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Pneumonia

What is Pneumonia?

  • Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs in which the air sacs (alveoli) become inflamed and fill with fluid or pus, making breathing difficult.
  • Caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
  • Can range from mild illness to life-threatening disease.
  • May affect one or both lungs.
  • Higher risk in children, older adults, and people with weak immunity.

Types of Pneumonia

  • Bacterial pneumonia – most common and often more severe
  • Viral pneumonia – commonly follows cold or flu
  • Fungal pneumonia – occurs mainly in immunocompromised individuals
  • Mycoplasma (Walking pneumonia) – milder symptoms

Symptoms of Pneumonia

  • Cough with mucus or phlegm
  • Fever and chills
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain while breathing or coughing
  • Fatigue and weakness

Diagnosis of Pneumonia

  • Medical history and physical examination
  • Chest X-ray or CT scan
  • Blood tests
  • Sputum (mucus) testing
  • Oxygen level measurement
  • Bronchoscopy (in severe cases)

Treatment of Pneumonia

  • Antibiotics → bacterial pneumonia
  • Antiviral therapy (selected viral cases)
  • Antifungal medicines for fungal infections
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