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Pneumonia

Chest X-ray showing fluid in lungs, next to a coughing patient with a blanket.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation and fluid build-up in the air sacs. It can be viral, bacterial, or fungal, with symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening.

  • Cough with mucus
  • Chest pain when breathing or coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fever and chills
  • Fatigue
  • Confusion (especially in older adults)
  • Antibiotics: First-line treatment for bacterial pneumonia
  • Antivirals: For viral causes (e.g., flu-related)
  • Hospital care: Oxygen therapy or IV antibiotics for severe cases
  • Pneumococcal vaccine: Prevents common bacterial pneumonia strains
    • Caused by bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae), viruses (e.g., influenza, RSV), or fungi
    • Spread through airborne droplets or aspiration of fluids
    • Risk higher in elderly, infants, smokers, and those with chronic illness

    Healthcare Providers

    Symptoms

    • Cough with mucus
    • Chest pain when breathing or coughing
    • Shortness of breath
    • Fever and chills
    • Fatigue
    • Confusion (especially in older adults)

    Causes

    • Caused by bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae), viruses (e.g., influenza, RSV), or fungi
    • Spread through airborne droplets or aspiration of fluids
    • Risk higher in elderly, infants, smokers, and those with chronic illness

    Treatments

  • Antibiotics: First-line treatment for bacterial pneumonia
  • Antivirals: For viral causes (e.g., flu-related)
  • Hospital care: Oxygen therapy or IV antibiotics for severe cases
  • Pneumococcal vaccine: Prevents common bacterial pneumonia strains
  • Specialties That Treat This Condition

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