Pneumonia Review based on Pathogenic Factors

Abstract: Pneumonia is defined as an inflammation of the lung parenchyma, and is caused by different factors resulting in varied manifestations and sequelae. Pneumonia has a great impact on an individual well-being and quality of life, and has brought a heavy economic burden to society. Pneumonia can be classified based on etiologies, lesion sites, coverage, acquisition ways, disease duration, pathological essence, and so on. Based on the classification of etiologies, this article briefly reviewed pneumonia from pathogenic characteristics, pathogenic mechanisms, epidemiology, diagnosis and Chinese medicine treatment. It is found that pneumonia is mainly caused by pathogens via various mechanisms, often outbreaks in winter and early spring, especially in areas with poor medical conditions, and is inclined to the immunocompromised individuals, such as children under 5 years of age and the elderly, its diagnosis basis are mainly clinical features and chest CT. Up to now, almost all types of pneumonia can be accurately diagnosed and effectively improved by different traditional medicines, especially Chinese medicines, while the fast diagnosis technology which is specific to its corresponding pathogen remains urgently to be developed.