What Is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia (nu-MO-ne-ah) is an infection in one or
both of the lungs. Many small germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can
cause pneumonia.
The infection causes your lungs’ air sacs,
called alveoli (al-VEE-uhl-eye), to become inflamed. The air sacs may fill up
with fluid or pus, causing symptoms such as a cough (with phlegm), fever,
chills, and trouble breathing.
Overview
Pneumonia and its symptoms can vary from mild to
severe. Many factors affect how serious pneumonia is, such as the type of germ
causing the infection and your age and overall health.
Pneumonia tends to be more serious for:
- Infants and young children.
- Older adults (people 65 years or older).
- People who have other health problems like
heart
failure,
diabetes, or
COPD
(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
- People who have weak immune systems as a result
of diseases or other factors. These may include HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy (a
treatment for cancer), or an organ or
bone
marrow transplant.
Outlook
Pneumonia is common in the United States. Treatment
for pneumonia depends on its cause, how severe your symptoms are, and your age
and overall health. Many people can be treated at home, often with oral
antibiotics.
Children usually start to feel better in 1 to 2
days. For adults, it usually takes 2 to 3 days. Anyone whose symptoms get worse
should be checked by a doctor.
People who have more severe symptoms or underlying
health problems may need treatment in a hospital. It may take 3 weeks or more
before they can go back to their normal routines.
Fatigue (tiredness) from pneumonia can last for a
month or more.
August 2008
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