Pneumonia Center - Billings, MTBillings Internist Doctors for PneumoniaType of Physician: Internist What is a Internist? A certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners provide long-term, comprehensive care in the office and the hospital, managing both common illnesses and complex problems for adolescents, adults, and the elderly. General internists are trained in primary care internal medicine, which incorporates an understanding of disease prevention, wellness, substance abuse, mental health and treatment of problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system and reproductive organs. All internists are trained in the subspecialty areas of internal medicine including emergency internal medicine and critical care. Internists consult with surgeons when surgical management is indicated, and often act as consultants to other specialists. Specialty: Internal Medicine Common Name: Internist Doctors in Billings * Deaconess Billings Clinic Internal Medicine  Deaconess Billings Clinic Internal Medicine  Deaconess Billings Clinic Internal Medicine  Deaconess Billings Clinic Internal Medicine  Deaconess Billings Clinic Internal Medicine  Deaconess Billings Clinic Internal Medicine  Deaconess Billings Clinic Internal Medicine  Billings Clinic West  Deaconess Billings Clinic Internal Medicine  Deaconess Billings Clinic Internal Medicine  Deaconess Billings Clinic Internal Medicine  Deaconess Billings Clinic Internal Medicine  Community Health Partners  Deaconess Billings Clinic Internal Medicine  Deaconess Billings Clinic Internal Medicine  Billings Clinic West  Hematology & Oncology Centers of Northern Rockies  Internal Medicine Assoc  Internal Medicine Assoc  Internal Medicine Assoc  Internal Medicine Assoc  Internal Medicine Assoc  Internal Medicine Assoc  Broadwater Internal Medicine & Diabetes  Center for Healthy Living  Center for Healthy Living  Hardin Clinic Billings, MontanaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-09
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PneumoniaWhat is pneumonia?Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs which is usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Prior to the discovery of antibiotics, one-third of all people who developed pneumonia subsequently died from the infection. Currently, over 3 million people develop pneumonia each year in the United States. Over a half a million of these people are admitted to a hospital for treatment. Although most of these people recover, approximately 5% will die from pneumonia. Pneumonia is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
How do people "catch pneumonia"?Some cases of pneumonia are contracted by breathing in small droplets that contain the organisms that can cause pneumonia. These droplets get into the air when a person infected with these germs coughs or sneezes. In other cases, pneumonia is caused when bacteria or viruses that are normally present in the mouth, throat, or nose inadvertently enter the lung. During sleep, it is quite common for people to aspirate secretions from the mouth, throat, or nose. Normally, the body's reflex response (coughing back up the secretions) and their immune system will prevent the aspirated organisms from causing pneumonia. However, if a person is in a weakened condition from another illness, a severe pneumonia can develop. People with recent viral infections, lung disease, heart disease, and swallowing problems, as well as alcoholics, drug users, and those who have suffered a stroke or seizure are at higher risk for developing pneumonia than the general population. As we age, our swallowing mechanism can become impaired as does our immune system. These factors, along with some of the negative side effects of medications, increase the risk for pneumonia in the elderly. Once organisms enter the lungs, they usually settle in the air sacs and passages of the lung where they rapidly grow in number. This area of the lung then becomes fille... Recommended Reading Related to PneumoniaSwine flu (H1N1 influenza virus) facts
What is swine flu (novel H1N1 influenza A swine flu)?Swine flu (swine influenza) is a... Other Related Pneumonia ArticlesEmergency Contact for Billings
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