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DEFINITION OF PNEUMONIA DEFINITION OF PNEUMONIA An acute infectious disease characterized by an inflammation of the lungs, in connection with various infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses or fungi, the filling of the alveoli with a dense fibrinous exudate, a general systemic toxemia of varying intensity, and a fever which terminates abruptly by crisis. Secondary infective processes may involve the pericardium, the endocardium, the pleura, or the cerebro-spinal meninges. Orthodox diagnostic criteria kroe1,2014 1. Pulmonary infiltrate (main criterion) [Ed.: diagnosed by auscultation, and/or objectively confirmed by chest X-ray or CT scan.] plus at least 1 of the following signs: 1. General clinical symptoms: (Temperature >37.8°C/100°F without other disease-focus; leukocytes > 12.000/µl or < 4.000/µl, tachycardia > 100/min, confusion of mind without other cause (especially with older people) 1. Respiratory symptoms: Cough, dyspnea or tachypnea > 20/min, respiratory rales or bronchial breathing ◄ Why a book on pneumonia? | ▲ | CLASSIFICATION OF PNEUMONIA ► |