Pneumonia is a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection of one or both lungs. The infection causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs, known as alveoli. The alveoli swell with fluid or pus, making breathing difficult. Pneumonia, both viral and bacterial, is infectious. This implies that they can be passed from person to person by inhalation of airborne droplets from a sneeze or cough. These kinds of pneumonia can also be contracted by coming into touch with surfaces or items contaminated with pneumonia-causing bacteria or viruses. Fungal pneumonia can be contracted from the environment. It does not transmit from one individual to the next.
Causes
Viruses, such as COVID-19. Some viruses that cause colds and flu can also cause pneumonia. Viruses are the leading cause of pneumonia in children under the age of five. Most of the time, viral pneumonia is mild. However, in certain circumstances, it might be quite dangerous. Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has the potential to cause severe pneumonia.
Fungi. This kind of pneumonia is more frequent in those with chronic health issues or compromised immune systems, as well as in people who have breathed significant amounts of the organisms. It is caused by a fungus that can be found in soil or bird droppings and varies based on geographical region.
Bacteria. Streptococcus pneumonia is the most prevalent cause of bacterial pneumonia in the United States. This form of pneumonia can emerge on its own or as a result of a cold or virus. It can infect only one lobe of the lung, which is known as lobar pneumonia.
Organisms that resemble bacteria. Pneumonia can also be caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It usually causes less severe symptoms than other kinds of pneumonia. Walking pneumonia is an informal term for this type of pneumonia, which is usually not severe enough to necessitate bed rest.
Pneumonia from a hospital
Some patients get pneumonia while in the hospital for another sickness. Hospital-acquired pneumonia may be dangerous because the bacterium that causes it may be resistant to medications, and the patients who develop it are already unwell. People who use breathing devices (ventilators), which are commonly used in intensive care units, are at a higher risk of contracting this kind of pneumonia.
Pneumonia contracted in the hospital
Health-care-acquired pneumonia is a bacterial illness that affects patients who reside in long-term care homes or get care in outpatient clinics, such as renal dialysis centers. Healthcare-acquired pneumonia, including hospital-acquired pneumonia, can be caused by bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
Pneumonia due to aspiration
When you inhale food, drink, vomit, or saliva into your lungs, you have aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration is more common if something interferes with your usual gag response, such as brain damage or swallowing issue, or if you use alcohol or drugs excessively.
Symptoms
Pneumonia symptoms and signs may include:
When you breathe or cough, you may have chest discomfort.
Changes in mental awareness or confusion (in adults aged 65 and older)
Coughing that may result in phlegm
Fatigue
Fever, sweating, and chills that shake
Body temperature that is lower than average (in adults older than age 65 and people with weak immune systems)
Vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea
Breathing difficulty
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