What is Pneumonia ?

Many germs can cause pneumonia. The most common are bacteria and viruses in the air we breathe

people who have had a stroke, have problems swallowing, or are bedridden

people with weakened immune systems because of disease or use of medications such as steroids or certain cancer drugs

Your body usually prevents these germs from infecting your lungs. But sometimes these germs can overpower your immune system, even if your health is generally good.

people who smoke, misuse certain types of illicit drugs, or drink excessive amounts of alcohol

Pneumonia is classified according to the types of germs that cause it and where you got the infection.

Your doctor will start by asking you questions about when your symptoms first appeared and about your medical history.

They’ll also give you a physical exam. This will include listening to your lungs with a stethoscope for any abnormal sounds, such as crackling.

Your doctor will also likely order a chest X-ray. Typically, pneumonia can be diagnosed with the physical exam and the chest X-ray.

Bacteria. The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in the U.S. is Streptococcus pneumoniae. This type of pneumonia can occur on its own or after you've had a cold or the flu.

But depending on the severity of your symptoms and your risk of complications, your doctor may also order one or more of these tests:

It may affect one part (lobe) of the lung, a condition called lobar pneumonia.

A blood test. This test can confirm an infection, but it may not be able to identify what’s causing it.

A sputum test. This test can provide a sample from your lungs that may identify the cause of the infection.

Pulse oximetry. An oxygen sensor placed on one of your fingers can indicate whether your lungs are moving enough oxygen through your bloodstream.

Bacteria-like organisms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae also can cause pneumonia. It typically produces milder symptoms than do other types of pneumonia. Walking pneumonia is an informal name given to this type of pneumonia, which typically isn't severe enough to require bed rest.

A urine test. This test can identify the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila.

Fungi. This type of pneumonia is most common in people with chronic health problems or weakened immune systems, and in people who have inhaled large doses of the organisms.

A CT scan. This test provides a clearer and more detailed picture of your lungs.

The fungi that cause it can be found in soil or bird droppings and vary depending upon geographic location.

Viruses. Some of the viruses that cause colds and the flu can cause pneumonia. Viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in children younger than 5 years. Viral pneumonia is usually mild. But in some cases it can become very serious.

Pneumonia is more common than you think. It causes more than a million hospitalizations and more than 50,000 deaths each year. Pneumonia is an infection in one or both of your lungs, causing inflammation and fluid build-up. It may cause problems with oxygen exchange. Here's what you should know about this serious illness.

Pneumonia is more common than you think. It causes more than a million hospitalizations and more than 50,000 deaths each year. Pneumonia is an infection in one or both of your lungs, causing inflammation and fluid build-up. It may cause problems with oxygen exchange. Here's what you should know about this serious illness.

The chances of getting pneumonia can be substantially reduced.
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.

Anyone can get 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.