What is Pneumonia ?

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Get a flu shot every year to help prevent seasonal influenza. The flu is a common cause of pneumonia, so preventing the flu is a good way to reduce your risk of pneumonia. In addition, those at risk can get vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia.

While some people are at higher risk than others, anyone can get pneumonia. Symptoms of pneumonia include fever, wheezing, cough, chills, rapid breathing, chest pains, loss of appetite and malaise, or a general feeling of weakness or ill health.

Many germs, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi can cause pneumonia. Understanding the cause of pneumonia is important because pneumonia treatment depends on its cause.

Pneumonia can be very serious and can cause death. Complications from pneumonia include respiratory failure, sepsis and lung abscess and are more likely to affect older adults, young children, those with a weakened immune system and people with other medical problems.

Washing your hands, following a healthy diet, getting adequate rest, regularly exercising and not smoking are all habits that can help you from getting sick from bacteria, viruses and other causes of respiratory illnesses. Good health habits also promote fast recovery when you do get sick.

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.

The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia.

Pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening.

It is most serious for infants and young children, people older than age 65, and people with health problems or weakened immune systems.

Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Bacterial pneumonia is the most common type in adults.

The signs and symptoms of pneumonia vary from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, and your age and overall health

Pneumonia causes inflammation in the air sacs in your lungs, which are called alveoli. The alveoli fill with fluid or pus, making it difficult to breathe.

Mild signs and symptoms often are similar to those of a cold or flu, but they last longer.

Pneumonia symptoms can be mild to life-threatening. The most common symptoms of pneumonia can include:

Chest pain when you breathe or cough

Other symptoms can vary according to the cause and severity of the infection, as well as the age and general health of the individual.

Viral pneumonia may start with flu-like symptoms, such as wheezing. A high fever may occur after 12–36 hours.

Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older)

Bacterial pneumonia may cause a fever as high as 105°F along with profuse sweating, bluish lips and nails, and confusion.

Symptoms by age
Children under 5 years of age may have fast breathing.

Cough, which may produce phlegm

Infants may vomit, lack energy, or have trouble drinking or eating.

Fatigue