bacteria.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Pneumococcal pneumonia
Wikipedia's article - Pneumococcal pneumonia

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Pneumococcal pneumonia