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Pneumonia is a type of lung infection, caused by a virus or bacteria. The lungs are filled with
thousands of tubes, called bronchi, which end in smaller sacs called alveoli. Each one has a fine mesh of
capillaries. This is where oxygen is added to the blood and carbon dioxide removed.
If a person has pneumonia, the alveoli in one or both lungs fill with pus and fluids (exudate),
which interferes with the gas exchange. This is sometimes known as consolidation and collapse of the
lung.
Anyone of any age can contract pneumonia, but it tends to be common in children aged four
years and under, and in the elderly. Pneumonia can strike suddenly or gradually. With appropriate
treatment, one can expect to get better in around one week to 10 days.
What Are the Symptoms of Pneumonia?
The general symptoms of bacterial pneumonia can develop quickly and may include:
chest pain
shaking chills
fever
dry cough
muscle aches
nausea/vomiting
rapid breathing
rapid heartbeat
difficulty breathing
Some symptoms may indicate a medical emergency. These symptoms include:
skin with bluish tone (from lack of
oxygen)
blood in sputum (coughed-up
mucus)
labored breathing
high fever (103 F or higher)
confusion
rapid heartbeat





Causes of pneumonia
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Pneumonia can be triggered by a cold or bout of flu, which allows the germs to gain access to
the alveoli. In about half of all cases, no cause is ever found. Some of the micro-organisms that
can cause pneumonia include:
Bacteria symptoms include rust or green-coloured phlegm. Anyone of any age can be
affected, but susceptible groups include babies, the elderly, alcoholics, and people
recovering from surgery or coping with other illnesses (such as lung disease).
Viruses symptoms are similar to a severe bout of flu. It is thought that around 50 per
cent of pneumonia cases are caused by viral infections.
Mycoplasma (a special kind of bacteria) symptoms can include white phlegm, nausea
and vomiting. Pneumonia caused by mycoplasma organisms is generally mild, but
recovery takes longer.
Who Is at Risk for Developing Pneumonia?
No one is immune to pneumonia, but there are certain factors that can raise your risks:
previous stroke or problems swallowing: People who have had a stroke, have problems
swallowing, or are bedridden can easily develop pneumonia.
age: Infants from birth to age two are at risk for pneumonia, as are individuals age 65 or
older.
weakened immune system: This includes people who take medications (steroid drugs and
anti-cancer drugs) that weaken the immune system and people with HIV, AIDS, or cancer.
drug abuse: This includes excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.
certain medical conditions: Asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and heart failure raise your
risks for pneumonia.
How Is Pneumonia Treated?
The type of treatment prescribed for pneumonia primarily depends on what type of
pneumonia is present and its severity. In many cases, pneumonia can be treated at home.


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The typical treatment plan for pneumonia includes taking all prescribed medications and
participating in follow-up care. A chest x-ray may be ordered to ensure your pneumonia has
been successfully treated.
Treatment depends on the age of the individual and the type of infection, but can include:
hospital admission for babies, young children and the elderly. Mild or moderate cases
of pneumonia in people who are otherwise well can often be treated at home.
plenty of fluids taken orally or intravenously
antibiotics to kill the infection, if bacteria are the cause
medications to relieve pain and reduce fever
rest sitting up is better than lying down.
Can Pneumonia Be Prevented?
Anyone with diabetes, asthma, and other severe or chronic health problems, is at risk for
pneumonia. However, in many cases, it can be prevented with vaccines against bacterial
pneumonia and flu. Quitting smoking will definitely lower the risk of pneumonia.
It is recommended that certain people be immunised, including:
young children
older people up to the age of 65 years
people with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, asthma or respiratory disorders
people with reduced immunity
people who have had an organ transplant
people who have damaged spleens or have had their spleens surgically removed
people who live in remote communities.
Things to remember
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, caused by bacteria or viruses. Anyone of any age can
be affected, but children under the age of four years are very susceptible.Certain people can be
immunised against one of the most common types of bacterial pneumonia.

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Summary
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, caused by bacteria or viruses. Anyone can be affected,
but young children and the elderly are most susceptible. Pneumonia is often triggered by a cold
or bout of flu. Treatment may include rest, medications, including antibiotics, and
hospitalisation in severe cases. Immunisation is available against pneumococcal pneumonia.

Article Sources:
CDC Features - Pneumonia Can Be Prevented - Vaccines Can Help. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. Retrieved March 2, 2012, from http://www.cdc.gov/features/Pneumonia/
How Is Pneumonia Treated? - NHLBI, NIH. (n.d.). NIH Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Retrieved March
2, 2012, from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pnu/treatment.html
Pneumonia - Symptoms. (n.d.). University of Maryland Medical Center. Retrieved March 2, 2012, from
http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_symptoms_of_pneumonia_000064_3.htm
Understanding Pneumonia illness. (n.d.). Understanding Pneumonia - American Lung Association.
American Lung Association. Retrieved March 2, 2012, from http://www.lung.org/lung-
disease/pneumonia/understanding-pneumonia.html