Common cold differs from pneumonia in that Pneumoniaa)Pneumonia is cau...
Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. It is serious disease of lungs infecting alveoli and bronchioles. It is a communicable disease. Common cold is a viral disease caused by Rhino virus.
Common cold differs from pneumonia in that Pneumoniaa)Pneumonia is cau...
Introduction:
The common cold and pneumonia are both respiratory infections that affect the upper and lower respiratory tract. However, they differ in terms of the causative pathogens, affected areas, and modes of transmission.
Differences between common cold and pneumonia:
1. Causative Pathogens:
- The common cold is typically caused by viruses, such as rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and adenoviruses.
- Pneumonia, on the other hand, can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria (such as Streptococcus pneumoniae), viruses (such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus), and fungi (such as Pneumocystis jirovecii).
2. Affected Areas:
- The common cold primarily affects the nose and upper respiratory passages, leading to symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, and cough.
- Pneumonia, on the other hand, primarily affects the lungs, particularly the alveoli (small air sacs). It causes inflammation in the alveoli, leading to symptoms such as cough with phlegm, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fever.
3. Transmission:
- The common cold is highly communicable and spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face.
- Pneumonia can be both community-acquired (from the environment) or hospital-acquired (from healthcare settings). It can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, direct contact with infected individuals, or by inhaling airborne particles.
4. Vaccine Availability:
- There is no specific vaccine available for the common cold due to the numerous viral strains involved and the frequent mutation of these viruses.
- Pneumonia, caused by certain bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae, can be prevented by vaccination. The available pneumococcal vaccines contain components of the bacteria that stimulate an immune response, leading to protection against pneumonia.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the common cold and pneumonia differ in terms of the causative pathogens, affected areas, modes of transmission, and vaccine availability. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for these respiratory infections.
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