Pulmonology & Respiratory Medicine

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs of one or both lungs, leading to symptoms such as cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Various organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can trigger pneumonia, which primarily affects the small air sacs called alveoli. Common symptoms include cough, chest pain, fever, and breathing difficulties.

Viruses or bacteria typically cause pneumonia, with other microorganisms, certain medications, and conditions like autoimmune diseases less commonly implicated. Risk factors include cystic fibrosis, COPD, asthma, diabetes, heart failure, smoking history, compromised cough reflex (e.g., post-stroke), and weakened immune system. Diagnosis relies on symptoms, physical examination, chest X-ray, blood tests, and sputum culture. Pneumonia can be classified by its acquisition setting: community-acquired, hospital-acquired, or healthcare-associated.

• Signs and symptoms of Pneumonia
• Cause for Pneumonia
• Risk factors for Pneumonia
• Complications for Pneumonia
• Diagnosis for Pneumonia
• Prevention for Pneumonia