Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Mycoplasma pneumonitis

    A form of atypical pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae.  

  • Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

    Immunologically induced inflammation of the lungs of a susceptible host caused by repeated inhalation of a variety of substances including organic dusts. Included are molds and other fungi from sources such as cheese, vegetables, mushrooms, flour, mushroom compost, bark of trees, detergents, and contaminated humidification systems. In the acute stage, patients may present with cough,…

  • Ventilator-associated pneumonia

    In patients receiving mechanical ventilation, a new and persistent infiltrate seen on chest x-ray associated with fever, elevated or depressed white blood cell counts, and sputum that is either purulent or full of disease-causing bacteria.  

  • Tularemic pneumonia

    Pneumonia caused by Francisella tularensis. It may be primary or associated with tularemia.  

  • Tuberculous pneumonia

    Pneumonia caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.  

  • Secondary pneumonia

    Pneumonia that occurs in connection with a specific systemic disease such as typhoid, diphtheria, or plague.  

  • Pneumococcal pneumonia

    The most common form of pneumonia in the U.S., affecting about half a million people each year. It often begins with hard-shaking chills and may be fatal, esp. in the elderly or those with underlying diseases. It usually strikes smokers, people with underlying lung diseases, those recently infected with influenza or those with sickle-cell anemia,…

  • Nosocomial pneumonia

    Pneumonia occurring after 48 hours of confinement in a hospital, intensive care unit, or nursing home. It is often the result of infection with gram-negative pathogens or multiply drug-resistant bacteria.  

  • Neonatal pneumonia

    Lung infection occurring in the first few days of life due to uterine exposure to infectious microorganisms or to infection during or immediately after birth. Common causes include viruses (e.g., herpes simplex) and bacteria (e.g., group B streptococcus, Chlamydia, Escherichia coli, Listeria).  

  • Lipoid pneumonia

    Damage to lung tissue that results from aspiration of oils. It may occur repeatedly in patients with impaired swallowing mechanisms or in persons affected by esophageal disorders, such as esophageal carcinoma, achalasia, or scleroderma. Mineral oils and cooking oils often are responsible. Most cases resolve spontaneously, but corticosteroids sometimes are used as treatment to reduce…