Viruses, bacteria, fungus, parasites (in rare cases) or other organisms can cause pneumonia.

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2 Pneumonia Pneumonia is an infection which inflames the air sacs either in one or both of the lungs. The air sacs are generally filled with fluid or pus, causing cough along with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and experiencing difficulty while breathing. A variety of organisms, including viruses, bacteria and fungi can cause pneumonia. Vaccines to prevent few types of pneumonia are available. The other methods of prevention might include regular washing of hands and not smoking. 2

3 Symptoms The symptoms of pneumonia which is caused by bacteria in healthy people younger than 65 are usually noticed suddenly. They are generally observed to start during or after an upper respiratory infection, for e.g., the flu or a cold. The symptoms might include the followings: Cough which produces mucus or sputum from the lungs. Mucus may be rusty or green in color or tinged with blood Fast heartbeat Fast or shallow breathing and the feeling of being short of breath Fever (it might not be common in older adults) Shaking or "teeth-chattering" chills Chest wall pain which often get worse by coughing or breathing in Feeling very tired or weak Diarrhea Nausea and vomiting 3

4 Causes Viruses, bacteria, fungus, parasites (in rare cases) or other organisms can cause pneumonia. Community acquired pneumonia This is the most common type of pneumonia observed. It mostly occurs outside of hospitals or other health care facilities. It might be caused by the followings: Bacteria: The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae. This particular type of pneumonia can happen on its own or after one had a cold or flu. It might affect one part (lobe) of the lung, a condition named as lobar pneumonia. Bacteria-like organisms: Mycoplasma pneumoniae also can cause pneumonia. It generally produces milder symptoms than the other types of pneumonia. Walking pneumonia is an informal name given to this particular type of pneumonia, which typically isn't severe enough to require bed rest. Fungi: This type of pneumonia is very common in people suffering with chronic health problems or weakened immunity systems, and also for those people who have inhaled large doses of the microorganisms. Viruses: Some of the viruses which are responsible behind the colds and the flu, can also cause pneumonia. Viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in children below 5 years. Viral pneumonia is usually mild in nature. But it is observed to become serious in some typical cases. 4

5 Hospital acquired pneumonia Some people tend to get affected by pneumonia during a hospital stay for the treatment of another illness. Hospital-acquired pneumonia can be more serious because the bacteria behind it are more resistant to antibiotics. The patient get more affected as they are already sick and low on immunity. People, who are on breathing machines or ventilators, which is often used in intensive care units, are at higher risk of this type of pneumonia. Diagnosis If pneumonia is suspected in any person, then the doctor might recommend the following tests: Blood tests. Blood tests are used to confirm the infection and for the identification of the particular type of organism behind the infection. Chest X-ray. This helps the doctor to diagnose pneumonia and determine the extent and the exact location of the infection. Pulse oximetry. This is done to measure the oxygen level in the blood. Pneumonia can prevent the lungs from circulating enough oxygen through the bloodstream. Sputum test. A small sample of fluid from your lungs (sputum) is taken after a deep cough and is analyzed to help in pinpointing the cause of the infection. 5

6 Doctor might order additional tests if you're above the age of 65 and in the hospital, or have serious symptoms or health conditions. These may include the followings: CT scan. If pneumonia isn't treated as quickly as expected, then the doctor might recommend a CT scan of the chest to obtain a more detailed image of our lungs. Pleural fluid culture. A sample of fluid is taken by putting a needle between the ribs of the pleural area and are analysed to help in determining the type of infection. Treatment Specific treatments depend on the type and the severity of pneumonia, age and overall health. The options include as follows: Antibiotics: These medicines are used to treat the bacterial pneumonia. It may take time to identify the type of bacteria which is causing the pneumonia and to choose the best antibiotic accordingly to treat the disease. Cough medicines: This medicine might be used to calm the cough so that one can rest. Because coughing helps in loosening and movement of the fluids from your lungs. It is a good idea not to eliminate your cough completely. Fever reducers/pain reliever: You may take these as required for fever and discomfort. These include drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen. 6

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