Understanding Pneumonia: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

Pneumonia is an infection of the alveoli in one or both lungs which happens due to viral, bacterial or fungi organisms. Bacterial infections are usually more severe, causing an acute illness accompanied by fever, fatigue and cough while viral infections are typically mild. In small children, adults, immunocompromised patients and those who have comorbidities such as COPD, pneumonia may be more severe and require hospitalization.

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Additional names

This group contains additional names:
- Atypical pneumonia

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms may include cough, sputum, shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, chills, chest pain, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based upon findings from medical history and physical examination. Further evaluation may include chest X RAY, blood tests, and sputum culture.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the illness and the organism causing it. For bacterial infections, antibiotics are given. Other options include medications to calm coughing, fever reducers and pain relievers.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

Learn more about our editorial process for content accuracy.

Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital