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What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung tissue. It is usually caused by an infection with bacteria or viruses. The symptoms of pneumonia include a cough that produces lots of mucus; fever; tiredness, and difficulty breathing.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What causes pneumonia?

Pneumonia is usually caused by an infection with bacteria or viruses that have been inhaled into the lungs. Your body's immune system then sends white blood cells to attack the germs that are causing the infection. This causes the air sacs in the lung to become …

Who gets pneumonia?

Anyone can get pneumonia, but young children and people over 65 years of age have a higher risk of developing the condition. People who have a weak immune system, including people with HIV/AIDS, people who are taking medications to reduce the activity of their immune …

Can pneumonia be fatal?

Pneumonia can sometimes be fatal. People who are elderly, have complicated medical problems, have a weak immune system or have a very aggressive organism that is causing their pneumonia are at risk of dying from pneumonia. Pneumonia that is left untreated can become …

How is pneumonia diagnosed?

A doctor will diagnose pneumonia on the basis of a physical exam and test results. During a physical examination a doctor may use a stethoscope to listen for crackles or abnormal sounds caused by breathing. An X-ray can be used to confirm pneumonia and work out …

How is pneumonia treated?

Pneumonia is usually treated with a combination of medication and self-care. For mild cases, self-care treatments such as getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids are recommended. Bacterial pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics; antifungal …

How long does it take to recover from pneumonia?

The length of time it takes to recover from pneumonia depends on what has caused it and the strength of the immune system of the person affected. Most cases will start to improve within a week, but it will often take a few weeks for all of …

Is pneumonia contagious?

Pneumonia can be contagious. Some of the viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia are more contagious than others. People with a weak immune system are more likely to catch pneumonia from someone who already has it. But in most cases, if the germs that cause …

How can I tell the difference between a cough and pneumonia?

A physical examination by a doctor will help determine the difference between pneumonia and a cough. A chest X-ray and laboratory tests of blood or sputum samples can also help to diagnose pneumonia.

Can pneumonia be prevented?

There are several things that can be done to reduce the risk of getting pneumonia. There are several vaccines available to protect against some types of bacteria that cause pneumonia. Avoiding cigarette smoke and people with a cold or flu and washing your hands …

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Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a common condition that occurs when the lungs become inflamed. It causes coughing and difficult breathing. Acute bronchitis refers to the short-term type, and may occur in the aftermath of cold or flu. While the cough may be severe, it typically lasts for only a few weeks.…
Diseases & conditions

Cough

Coughing is your body's way of getting rid of any foreign material or mucus in your lungs. Coughing can be a response to breathing in dust or fumes that irritate the nerve endings in the airways, or can be a symptom of a medical problem, such as a lung infection caused by bacteria or a virus, or a long-term lung disease such as asthma.…
Diseases & conditions

The flu (influenza)

The flu, or influenza, is a common viral infection, which causes fevers, headache, coughing and muscle aches. It is different to the common cold, which usually has relatively milder symptoms. Rarely, complications can occur with the elderly, children and people with weakened immune systems.…
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Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a lung disease in which the airways (bronchi) become damaged and scarred by repeated lung infections. It can cause a build-up of mucus in the airways, leading to persistent coughing and difficulty breathing.…
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, covers conditions affecting the lungs. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the two main conditions, usually caused by smoking. Medications and lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of the disease.…
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Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs. This leads to breathing difficulties, tiredness, lung infections and a shortened life expectancy. While treatment for CF continues to improve, healthy lifestyle choices can help maintain a good quality of life.…

About this article

Author: Dr Joanne Van der Velden PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.1 out of 5
Votes: 454 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Bronchitis

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