Pneumonia is a lung infection which is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It can be a mild infection or potentially life-threatening, particularly in people with weakened immune systems or in older adults.

In this article, we’ll discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for pneumonia.

Types of Pneumonia

There are four main types of pneumonia:.

Community-Acquired Pneumonia

This type of pneumonia is acquired outside of a hospital or healthcare facility. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms.

Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia

This type of pneumonia is acquired during a hospital stay or after hospitalization. It’s often caused by bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

Aspiration Pneumonia

This type of pneumonia is caused by inhaling food, liquids, vomit, or other substances into the lungs.

Opportunistic Pneumonia

This type of pneumonia occurs in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or cancer. It’s caused by microorganisms that don’t usually cause disease in healthy people.

Causes of Pneumonia

Pneumonia can be caused by various microorganisms, including:.

Bacteria

The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Other types of bacteria that can cause pneumonia include Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Legionella pneumophila.

Viruses

Common viruses that can cause pneumonia include influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and rhinovirus.

Fungi

Fungal pneumonia is less common than bacterial or viral pneumonia, but it can be serious in people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of Pneumonia

The symptoms of pneumonia can vary depending on the cause and severity of the infection, but they may include:.

Cough

A persistent cough is one of the most common symptoms of pneumonia. The cough may be productive, producing phlegm, or dry.

Chest pain

Chest pain is another common symptom of pneumonia. The pain may be sharp or dull, and may worsen when taking a deep breath or coughing.

Fever

A fever of 100.4°F or higher is common in people with pneumonia.

Fatigue

Feeling tired or fatigued is a common symptom of pneumonia, particularly in older adults.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing is a serious symptom of pneumonia, particularly if it’s accompanied by chest pain or coughing up blood.

Diagnosis of Pneumonia

Pneumonia can be diagnosed by a healthcare provider based on a physical exam, medical history, and chest X-ray. Blood tests, sputum tests, and bronchoscopy may also be used to confirm a diagnosis and determine the cause of the infection.

Treatment of Pneumonia

Treatment for pneumonia depends on the cause and severity of the infection. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for bacterial pneumonia, while antiviral medications may be used for viral pneumonia.

Supportive care, including rest, fluids, and pain relief medication, may also be recommended. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids.