Pneumonia

About Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus. Symptoms include cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. The disease is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumococcus is the most common bacterial cause. Viral pneumonia is caused by influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2. Pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections cause millions of deaths each year worldwide, making them a leading infectious cause of death. Children under 5 and adults over 65 are at highest risk. Diagnosis is made through chest X-ray, blood tests, and sputum culture. Treatment depends on the cause: bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics, viral pneumonia with antivirals or supportive care. Pneumococcal vaccines protect against the most common bacterial form. The flu vaccine prevents influenza pneumonia. Pneumonia severity ranges from mild walking pneumonia to life threatening. Severe breathlessness, bluish lips, or new confusion are a medical emergency; call your local emergency number.