Pneumonia is an infection that happens in Air Sacs of one or both lungs. In this infection the air sacs are either get filled with liquid or pus (purulent material). This causes the cough with pus, fever chills and difficulty in breathing. It normally starts with a bacterial, fungal or viral infection. It can occur in young and healthy people but old people or infants with other disease and poor immune system are easy targets.

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Pneumonia: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Fast facts on pneumonia:

Here are some key points about pneumonia. More detail is in the main article.

• Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages.

• It is the leading cause of death due to infection in children younger than 5 years of age worldwide.

• Pneumonia and influenza together are ranked as the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S.

• Those at high risk for pneumonia include older adults, the very young, and people with underlying health problems.

Common symptoms include:

• Cough

• Rusty or green phlegm, or sputum, coughed up from lungs

• Fever

• Fast breathing and shortness of breath

• Shaking chills

• Chest pain that usually worsens when taking a deep breath, known as pleuritic pain

• Fast heartbeat

• Fatigue and weakness

• Nausea and vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Sweating

• Headache

• Muscle pain

• Confusion or delirium, especially in older adults

• Dusky or purplish skin color, or cyanosis, from poorly oxygenated blood

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Treatment of Pneumonia:

• Bacterial types of pneumonia are usually treated with antibiotics.

• Viral types of pneumonia are usually treated with rest and plenty of fluids. Antiviral medications can be used in influenza.

• Fungal types of pneumonia are usually treated with antifungal medications.

Doctors commonly prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) medications to help manage the symptoms of pneumonia. These include treatments for reducing fever, reducing aches and pains, and suppressing coughs.

In addition, it is crucial to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated helps to thin out thick phlegm and mucus, making it easier to cough up. Hospitalization for pneumonia may be required if symptoms are especially bad or if an individual has a weakened immune system or other serious illnesses. In the hospital, patients are generally treated with intravenous antibiotics and fluids. They may need a supplemental oxygen supply.