There are four stages to pneumonia which an individual may go through after contracting the condition.
The first stage will involve the body actually accumulated bacteria. The infection will continue to grow as the number of bacteria increase. As a result, this will lead to the second stage of pneumonia which is also known as the red hepatisation stage. At this stage, the alveolar spaces in the lungs will start to become blocked with blood and this may even start appearing on the surface of the lungs. These air sacs or alveoli will start to become more and more inflamed as they become filled with fluid.
At the third stage, the red blood cells will begin to break up and this is also known as the gray hepatization stage. The last stage occurs when fluids in the lungs are broken down by enzymes and this may also include pus.
The body’s natural reaction to trying to clear these fluids from the lungs is through coughing as it becomes more difficult for the individual to breathe. As the lungs are becoming more filled, there is less space for oxygen to be absorbed into the body and this could lead to further complications as the body is unable to transport as much oxygen rich blood to its major organs.
For groups such as babies, young children, the elderly, smokers or those with a pre-existing lung condition or weakened immune system, hospital treatment may be necessary. For those with a milder form of pneumonia, it may be possible to treat the condition at home with a course of antibiotics.
The first stage will involve the body actually accumulated bacteria. The infection will continue to grow as the number of bacteria increase. As a result, this will lead to the second stage of pneumonia which is also known as the red hepatisation stage. At this stage, the alveolar spaces in the lungs will start to become blocked with blood and this may even start appearing on the surface of the lungs. These air sacs or alveoli will start to become more and more inflamed as they become filled with fluid.
At the third stage, the red blood cells will begin to break up and this is also known as the gray hepatization stage. The last stage occurs when fluids in the lungs are broken down by enzymes and this may also include pus.
The body’s natural reaction to trying to clear these fluids from the lungs is through coughing as it becomes more difficult for the individual to breathe. As the lungs are becoming more filled, there is less space for oxygen to be absorbed into the body and this could lead to further complications as the body is unable to transport as much oxygen rich blood to its major organs.
For groups such as babies, young children, the elderly, smokers or those with a pre-existing lung condition or weakened immune system, hospital treatment may be necessary. For those with a milder form of pneumonia, it may be possible to treat the condition at home with a course of antibiotics.